Ahead of the the planned unveiling of iOS 7 next month during WWDC, Apple has quietly replaced the 8GB 4th generation iPod Touch with a 16GB 5th generation model, with key differences from the 32GB and 64GB models.The most obvious difference is the change in backing from a colored, mirror finish back to a slate-colored back without a rear camera or accessory loop.
The new model is otherwise identical to the 32 and 64GB model with the dual-core A5 and Retina display and will now serve as the entry-level iPod Touch model. Pricing is set at $229 and is available for purchase immediately from Apple online, while retail sales begin Friday across Apple Store retail locations and select retailers.
The replacement and discontinuation of the 4th generation 8GB iPod Touch for a stripped 16GB 5th generation model may also signal where iOS 7 is targeted in terms of hardware support, as it was powered by a single-core A4 and the new update is very likely to tax older devices without the typical feature exclusions in order to function on older hardware due to the complete visual overhaul being envisioned for the operating system as a whole.
