The iPod touch 6th generation has been missing in action in September, but evidence of new hope for its imminent release date has emerged on two fronts. First, availability for the iPhone 6 has begun to modestly improve after three months of demand outstripping supply. Apple was never going to begin iPod touch 6 manufacturing at a time when it would have taken sorely needed shared components away from the new iPhone, but with that strain easing, it clears the way for the new Touch. Second, inventory of the iPod touch 5, or more specifically the 64GB model, has begun vanishing.
The silver iPod touch 5 in the Apple Store is still available for immediate shipping in all three capacities. However the space gray and blue models are immediately available in 16GB and 32GB options, while being delayed by 1-2 days for the 64GB model. That gets more severe for the red version, which is available immediately in 16GB but is delayed by one to two weeks for the 32GB and 64GB options. That strongly points to Apple having already begun winding down manufacturing of the current model in the expectation of launching the iPod touch 6th generation soon. It also means impending shortages for the holiday buying season.
At this late date Apple is almost certain to hold back the iPod touch 6 until after the first of the year, for fear of asking its retail partners to switch out displays and inventory at the height of the Christmas shopping season. But with the iPod touch 6th generation not arriving in time for the holidays, and the iPod touch 5th generation disappearing from availability as we speak, that means those who attempt to buy a Touch as a gift in the next week may have a difficult time doing so. Then again, with the new model now so imminent, it may be worth giving a delayed gift in the name of giving the new version.
Jerry Miller
Latest posts by Jerry Miller (see all)
- 2015 iPhone 6S release date with Apple Watch; iPhone 5C retired - December 23, 2014
- iPhone 6 inventory improving in Apple Store, iPhone 6 Plus mixed - December 20, 2014
- iPod touch 6th generation new release date: 64GB iPod touch 5 vanishes - December 20, 2014
Leave a Reply