In addition to the iPhone 5, Apple has introduced an updated iPod line-up, including the fifth-generation iPod Touch and seventh-generation iPod Nano.
The new iPod Touch features the same four-inch Retina display as the new iPhone 5, and Apple says it is the thinnest iPod Touch to date, measuring just 6mm thin. The device also features a 5MP iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording, and an A5 chip which promises seven times faster graphics than the fourth-generation iPod.
A key update is also the inclusion of the intelligent voice assistant Siri - included for the first time in an iPod. The iPod Touch also runs iOS 6. The new device features a new “ultra-thin and light” anodised aluminium design and is available in five colours.
The updated iPod Nano is also the thinnest of its kind and features a 2.5-inch multi-touch display, built-in Bluetooth for wireless listening, and is available in seven colours.
Apple's senior VP of worldwide marketing, Philip Schiller, says: “With over 350 million sold, iPod is the world's most popular and beloved music player.”
New connector
The new iPods come with the new Lightning connector - which is smaller than the traditional Apple device connector.
“The all-digital Lightning connector features an adaptive interface that uses only the signals that each accessory requires, and it's reversible so you can instantly connect to your accessories. The Lightning-to-30-pin Adapter is also available to connect iPod touch and iPod nano to legacy 30-pin accessories,” says Apple.
The new connector has irked some Apple users, who will now have to pay an extra $29 for the specially designed adapter. Some took to Twitter to express their frustration:
“Apple's new nine-pin Lightning charger virtually renders all previous Apple chargers and external devices useless without an adapter.”
“Just what we needed. Another Apple adapter!! Thunderbolt and Lightning, very very frightening.”
“Mind blown that Apple could generate revenues of $100 million by the end of 2012 just on adaptors for new dock.”
“£25 for an iPhone 5 Lightening adapter!! Here Apple, have the shirt off my back too!”
EarPods, iTunes
In addition to the updated iPods and the new connector, Apple is also introducing new earphones called Apple EarPods, which will be bundled with the new products. The earphones are said to feature a breakthrough design for a more natural fit and better acoustic quality.
Both the iPod Touch and Nano will start shipping in October. Full details and recommended pricing for the different models can be found here.
Finally, Apple has also showcased a completely redesigned, simplified version of iTunes for Mac and PC with a new player, iCloud integration and new look for its music, apps, TV and movie stores. The new version will become available in October.
Apple's senior VP of Internet software and services, Eddy Cue, says: “We created iTunes because we love music and we're going back to our roots with an incredibly clean design that keeps your music at the forefront.
“The re-imagined MiniPlayer makes it easy to control your music with a small toolbar; you can skip to the next song or search for something new to play - all without having to open your library.”
According to Apple, the iTunes Store has over 26 million songs, 700 000 apps, over 190 000 TV episodes and 45 000 films. Apple says the new version of iTunes will also include Facebook and Twitter integration when it becomes available in October.
After unveiling all the new products, Apple CEO Tim Cook said at the special launch event: “When you look at each of these, they are incredible industry-leading innovations by themselves. But what sets them apart, and what places Apple way out in front of the competition, is how they work so well together.”
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