Apple Now Shipping 5th-Generation iPod touch

Reports are coming in that Apple has begun shipping the first batch of fifth-generation iPod touch players, as well as the first iPod nano 7G units. The shipping times confirmed by customers expecting the new players are on par with Apple’s promise to launch the device “in October.”

Apple customers are beginning to receive email notifications from the mothership regarding the status of their orders for new-generation iPod touch players.

Making good on its promise to have the devices shipped this month, Apple is already sending over the first batch of fifth-gen iPod touches and seventh-gen nanos.

Apple retail stores in Japan are already stocking the players, as the image above shows (via MacRumors).

Also in Japan, Macotakara has obtained an iPod touch 5th-generation player and ran some tests on it to confirm that its performance is on par with that of the iPhone 4S (mainly because they both use the same A5 processor).

The new iPod touch takes the spotlight as the thinnest model ever made by Apple with a brilliant 4-inch Retina display, a 5 megapixel iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording, Siri, and iOS 6.

For the first time, Apple is selling the iPod touch with an anodized aluminum design with a variety of colors.

The new iPod nano is an all-new model that combines the best elements from all generations of the player, featuring a 2.5-inch Multi-Touch display, an elongated design, convenient navigation buttons, and wireless listening via Bluetooth.

Both players come with Apple’s all-new EarPods.

“With over 350 million sold, iPod is the world’s most popular and beloved music player,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, when Apple unveiled the new generation of players.

“Music lovers may have a difficult time deciding between the reinvented iPod nano, the thinnest iPod ever, and the all-new iPod touch with its stunning 4-inch Retina display, 5 megapixel iSight camera and ultra-thin design—both in beautiful new colors.”