The iPod touch 4: A Non-Phone Version of the iPhone
The iPod touch has always been positioned as a non-phone version of the current iPhone. Although the hardware hasn’t always been completely in parallel, it’s time for Apple to bring its key features in line with the iPhone 4.
Retina Display and Dual Cameras on the Way?
Apple wonk John Gruber has casually suggested that a few weeks will bring us a Retina display-toting and dual camera-equipped iPod touch. He’s been right with this sort of prediction before, and this particular one doesn’t even take any inside information. The timing and positioning are perfect for Apple to debut the iPod touch 4.
The two flagship features mentioned are things that Apple could hardly fail to include. For an iPod touch to lack a Retina display at this point would put it at too great a disadvantage, and at any rate, the move to a higher resolution is a one-way street for Apple. The change has to happen eventually for the lower-end device, and why not now?
The Importance of Facetime
Facetime is a huge selling point, not just in spite of its limitations, but in a way because of them. Wi-Fi only (unless you feel like hacking it) makes it a nice bonus on the iPhone, but it transforms a non-3G PMP into a powerhouse communication device. For (presumably) around $300, you’re getting a video phone you can use immediately, with almost no setup required thanks to the email address calling feature that’s on the way to iOS 4.1, which will likely ship with the device.
Standing Up to Competition
An iPod touch with these features will also stand up to competition extremely well. As Gruber notes, the Dell Streak looks like a chump when you place it next to an (admittedly fictional at this time) iPod touch 4G. Bigger screen? Why should you care (Apple will say) when their big screen only has two-thirds the pixels of ours?
Skype and Google Voice? Why bother when you’ve got free unlimited video calling built-in, and (hopefully) soon becoming the ‘open standard’ of which Apple spoke?
The Question: Can Apple Make Enough of Them?
The only question is (and I ask this as a total Apple non-fanboy, people, so calm down): can Apple make enough of them? Seriously — the Retina displays and A4 processor manufacturing facilities are in all likelihood working at full capacity, and to introduce another product would likely put them over their limits by X per month. This is just speculation on my part, but even for Apple, the numbers of units being put together are pretty high, and they might have to (at the very least) put off availability for a month or two to build up stock.
LCD Orders and Supply Chain
I haven’t heard anything from the usual sources about increases in LCD orders from Apple, but they’re good about isolating parts of the supply chain, and it’s possible that Apple has been assembling these for some time now and restricting iPhone 4 production in order to have a timely iPod touch 4 launch.
The Impact on Apple’s Sales
If Apple does release the iPod touch 4 with Retina display and dual cameras, it could potentially boost sales significantly. The device would be more appealing to customers who want a higher-end iPod without the phone features they don’t need.
However, as mentioned earlier, there is a risk that Apple might not be able to meet demand for the new device. If this happens, it could lead to shortages and delays in availability, which could negatively impact sales.
The Competition
If Apple does release the iPod touch 4 with these features, it will likely have a significant impact on the competition. The Dell Streak, for example, would no longer be a strong contender in the market.
Other manufacturers might try to compete by releasing similar devices, but they would face several challenges. For one, they would need to source high-quality Retina displays and dual cameras, which could be difficult and expensive.
Additionally, they would also have to develop new software that can take advantage of these features, which could add significant development time and costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iPod touch 4 with Retina display and dual cameras is a highly anticipated device that has the potential to boost sales significantly. However, there are risks involved, such as meeting demand and competition from other manufacturers.
If Apple can successfully launch this product, it would be a major milestone for the company and demonstrate its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
The Future of the iPod
With the release of the iPod touch 4 with Retina display and dual cameras, it’s likely that the iPod will continue to evolve as a non-phone version of the iPhone. Apple may also consider releasing new models or features in the future to keep up with changing consumer demands.
As the competition continues to heat up in the market, it will be interesting to see how other manufacturers respond to this development and what innovations they bring to the table.
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