IPod touch

The iPod touch is a media player created and sold by Apple Inc. The public first saw it at an Apple meeting called "The Beat Goes On" on September 5, 2007. The iPod touch was famous for its touch screen. It has internet access with YouTube and the iTunes store. Apple sold it with either 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage.

iPod touch

Black 5th-generation iPod touch
Developer	Apple Inc.
Manufacturer	Foxconn
Release date	May 28, 2019 (2019-05-28) (current generation) September 14, 2007 (1st generation)
Lifespan	2007-2022
Discontinued	May 10, 2022 (2022-05-10)
Units sold	400 million as of August 2025 (since September 2007)[1]
Operating system	iOS
CPU	ARM Cortex-A9 Apple A5 dual-core 1 GHz (underclocked to 800 MHz)
Memory	512 MB DRAM[2]
Storage	8, 16, 32, or 64 GB flash memory
Display	4 in (102 mm), 800:1 contrast ratio (typical), 500 cd/m2 max. brightness (typical), Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on front , 1136×640 px at 326 PPI
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n (802.11n 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Bluetooth 4.0
Power	3.7 V rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 3.8 Wh, 1030 mAh; audio: 40 hours; video: 8 hours[3][4]
Online services	App Store, iTunes Store, iBookstore, iCloud, Passbook
Dimensions	123.4 mm (4.86 in) H 58.6 mm (2.31 in) W 6.1 mm (0.24 in) D
Mass	88 g (3.1 oz)
Related articles	List of iOS devices
Website	www.apple.com/ipodtouch

The iPod touch can see the last ten songs played in a Starbucks café through Wi-Fi within the location of the iPod. The user can download tracks from the online iTunes music store with an iPod touch. This feature is to be offered in some Starbucks stores in the US. Right now, there are no plans to expand its Wi-Fi iTunes stores in any other country than the United States.

The iPod touch's touchscreen ability is the same as the iPhone's. Like the iPhone, the iPod touch also has a physical home button separate from the touch screen. The home screen includes a headphone set, an alarm clock and also a list of buttons corresponding to the available applications: Music, Videos, Photos, and iTunes on the bottom button row. Safari, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Calculator, and Settings are at the top. The iPod touch is also sold with 28 wallpaper photos, some of which are figures from the iPod advertisements.

As of September 9, 2014, when iPod Classic was discontinued, iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and iPod Touch were the only ones still manufactured. The iPod touch is the only remaining iPod still being manufactured as of July 27, 2017, when the iPod nano and iPod shuffle were discontinued. Apple concluded the iPod touch on May 10, 2022. However, the iPod touch was still available at Apple's online store while supplies lasted.

Models

Main articles: List of iOS devices and List of iPod models

1. iPod 1st Generation (iOS 1 to 3.1.3)
2. iPod 2nd Generation (iOS 2 to 4.2.1)
3. iPod 3rd Generation (iOS 3 to 5.1.1)
4. iPod 4th Generation (iOS 4 to 6.1.6)
5. iPod 5th Generation (iOS 6 to 9.3.5)
6. iPod 6th Generation (iOS 8.4 to 12.5.5)
7. iPod 7th Generation Current Model (iOS 12.4 to 15.8.3)

Model	Picture	Capacity	RAM	Connection	Original release date	Minimum OS to sync	Rated battery life (hours)
1st generation		8 GB 16 GB 32 GB[5]	128 MB[6]	USB via dock connector (FireWire for charging only)[7]	iPhone OS 1.1: September 14, 2007 iPhone OS 1.1.3: January 30, 2008 32 GB: February 5, 2008	Mac: 10.4 or later Win: XP, Vista, 7	audio: 22 video: 5
	The first generation iPod touch was launched on September 5, 2007, at an event called The Beat Goes On.[8] First iPod with Wi-Fi and a multi-touch interface. Features Safari web browser and wireless access to the iTunes Store and YouTube. Later added 16 and 32 GB versions, 32 GB in February 2008. iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access require an upgrade fee. iOS 4.0 and later are not supported because they require newer hardware.
2nd generation		8 GB 16 GB 32 GB[5]	128 MB[6]	USB via dock connector	iPhone OS 2.1 (8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB): September 9, 2008 iPhone OS 3.1 (8 GB only): September 9, 2009	Mac: 10.4 or later Win: XP, Vista, 7	audio: 36 video: 6
	The second generation iPod touch featured a new tapered chrome back with Nike+ functionality, volume buttons, and built-in speaker added, It was unveiled on September 9, 2008. It originally shipped with iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access. Bluetooth support was added with iPhone OS 3.0, which required an upgrade fee.[9][10] The 2nd generation comes with the chrome frame seen on the iPhone 3G, making the two almost identical when viewed from the front. However, there are some notable differences, as there is no speaker above the screen, no silent/ringer switch, the back is metal, and the sleep/wake button is on the other side. The 2nd generation also supports audio input when a headphone or earphone with microphone abilities is plugged into the audio output (headphone) jack. The CPU runs slightly faster than the processor inside the iPhone 3G, but slower than the iPhone 3GS.[11][12] A model for this generation of iPod touch called MC Model was only in 8 GB and released on September 9, 2009.[13] iOS 4 was released for free for second generation iPod touch models June 21, 2010, but included a limited selection of features, with no support for iOS applications utilizing the iPhone's camera or GPS receiver and no support for iOS 4's multitasking and home screen background customization features. The 2nd generation iPod touch cannot be upgraded beyond iOS version 4.2.1. The iPod touch (2nd generation) is model A1288.
3rd generation		32 GB 64 GB[5]	256 MB	USB via dock connector	September 9, 2009	Mac: 10.4 or later Win: XP, Vista, 7	audio: 30 video: 6
	The 32 GB and 64 GB models were updated to include the upgraded RAM, CPU and GPU internals from the iPhone 3GS; they include voice control support, VoiceOver, included iPhone OS version 3.x, and bundled remote earphones with microphone. The 3rd generation iPod touch with iPhone OS 3.1 was released on September 9, 2009.[14] Apple's published technical specifications for the 3rd generation iPod touch only include references to the 32 GB and 64 GB models.[15] Following the introduction of the 3rd generation iPod touch, Apple also continued offering the 2nd generation 8 GB version, upgraded to the same iPhone OS version as the new 3rd generation devices. The iPod touch (3rd generation) is model A1318.
4th generation		8 GB 16 GB 32 GB 64 GB[5]	256 MB[16]	USB via dock connector	Black: September 1, 2010 White: October 12, 2011	Mac: 10.5 or later Win: XP, Vista, 7	audio: 40 video: 7
	Apple unveiled the 4th generation iPod touch on September 1, 2010. It includes a front-facing camera for FaceTime, the iPhone 4's Retina display without an IPS screen,[17] support for recording 720p video and 960 x 720 still photos via a back camera,[18] Apple's A4 chip, a built-in microphone, and a 3-axis gyroscope. On October 12, 2011, the iPod touch 4th-generation began shipping with iOS 5.0 pre-installed for PC-free activation. Also, an additional color option, white, was made available. On September 12, 2012, the 8GB model was discontinued leaving the 16GB as the base model, the 32GB model was reduced in price, and the 64GB model was discontinued in favor of the fifth generation models. The 4th generation iPod touch supports up to iOS 6.1.6; it does not support iOS 7.
5th generation		32 GB 64 GB[5]	512 MB[19]	USB via Lightning connector	October 12, 2012	Mac: 10.6.8 or later Win: XP (SP3), Vista, 7	audio: 40 video: 8
	Apple unveiled the 5th generation iPod touch on September 12, 2012. Improvements include a 4-inch screen, IPS display, support for recording 1080p video and panoramic still photos via the rear camera, Apple's A5 chip, and support for Apple's Siri. Additionally, colors matching the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle were added, making the iPod touch colors available Slate, Silver, Pink, Yellow, Blue and Product Red.[20] On June 26, 2014, Apple released a new version of the 16 GB model that includes the rear-facing camera and more color options. The prices for every iPod touch model were also dropped. The 16 GB model is now $199 from $229, the 32 GB model is now $249 from $299, and the 64 GB model is now $299 from $399.[21]

Requirements

Before October 12, 2011, when the iPod touch is taken out of the box for the first time, it needs to be connected to a computer for it to start.^[22] When it's first turned on, iTunes must be installed on either a macOS or Microsoft Windows operating system computer for programming the iPod touch. On either operating system, the iPod touch needs a USB 2.0 port on the computer to connect.^[23] When the iPod is first turned on it needs data communications with iTunes, and will always show the "cable to iTunes" picture until it senses iTunes.^[24]

However, after October 12, 2011, new iPods that were bought will have iOS 5 installed and that means users can set up the iPod wirelessly, without connecting it to a computer. It also means that users do not have to connect their iPod to a computer in order to sync and back up data. All of this will be done through Apple's iCloud service.^[25]

The official requirements for the iPod touch are:^[26]

• A computer running either:
  • Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later
  • Microsoft Windows XP (Home or Professional x32 Edition) with SP2, or Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit OS only )^[27]
• iTunes 7.4 or later
• Available USB 2.0 port
• Internet access

Wi-Fi

The iPod touch is included with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, and, like the iPhone, has the Safari web browser and YouTube. The iPod's Wi-Fi ability can also be used to buy music from the iTunes Store.

Third-party applications

On October 17, 2007, Steve Jobs, gave an open letter posted on Apple's webpage, announced that a software development kit (SDK) for the iPhone would be made ready to third-party developers in February 2008. Because of security concerns and Jobs' praise of Nokia's digital signature system, it is also suggested that Apple will adopt a similar method. The SDK will also apply to the iPod touch.^[28] However, end-users have still been able to "jailbreak" the iPod touch in similar methods to the iPhone, allowing the usage of third-party applications created by users. The most popular iPod touch jailbreak method is a website which takes advantage of a TIFF exploit in the iPod touch's web browser to execute the code in order to install the hacks. The site also patches the exploit as well. This method only worked on the 1.1.1 firmware, as 1.1.2 fixed the exploit needed for the installer to work.^[29]

Software upgrades

During the initial launch of the iPod touch, reviews noted some differences compared to Apple's similar iPhone. One of the primary criticisms of the iPod touch is the absence of the iPhone's email, mapping and stock tracking applications. On January 15, 2008, Steve Jobs announced at his Macworld 2008 keynote that the January Software Upgrade for the iPod touch consisted of five new applications: Mail, Maps, Stocks, Notes and Weather. The new Maps feature is similar to that of the iPhone, with new software from Skyhook Wireless that pinpoints the user's location using Wi-Fi. The software upgrade is available for current iPod touch owners via iTunes download for US$19.99.[1] New iPod touch units with 1.1.3 installed (MA623LL/B or MA627LL/B) will also have the software upgrade pre-installed.[2]Customers who purchase an iPod touch with part number MA623LL/A or MA627LL/A must pay the upgrade fee to receive the new applications.

Comparisons to the iPhone

The first reviews of the iPod touch have cited some differences compared to Apple's similar iPhone. In addition to what was previously indicated regarding the differences that were subsequently considered and included in the January 2008 software upgrade, another complaint mentioned that the iPod touch had no physical buttons for volume control - a feature that the iPhone had. The iPod touch instead used software-based controls, which makes users to double click the home button, bringing up an on-screen volume control.^[30] The iPod touch also did not have the iPhone's external speakers, built-in camera, and Bluetooth capability, but the 2nd generation onward has external speakers and the Bluetooth capability. The fourth generation, released in September 2010, was the first iPod touch to feature the retina display and two built-in cameras for FaceTime and for videos and still photos. At least one critic has suggested that Apple may have left out these applications and hardware features on purpose in order to differentiate the iPod touch from its more expensive cousin, the iPhone. Others say that the touch does not need the applications mentioned above because it's an iPod and not a mobile phone. However, the 2009 model of the iPod touch does feature Bluetooth, but only to link with bluetooth headphones.^[30]

By now, the 5th-generation iPod touch mostly has the same functions as the iPhone, but is not quite as powerful, uses an inferior camera, lacks a built-in GPS, and lacks cell phone capabilities. However, it is cheaper than the iPhone, and also thinner, making it more portable.

Manufacturing flaws

A number of early iPod touch users have complained that their iPod's screen could not properly display shades of black. The problem has been related to the bad reflective coating on the LCD display and bad quality control. The defect caused the screen to have very narrow optimal viewing angle (hard to look at the screen from the side) and also resulted in "shimmering" blacks. This screen problem was later fixed with the firmware update 1.1.1 although some still complained that the screen still could not properly display certain shades of black. Critics also say that the update simply "alleviates" the screen problem by adjusting contrast settings and does not provide a fix for the screen itself.

Specifications

The specifications as listed on Apple's website are:^[31][32]

• Screen material: Glass
• Screen size: 8.9 cm (3.5 in)
• Screen resolution: 480×320 pixels at 163 ppi
• Input method: Multi-touch screen interface
• Operating system: iOS
• Storage: 8, 32, or 64 GB flash memory
• CPU: 1.0 GHz ARM Cortex-A8
• RAM: 256 MB
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
• Built-in rechargeable, non-removable battery with up to 7 hours of video playback, and up to 40 hours of audio playback, times vary.
• Size: 110×61.8×8 mm (4.3×2.4×0.31 in)
• Weight: 120 grams (4.2 ounces)
• Direct iTunes Wi-Fi store access
• Wide screen video
• Integrated Safari web browser and YouTube client
• Access to Starbucks music (currently only in New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. Coming to Chicago in March 2008)^[33][34]

Timeline

Timeline of iPod models and related products

See also: Timeline of full-sized iPod models and Timeline of compact iPod models

Sources: Apple press release library,^[35] Mactracker Apple Inc. model database^[36]

Related pages

• iPod
• iPad
• iPhone
• Touch screen