In May 2022, Apple announced the demise of the iPod touch, the venerable touchscreen model of their standalone music player. First introduced in September 2007, a few months after the first iPhone, this device was long a favorite of music fans who wanted a device that did more than a standard iPod, and that ran apps.
It’s worth noting that the iPod touch can only run iOS 15, so it’s more than three years behind Apple’s current mobile operating system. (Though iOS 15 did get an update in July 2024.) This means not only will there be apps that it can’t run, but it’s not getting any security updates. As such, it’s best to limit the use of this device on the internet.
The last model is the 7th generation iPod touch, and you may have an old one laying around, or can find used iPod touch models at a nice price. You might want to use one to listen to music, or to use as a remote control instead of an iPhone. Now, in 2025, is there any reason to use one?
Here are 16 reasons you might want to use this device.
It has a headphone jack, and you can listen to music. No current Apple devices have a headphone jack, but if you have a good pair of wired headphones and want to listen to music on a portable device, an iPod touch might be for you.
It works with AirPods. The iPod touch also features Bluetooth 4.1, so you can stream it to AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones. Put an iPod touch near your treadmill or exercise bike, and listen to music wirelessly while you work out.
It’s incredibly light. At 88 grams, or 3.1 ounces, this is a very light device. It is also quite thin; thin enough that you shouldn’t put it in a back pocket, because it might bend when you sit down. But if you want a light device to listen to music when running, the iPod touch is ideal.
It’s very small. Not only is it light, but it’s small and thin. It’s ideal for small hands; great to give to a child who is going to play simple games. Below, from bottom to top, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone SE, iPod touch.
It doesn’t receive phone calls. Some may see that as a negative, but others may want a device where they’re not bothered by calls. You can turn off iMessages, so you can use the device without being disturbed. However, you can use it for FaceTime, so you can make audio and video calls to other Apple users, though the front camera is pretty poor at only 1.2 Mp.
You can use it to listen to music. Just like any other iOS device, you can listen to music with the iPod touch. You can listen to Apple Music, sync music from your Mac or PC, or use a cloud library. It has fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi, so it can download files quickly.
It’s a great device for audiobooks and podcasts. If you’re an audiobook or podcast fan, you can load it up with content and listen without being disturbed by phone calls and messages. It’s rated at 40 hours for music playback, so you can listen to the longest audiobook on a single charge, though older devices may have batteries that won’t hold a charge that long.
You can use it to read books. The display may be small, but you can use it as a small, light device to read books on Apple’s Books app or Amazon’s Kindle app. You can use it in landscape mode to make it easier to read.
It’s got an 8 Mp camera. While it’s certainly at the low end of cameras in Apple devices, you can let a child take pictures and videos with the iPod touch.
You can put it in the car. Put an iPod touch in the car, with your music library, and leave it there to listen to music as you travel. Note that iOS 16 doesn’t offer CarPlay, so you won’t get features such as maps, messages, and other driving assistance.
It can stream to AirPlay devices. Like all iPhones and iPads, you can use the iPod touch to stream to AirPlay devices, such as a HomePod, Sonos speaker, or other AirPlay compatible speakers. Set one up in the living room and use it to stream music when you want.
You can use the iTunes Remote app to control music on a Mac. You can play music from your Mac, streamed to an AirPlay speaker, and use the iPod touch as a controller, using the iTunes Remote app.
It fits in an iPod dock. You can get a docking station for lightning connector devices, allowing you to put the iPod touch in a dock so it stays charged. Apple no longer sells their own dock, even though all iPhones still have lightning connectors, but you can buy these devices used.
You can put it in an iPod sock. If you have vintage iPod socks, first released in 2004, you can use one to protect your iPod touch.
The iPod touch can do a lot. While the iPod touch can’t make and receive phone calls, it can do much of what iPhones can do. You can browse the web, check email, send and receive text messages, and use lots of apps. Sure, the screen is small, but it’s a capable device if your eyesight is good enough. However, you’ll run into lots of apps that won’t work on iOS 16, so your mileage will vary depending on the apps you want to use.
You can slim it down and use it as a device to unplug, a bit. While you’ve got lots of apps on your iPhone, you may want to use an iPod touch to unplug. Don’t install Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or any messaging apps. Use the iPod touch sparsely so you can take time off from all the distractions
The iPod touch is almost a nostalgic device. It can’t make phone calls, and won’t run the latest apps, but there are plenty of things you can do with an old device you may have in a drawer, or that you might pick up used at a nice price.
How can I learn more?
Each week on the Intego Mac Podcast, Intego’s Mac security experts discuss the latest Apple news, security and privacy stories, and offer practical advice on getting the most out of your Apple devices. Be sure to follow the podcast to make sure you don’t miss any episodes.
You can also subscribe to our e-mail newsletter and keep an eye here on The Mac Security Blog for the latest Apple security and privacy news. And don’t forget to follow Intego on your favorite social media channels:
