Does The iPod Touch Still Work In 2026? What Works Now
Yes, a 7th-generation iPod touch still works in 2026, and the most recent Apple security release I found for it is iOS 15.8.8 from May 2026.
The catch is that it is stuck on iOS 15, so some current apps no longer run on it.
This guide covers what still works, what does not, and how to keep your iPod touch as useful as it can be.
What still works on an iPod touch in 2026?
| Feature | Status in 2026 | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | Works | Runs on iPod touch 6 and 7 with iOS 10 or later |
| YouTube app | Dropped | Needs iOS 16, which the iPod touch 7 cannot run |
| Security updates | Still arriving | iOS 15.8.8 was released May 11, 2026 |
| Newest Apple Music features | Limited | AutoMix needs iOS 26 |
| Apple repairs | Depends on age | Apple sets vintage and obsolete cutoffs by sale date |
Most of the limits come from the iOS version, not from the hardware itself.
When did Apple discontinue the iPod touch?
Apple announced the end of the iPod on May 10, 2022.
The 7th-generation iPod touch was the last model, and Apple said it would be sold only while supplies lasted.
Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak said at the time that the spirit of the iPod lives on in Apple’s other products.
What are the iPod touch 7 specs?
Apple’s tech specs page lists the hardware that still defines what the device can do.
| Spec | iPod touch 7th generation |
|---|---|
| Storage options | 32GB, 128GB or 256GB |
| Chip | A10 Fusion |
| Display | 4-inch Retina, 1136 by 640 pixels |
| Cameras | 8MP rear, 1.2MP FaceTime HD front |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Headphone jack | 3.5 mm |
| Battery life when new | Up to 40 hours of music, 8 hours of video |
Those battery figures are Apple’s numbers for a new device, so an older battery will last less.
Which iOS version is the last for the iPod touch 7?
The 7th-generation iPod touch tops out at iOS 15, and Apple still lists it for iOS 15.8.x updates.
YouTube’s iOS app now requires iOS 16, and MacRumors reported in June 2025 that this cut off the iPod touch 7 along with the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7 and first-generation iPhone SE.
Does the iPod touch still get security updates?
Yes, but slowly and in small amounts.
| iOS version | Release date | What Apple fixed |
|---|---|---|
| 15.8.7 | March 11, 2026 | Kernel and three WebKit flaws tied to the Coruna exploit |
| 15.8.8 | May 11, 2026 | A notification logging issue (CVE-2026-28950) |
Apple said the March update extended fixes that had already shipped in iOS 16.6, 17.2, 17.3 and iOS 17, which shows these devices trail current iOS by a wide margin.
How do I update my iPod touch?
Back up the device first, then update it from the settings screen.
- Open
Settings > General > Software Update. - Tap the update if one is available and follow the prompts.
- To automate it, open
Automatic Updatesand turn on Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates.
You can also update with a cable: in Finder on a Mac, or in iTunes on a Windows PC, select the iPod touch and click Check for Update.
Which apps still work?
Apps built only for iOS 16 or later will not run, and some popular apps have already moved on.
Apple Music still works, and BGR reported in June 2026 that streaming, downloading albums and making playlists work on the iPod touch 6 and 7.
Newer Apple Music features need newer software, such as AutoMix, which requires iOS 26 (see our Apple Music AutoMix guide).
How do I install an older version of an app?
If an app dropped iOS 15 support, the App Store may offer the last version that still runs, but only for apps tied to your Apple ID.
- Open the App Store and tap your profile icon.
- Go to Purchased and find the app under My Purchases.
- Tap the cloud icon.
- If a warning offers an older version, tap Download.
Limits: you cannot choose the version, and an app that the developer or Apple has removed may not be available at all.
Will Apple still repair an iPod touch?
It depends on how long ago Apple stopped selling your model.
| Apple status | Definition | Repair outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage | More than 5 years since Apple stopped distributing the product | Repairs possible for up to 2 more years, while parts last |
| Obsolete | 7 years since Apple last distributed the product | No hardware service |
MacRumors noted that Apple moved the iPod touch 6 to vintage in May 2024, so check Apple’s current vintage list for the status of your exact model.
Should I buy a used iPod touch in 2026?
Apple no longer sells new units, so any purchase now is secondhand or leftover stock.
The iOS 15 ceiling is the main concern, because the YouTube app already refuses to run and other apps may follow.
If you only want music and downloads through Apple Music, the iPod touch 7 remains workable.
What is an old iPod touch still good for?
- Music player: Apple Music works, and downloaded songs play offline.
- Older apps: use the Purchased list to reinstall versions that still run on iOS 15.
- Backup first: before you pass it on, back it up using the steps in Apple’s iPod touch guide.
Quick reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the iPod touch 7 still supported with updates? | Yes, iOS 15.8.8 arrived May 11, 2026 |
| Can it run iOS 16 or later? | No |
| Does the YouTube app work? | No, it requires iOS 16 |
| Does Apple Music work? | Yes, with iOS 10 or later |
| Can I get older app versions? | Sometimes, through Purchased in the App Store |
Apple’s own pages on iOS 15.8.7 and on updating an iPod touch have the details.