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The iPod classic is finally dead, disappears from Apple Online Store along with the 30-pin connector

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It only took four years, but the iPod classic is finally dead. As part of the Apple website overhaul, the iPod Classic has finally been removed from sale. The new website has been modernized in many ways, but as a byproduct the Classic has been cut from Apple’s lineup.

It was only a matter of time, of course. The last time the iPod Classic was updated at all was in 2008, when storage capacities were adjusted. The design of the iPod Classic dates back to circa 2004. Alas, it is no more. Apple no longer sells a device with a clickwheel.

The iPod shuffle has a four-way button pad that looks like a click wheel, but it does not feature the same trademark touch feedback design. This UI invention has long been surpassed by full touch screen interfaces, seen on Apple’s latest iPhones and the brand new Apple Watch.

Also, with Apple ridding itself of the iPad 2 earlier this year, the iPhone 4S today and now the iPod classic, you can no longer buy a 30-pin device from Apple even though they’ll likely live on in 3rd party stores / world countries.

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Comments

  1. anthonyvenable110 - 10 years ago

    What a shame

  2. zBrain (@joeregular) - 10 years ago

    I’ll miss you Click Wheel.

  3. nonyabiness - 10 years ago

    R.I.P. old fella.

  4. D.A.H. Trump - 10 years ago

    Is the iPod Touch 6 nonexistent? =(

    • Williams - 10 years ago

      no. Apple will likely announce a refresh at the same time that it announces a refresh to the iPad lineup.

  5. Éric Garneau - 10 years ago

    Ironically, the icon they use for Shop iPod on the online store is the Classic iPod!

  6. Alexander Crammer - 10 years ago

    NOOOOOOOOOOOO. No. NO. That is unacceptable.

  7. Jurgis Ŝalna - 10 years ago

    Umm, the store says it’s still under construction..?

  8. AirDJ31 - 10 years ago

    My biggest fear for months: my Classic (which turns 4 in December) dies and Apple announces they’re discontinuing Classics a day later or vise versa. My Classic barely holds charge right now so I’m very worried. If it does die, may be forced to do iTunes Match.

    • weakguy - 10 years ago

      Just try to hang in there for maybe one more month. We don’t know what Apple has in store for us next month. Maybe there will be a new iPod that has humongous storage that won’t be called Classic. Anyway, I recommend you just wait before you subscribe to iTunes match. Just my two cents.

    • standardpull - 10 years ago

      You can inexpensively replace both the battery and drive with aftermarket parts. Those parts won’t be available forever, but I see no reason why you can’t keep it going for another 8 years.

      • AirDJ31 - 10 years ago

        Thanks! I was just beginning to look into that.

  9. monkey2medic - 10 years ago

    It’s a shame the projection TV is no longer made, but the LCD/LED’s are pretty nice. Same concept with IPod. As much as all enjoyed this wonderful device, the new items will be much more innovative and better…hopefully

  10. Thurstan Johnston - 10 years ago

    I love the iPod classic. Its the only device I have that holds my entire collection with a simple easy to use interface, just let down by the 30 pin connector which just gets looser and looser over time till you cant use the whole device. Give me a 160Gb ipod touch at the same price and I will be happy.

  11. João Gabriel Sacco - 10 years ago

    Even though I’m from a 3rd world country, I still loved the combination 3rd party/world. Am I being sadistic?

  12. Ryan Smith - 10 years ago

    I’m an avid soundtrack collector. Memorial Day of 2013 I had a house fire and lost EVERYTHING. The only thing I had was my car…and in it was my Ipod classic I kept to lug my 152GB’s of music around wherever I wanted. That day when I had nothing, Apple and the Ipod Classic saved me in more ways than one. I honestly dont know how I would have made it through that dark time without my music. Yes “Streaming” is big and the “cloud” is indeed out there…..but to the people like me that have a ton of music, cant stream due to lack of network ect…this is indeed a dark day in my mind..especially that the Classic in its form is what started apple on the path that took it to how we see it today. Refine it…make it 160gb or more in flash form and charge a ton for it ok…but to simply get rid of it? Sorry…dumb fraking decision on their part.

    Cape Cod, MA

  13. driverbenji - 10 years ago

    Apple refurbs: you can still get a 4th gen iPod touch w/30-pin, and several iPads w/30-pin (including iPad 2), but no iPod classic, yeah, looks like it’s dead. http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

  14. Philip Johnson - 10 years ago

    just bought another one , i travel in areas with poor reception so my classic saves my sanity

  15. Eddy C. (@Drite71) - 10 years ago

    9.9.14 – The death of an icon

  16. woman21 - 10 years ago

    This is so sad. Why they took it out? Maybe because it is too good and last forever. They need delicate bad products to keep people buying them every year. This was the best product ever that Apple had. I am very disappointed. I have been looking for this equipment for a whole week. It is really sad.

  17. woman21 - 10 years ago

    Somebody broke into my apartment and stole my fabulous, wonderful and unique IPOD Classic. I went to the store to replace it and guess what? Apple decided to take it out of the market. I do not need another phone or one of those fancy camera-ipods that are not meant to be use for music. Hopefully they will come with a special edition or some kind of luxury edition so I can get a new IPOD Classic. My hope right now it is to find a use one in really good conditions. Shame on you Apple.

  18. Scott Manthey - 10 years ago

    I miss them so much I decided to make the even better – http://bit.ly/SSDiPOD
    New”isn” and improved Solid state drive refurbished iPod Classics.

  19. Shane Dudden - 9 years ago

    WORST CHOICE EVER that was the only fucking ipod worth buying FUCK YOU APPLE

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.