Looks like Apple has not forgotten about the iPod, as a new report hints that the tech giant is gearing up to refresh the iPod family later this year.
Although the iPod lineup has not seen any important changes since late 2012, a source has told AppleInsider that the tech giant will revisit its media players this year with an anticipated update to at least one model.
According to the source, the iPod touch will likely continue to sport a 4-inch display but that decision is not yet confirmed.
Apple may boost the size of the screen, considering the device is for multimedia consumption. However, it also wouldn't want to cannibalize sales of its iPad mini, TechnoBuffalo noted.
As the tech giant works to incorporate Beats products into its ecosystem, 2015 could be an opportune time for an update to the iPod lineup, which has been neglected for years.
Beats was acquired for a whopping $3 billion last year.
Citing previous generation iPod touch updates, there is a possibility that Apple will recycle parts from previous generation iPhones. For example, the current iPod touch lineup features the A5 chip that was used in the iPhone 4S Apple released in 2012. That said, Apple has plenty of newer and more powerful options for the company to turn to.
The A6 processor introduced in the iPhone 5 is still produced for the iPhone 5c, making it a fitting candidate for an iPod touch refresh. In addition, there is also the A7 processor from the iPhone 5c, which would make the device the first iPod touch packed with a 64-bit processor.
Storage could be another area where the iPod touch could see an upgrade. The tech giant offers its media player in capacities of 16, 32, and 64GB currently. However, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus sport a higher capacity option i.e. 128GB that could make its way to the iPod lineup.
The camera in the iPod touch could also see an upgrade, as current model feature a 5-megapixel iSight camera capable of 1080p video with image stabilization. The device's forward facing FaceTime Camera is capable of 720p video.
In the wake of declining sales, iPods have become less of a focus for Apple. In fact, the company no longer reports unit sales for iPods, lumping them in with the upcoming Apple Watch and services.
Over the last few years, Apple has reportedly made a few tweaks to its entry-level iPod touch by revising components and adjusting its price. However, the base fifth-generation iPod touch has reportedly not been updated since September 2012.
