Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has quietly released an updated version of the iPod Touch 5th generation 16GB (2014 model). The new updated model comes with a camera, more color options and a lower price tag. This new 5th generation iPod Touch now starts at just $199, down from the $229 price. In the past, the 16GB model didn’t have an iSight camera, and it came only in two color choices: space gray and silver.
iFixit teardown of iPod Touch 16GB 2014 model
As always, the good folks at iFixit have managed to get their hands on this new updated 16GB model, and boy, look what they found. They’ve found the same components as the previous model, with the only change being the 16 GB of on-board flash memory.
“Unfortunately, the same construction means the same dismal repairability. All the issues from the previous generation are present, leading to its 3 out of 10 repairability score,” says iFixit.
As per iFixit, many components are soldered together, which means that if you want to replace one component, you might need to replace two or three functional components which are soldered together. Expect high repair costs even if only one single component stops working.
Opening the case is also very difficult, as there are no external screws. Instead, there is a combo of clips and adhesive which makes it difficult to open the case. And lastly, the “ribbon cables connected to the logic board run over the top and connect on the bottom, making it difficult to remove the board or disconnect the cables.” Overall, the 3 out of 10 score is not that impressive. If ever the device breaks or stops working, then expect to spend a good amount of money to fix it.
Apart from the 16GB model, Apple has dropped prices for the other models also. The 32GB model is now available for $249, while the 64GB model is available for $299.
