Apple has released a list of products that will be considered obsolete starting September 8, just one day before their September 9 Keynote. This leads us to assume that we will see a larger list of new devices than we previously anticipated.
The list of devices that will be considered obsolete in the U.S. is as follows:
- Mac Mini (Late 2009)
- Apple Cinema Display (30-inch DVI Early 2007)
- Apple LED Cinema Display (24-inch)
- Apple TV (original)
- iPod Classic
- iPod Nano (5th Generation)
- iPod Touch (2nd and 3rd Generation)
- iPod Shuffle (3rd Generation)
Historically, after Apple calls a device obsolete, they will replace it with a new generation device. We decided to go through the list and speculate what products will likely see an update.
Mac Mini: October
Apple announced the newest Mac Mini last October at their Keynote, which leads us to believe that we will see yet another update to the series. They tend to do this annually, adding to the list of reasons we expect an update.
Apple Cinema Displays: No, but maybe a new Thunderbolt Display
We expect that we will not see an update to the cinema displays this September, or ever, at that. The regular display was discontinued in July 2010, and the LED display was discontinued in December 2013.
The displays have since been replaced by the Apple Thunderbolt Display, which could possibly see an update. If it does, it will likely be in October at their next Keynote, alongside a new Mac Mini and perhaps a new Mac Pro, which hasn't seen an update since 2013.
Apple TV: Yes
The Apple TV needs a long-awaited update, and for the first time since 2012, it looks likely.
The update was originally expected in June but was reportedly pushed back due to the iOS-like software it is expected to run on. Apple apparently wanted to release the Apple TV alongside iOS 9.
The update is expected to feature Siri voice control, a touchpad remote with Wii-like motion sensing, an App Store, increased internal storage, and an A8 chip.
iPod Classic: No
The iPod Classic was spontaneously pulled off the Apple Store shelves last year on the day of their last "iPhone Press Conference" and Apple declined to comment on their actions. Since then, it's been a mystery of whether or not the iPod will make a return.
The iPod was considered one of the most popular models, considering that it held up to a whopping 160gb of music and games. However, now that the iPhone is gaining storage capacity with a maximum option of 128gb, we may not see it's return.
iPod Nano: Possibly
We saw an update for the Nano in July 2015, but that was only an introduction of new colors. Before that, the last update was in October of 2012. Although the July update technically doesn't count, it IS enough to justify not updating the Nano this year.
So will we see an update? We can't be 100% sure, but i'd feel safe assuming we'll get one by the end of 2016.
iPod Touch: No
We just saw an update to the iPod Touch last month (July 2015), so we likely won't see an update to the iPod at the next keynote. New features included increased RAM to 1gb, the addition of an A8 chip, and an 8mp back-facing camera.
iPod Shuffle: Possibly
The Shuffle's last notable update was in September 2010, and the only updates after that have been "color updates" in both 2012 and 2015.
So we're basically stuck coming to the same conclusion as we did with the Nano: we might see an update, but Apple may use the color updates to justify not updating the Shuffle.
What would you like to see updated? Let us know by tweeting us @VAVEL_Tech and follow us for all the latest tech news!
Jack Griffin is a writer for the VAVEL USA Technology and Music sections. Follow him on Twitter at @jacksonlgriffin.
