Apple Plans to Launch New iPod Model, 2019 iPhone Models to Sport USB-C
January 17, 2019 at 12:56 pm
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Apple is planning to launch new services in 2019, the speculations around Apple's new streaming service were rekindled, involving analysts and industry experts to comment on how subscription services could be the turning point to garner revenues. After the dip in iPhone sales in China and other markets, Apple is poised to be focusing more on software, however, this could be partly true. A new report now suggests that Apple is working on a new model for iPod touch, in addition to doing away with the Lightning Port in favour of the USB Type-C ports on 2019 iPhone models. As per a report by supply chain blog Macotakara, Apple is quietly planning an overhaul for its iPod touch that has nearly been disappearing from the markets - one of the reasons Apple discontinued reporting sales statistics for iPod, Mac, and other select hardware. While the report does not specify how radical or incremental the new iPod model will be over the existing iPod touch model, it stresses that the iPod line is due for a revamp. The iPod touch was launched in 2015 and has not been updated in terms of design or specifications. However, Apple has made sure the iPod touch users continue to get the latest iOS versions alongside the latest iPhone and iPad models. The arrival of USB Type-C port on 2019 iPhone models will follow the similar move on the iPad Pro models launched last year. It has been widely speculated that Apple will adapt to the industry-wide USB Type-C standard on smartphones for its multipurpose approach in terms of connectivity. Initially started as an experiment to provide easiness into the connectivity options and premium smartphones, USB Type-C is now percolating to the mid-range devices. However, it may take longer than expected for the designing team at Apple to finalise the implementation of the USB Type-C port on this year's iPhone models. According to the report, the iPhone USB Type-C has not reached the reference design stage. This could also mean that Apple may completely this year's timelines and move the arrival of USB Type-C on iPhone models next year. In any case, the impending leaks and renders for the 2019 iPhone models should give an idea of what's coming later this year.
Apple Inc. specializes in the design, manufacture and marketing of computer hardware and music supports. Net sales break down by family of products and services as follows:
- telephone products (52.1%): iPhone brand;
- peripheral devices (10.5%): screens, storage systems, printers, video camera, memory cards, server, switches, etc.;
- computers (10.2%): laptops (MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro brands) and PCs (iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro and Xserve);
- music support (7.4%): music readers iPod and iPad and accessories;
- other (19.8%): software, maintenance service and Internet access service, etc.
Net sales are distributed geographically as follows: Americas (42.4%), China/Hong Kong/Taiwan (18.9%), Japan (6.3%), Asia/Pacific (7.7%) and Europe/India/Middle East/Africa (24.7%).