Apple Unveils 16GB iPod Touch for $229, Drops Rear Camera

Although the iPhone is still the one of the most coveted Apple gadgets, the device generally comes with a contract, making it difficult to give to someone as a gift. As a result, the iPod touch is often a good alternative, and Apple has now quietly introduced an update to its popular device.

The new iPod touch offers 16GB for $229, a 4-inch Retina display, and is only offered in black with a grey backing. What's new? The device does not come with the standard iSight camera, a design decision that not only explains the lower price, but also indicates that this model of the iPod touch may be specifically geared toward music lovers and gamers. Not to worry - there is still a 1.2-megapixel front-facing cam for selfies and video chats.

Also missing, however, is the iPod touch loop, a hardware design feature that allowed users to connect a carrying strap to the device.

The full-featured iPod touches with Retina display sell for $299 (32GB) or $399 (64GB).

Apple hinted during a recent earnings call that it would have some big, new products in the fall and into 2014, while Tim Cook said during D11 this week that Cupertino still has a few game-changing products in the works. The iPod touch refresh, however, is really just an incremental update - like when Apple quietly released the 128GB version of the iPad.

:story: PC Magazine