Header graphic for this weblog.

Prediction: iPod Touch Going Away Permanent link to this item in the archive.

I usually avoid making predictions about what Apple is going to do, but when this one came to me on my way to work this morning, I felt it was too good to ignore.

A picture named apple-iphone-in-hand.jpgHere's what we know:

  • The iPhone 5 launch was delayed until the fall when the iPod event usually takes place.
  • iOS 5 will also be released then
  • iOS 5 has a feature called iMessages that replacetes the text message system for all iOS devices (iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad).
  • iOS 4 introduced FaceTime, a video calling app that works with all iOS devices

My prediction is that in this fall's announcement, the iPod Touch will be going away, and that it will be replaced by the iPhone Wi-Fi.

Most people refer to the iPod Touch as an "iPhone without the phone." With FaceTime and iMessages, the iPod Touch essentially becomes a phone. The only difference is that it can only connect to a Wi-Fi network, not a 3G network. The iPad line is currently split into Wi-Fi and 3G, it makes sense to me to do the same with the iPhone.

I'm probably wrong, and I'm ok with that. You have to admit, this sounds plausible, doesn't it?