iPod Price Drop Ahead of Apple Event
Hours before the “Only Rock and Roll” event takes place in San Francisco, the Apple Store has slashed prices on some the current iPod models.
The new numbers are still in the process of being posted, with parts of the Apple Store referencing old prices, but the savings are real and substantial.
The 8GB iPod touch now costs $189, a $40 discount, while the 16GB model is now $249, a $50 reduction. However, big savings are to be had for the 32GB model, now $279, a whopping $120 price cut. Other iPods saw cuts, too. The 8GB iPod nano has dropped to $129, down from $149, and the 16GB model is now $149, previously $199. The iPod Classic, rumored to be phased out today, is now $229, down from $249. The price of the iPod shuffle remains unchanged.
While it’s debatable whether the new pricing will extend to the iPods expected to be unveiled today, the new prices on old models of the iPod touch may impact consumers considering Microsoft’s Zune HD. The 16GB Zune HD, to be released on Sept. 15, will retail for $219.99, while the 32GB model will cost $289.99. This means Apple has effectively undercut the Zune HD, at least on the high-end. It will be interesting to see whether Microsoft will lower prices again, or give up the pricing talking point, which wouldn’t really leave much to talk about regarding the Zune HD.
However, there will be a lot to talk about today, starting at 10 a.m. PDT, and TheAppleBlog will be covering it live.
Tweet This (16)
Joe on September 9th, 2009 at 7:32 am
I’m sorry, but a $10 difference isn’t going to sway me to pick up an iPod. The Zune is far better, and has been since it’s release. I’ll part with $10 to get a far better product.
Staff Comment Josh Pigford, TheAppleBlog on September 9th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Microsoft fanboi.
I kid, I kid. :)
Jonathan on September 9th, 2009 at 8:11 am
The is no empirical evidence to show that one is superior to the other. It is a matter of preference, much like anything that requires the input of opinion.
Peter on September 9th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Zune is not better. They are not even in the same class. Zune is the top kid in the remedial special ed class.
Dave on September 9th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Uh, Zune HD = pretty damn good. I will be getting one over a second gen ipod touch. And who wants to pay for an ipod touch with a camera and mic when they can just get an iphone?
Staff Comment Josh Pigford, TheAppleBlog on September 9th, 2009 at 8:19 am
You’re certainly free to like a Zune over an iPod…but to suggest that an iPod touch with a camera and mic is the same as an iPhone, from a cost perspective, is just plain silly.
Maybe you forgot that an iPhone costs, at minimum, $1500 over the course of the two-year contract you sign up for?
Joe on September 9th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I just want a new, possibly cheaper Classic, or a high capacity nano. My guess, though, is that a new nano will only increase to 32GB, and that’s just not enough. I need an iPod to supplement my iPhone as a source for my car stereo, and 32GB just won’t hold all of my music.
Staff Comment Charles Jade, TheAppleBlog on September 9th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Regardless of personal preference, until this morning Microsoft had a solid argument against the iPod touch based upon price. Not so much now.
David B on September 9th, 2009 at 8:52 am
I guess Microsoft people get up earlier than we do.
I just had to comment because I love what you’ve done with that photo.
gary on September 9th, 2009 at 9:49 am
If you own a Mac, there’s no comparison. “the whole widget” functionality of the touch is unmatched.