Is the iPod Touch still worth it in 2021?

The iPod Touch has been largely unchanged since the 5th generation which was released way back in 2014. Since then, it's been minor changes including a slightly better camera, processor, and the like. We are now onto the 7th generation of this infamous device-- the sole remaining device in the iPod lineup. So, why's it still around? And is it worth picking up in 2021?

Most consumers have come to the conclusion that the only reason this thing still exists is that it's a great device for kids. Heck, it is even tucked away on the Music page on Apple's website. Alas, when parents don't want to hand their kids an iPhone worth a few hundred bucks, the iPod Touch at its entry price-point of $200 is a great choice.

But then there's people like me.

My entire life I pretty much store on my iPhone. My Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds are always out for my attention. I can't escape work after hours it seems. Slack and email are always a tap away.

Sometimes I just want to sit there and listen to music without a care in the world-- and the 7th generation iPod Touch is perfect for that.

Prior to getting a hold of one, I grabbed an iPod Classic off of Facebook Marketplace. This was fine and it did music well. Unfortunately, there was one glaring issue; it couldn't access my Apple Music library and came with all of the downsides that came with not having an internet connection.

I needed something that was somewhere between 2007's height of consumer tech and the phenomenal music listening experience of the modern day. This is why I ultimately landed on the iPod Touch as my daily driver. It backs up to iCloud every night, has my entire Apple Music library, is a great pairing for AirPods Pro, has plenty of space for downloaded music (even on the base model), runs the latest operating system, and has a gorgeous Retina Display to view album art.

As simple as it seems to just set screen time restrictions on my iPhone and call it a day, "fear of missing out" is real and it's more impulsive human behavior than anything else. I'd find myself listening to a song only to be scrolling Instagram a few seconds later. With that in mind, going for a device that just does music was worth every penny. All in all, I'd prefer to toss in some wireless headphones or simply jack into the 3.5mm auxiliary port (it's got one of those, too) and zone out.

What are your thoughts? Have you considered an iPod Touch as a companion to your iPhone? Do you think Apple will eventually phase it out?