A really popular stock stuffer this year, or is something else afoot? Customers visiting Apple’s online store have discovered that the 1GB iPod shuffle is temporarily unavailable — the company says that it’ll be out of stock until January.
While the 512MB iPod shuffle is still ready for purchase — it costs $99, compared to the 1GB model’s $129 price tag — the Apple Store shows the 1GB model as “Sold out for holiday. Expected availability mid-January.”
Mid-January coincides with Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, Calif. – the venue Apple used to introduce the iPod shuffle last year. This has led to speculation that Apple may be preparing to refresh the iPod shuffle with a new model.
Although the Apple Store doesn’t have any stock left, 1GB iPod shuffles can still be found at some retailers and online resellers.