Apple to Kill the iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle?

Apple may announce the end of the life for the iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle at this month's press event, reports CNET and TUAW.

CNET notes that October 24th marks the 10-year anniversary of the iPod. That's quite an achievement, but it's also a nice place to bookend things. I can imagine Apple saying, "It had a great run, now go buy an iPhone." Also, the iPod just isn't the moneymaker it once was for Apple. In the fourth quarter of 2010, iPod sales made up just 8 percent of Apple's total revenue, and they have been in a steady decline ever since the iPhone's introduction.

Following up on CNET's comments, TUAW says they've heard the same thing.


It seems that the "product transition" Apple mentioned on the last earnings call could very well be within the iPod line. Specifically, if you want to buy an iPod shuffle or iPod classic from Apple, you should do it sooner rather than later. We've heard those two iPods are getting the axe this year.

We'll know Apple's plans soon enough...

[CNET]