Apple announces plans to discontinue iconic product 20 years after first release

The tech juggernaut has made the drastic decision to discontinue one of its best-known and most popular items after 20 long years.

Apple is finally discontinuing the iPod. Picture: Nicholas Kamm/AFP

Apple is discontinuing the iPod, 20 years after its first release.

The US tech giant has said the iPod is essentially redundant after being replaced by other gadgets over the decades, The Sun reports.

Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing Greg Joswiak, said: “Today, the spirit of iPod lives on.

“We’ve integrated an incredible music experience across all of our products, from the iPhone to the Apple Watch to HomePod mini, and across Mac, iPad, and Apple TV.

“And Apple Music delivers industry-leading sound quality with support for spatial audio – there’s no better way to enjoy, discover, and experience music.”

The first iPod went on sale in November 2001.

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Apple is finally ditching iPods. Picture: Nicholas Kamm/AFP

The iPod has been through many changes since that first release.

The first iPod was monochrome, could store up to 1000 songs and retailed at $US399 ($A575).

After the classic came the iPod touch, shuffle, mini and nano.

Apple is still selling the iPod touch on its website despite the announcement.

Prices for the iPod Touch start at $US199 ($A286).

Apple said in a statement: “Customers can purchase iPod touch through apple.com, Apple Store locations, and Apple Authorised Resellers while supplies last.”

The first iPods were sold in 2001. Picture: iStock

The tech giant used the statement to list other Apple products which can be used for listening to music.

It said: “Among the incredible ways to enjoy music across a range of devices, including a wide variety of models from the new iPhone SE to the latest iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone is the best device for streaming Apple Music or storing an entire music library on the go.”

Apple Watch and the HomePod mini were also listed as alternatives.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and has ben reproduced with permission