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The original Apple iPod was officially released on 23 October 2001, boasting 5 GB of storage and the iconic mechanical scroll wheel. This groundbreaking device revolutionized portable music before being discontinued in May 2022 after two decades of cultural and technological impact. The iPod evolved from a single hard-drive music player into a diverse family of devices:
Key Takeaways:
- 2001 (October 23): The Original iPod is unveiled by Steve Jobs, capable of holding “1,000 songs in your pocket”.
- 2004: The iPod Mini launches, bringing a smaller footprint and vibrant colors to the lineup.
- 2005: Apple releases the iPod Nano, replacing the Mini, and introduces the screenless, highly affordable iPod Shuffle.
- 2005: The iPod Video (5th Gen) is introduced, allowing users to watch television shows and music videos on a color screen.
- 2007: The iPod Touch changes the game, bringing the multi-touch display and App Store ecosystem of the iPhone to a dedicated media player.
- 2019: Apple releases the 7th (and final) generation iPod Touch, representing the last hardware iteration of the brand.
- 2022 (May 10): Apple officially discontinues the iPod line, ending a 20+ year run as streaming and smartphones made dedicated media players obsolete.
Pro Tip
If you’re collecting or buying used iPods, the 160GB iPod Classic and 1st-generation iPod are often the most sought-after models because of their iconic design, large storage capacity, and growing collector value.
When Did the First iPod Come Out?
The first iPod was announced by Steve Jobs on 23 October 2001. It went on sale in the UK and USA shortly after, priced at $399 (around £270 at the time).
Jobs introduced it with one of his most famous lines:”The most amazing thing about the iPod is that your entire music library fits in your pocket.” It was a bold claim. But the iPod was delivered.
The First iPod: Key Specs
| Feature | First iPod (2001) |
| Storage | 5GB (1,000 songs) |
| Battery life | 10 hours |
| Connection | FireWire (not USB) |
| Weight | 184 grams |
| Screen | Small black and white LCD |
| Price (UK) | Around £269 |
| Compatibility | Mac only (at launch) |
The first iPod only worked with Mac computers. Windows support didn’t come until 2002 — which annoyed a lot of potential UK buyers at first.
Complete iPod Timeline: Every Model Ever Made
2001 — The Original iPod (1st Generation)
The one that started it all. 5GB storage, scroll wheel that physically rotated, FireWire connection. Mac only. Changed the music industry forever.
2002 — iPod 2nd Generation
The touch-sensitive scroll wheel replaced the mechanical one. Windows compatibility arrived via MusicMatch Jukebox software. Storage expanded to 20GB. UK sales began climbing rapidly.
2003 — iPod 3rd Generation + iTunes Store Launches
The third-gen iPod introduced a cleaner design with touch-sensitive buttons above the scroll wheel. More importantly, Apple launched the iTunes Store — letting people buy individual songs for 99 cents (about 79p in the UK). This completely changed how people bought music.
2004 — iPod Mini
The iPod Mini was a breakthrough. Smaller, lighter, available in five colours. It came in 4GB and 6GB versions and quickly became the UK’s favourite iPod. It was replaced by the iPod nano in 2005.
2004 — iPod 4th Generation
The standard iPod got a cleaner look and better battery life (up to 12 hours). Photo capability was added later that year with the iPod Photo model.
2005 — iPod nano (1st Generation)
Steve Jobs pulled the first iPod nano out of the small pocket in his jeans on stage — and the crowd went wild. It was impossibly thin, used flash memory (no moving parts), and came in black or white. The iPod nano replaced the iPod Mini entirely.
2005 — iPod with Video (5th Generation)
The first iPod that could play video. You could watch music videos, TV shows, and films downloaded from iTunes. The screen was still small by today’s standards (2.5 inches), but it felt like magic at the time. This model was hugely popular in the UK.
2005 — iPod shuffle (1st Generation)
The cheapest iPod ever made — a tiny flash drive with no screen. Songs played in random order (shuffle). Priced at just $99, it brought the iPod to a huge new audience.
2006 — iPod nano (2nd Generation)
Aluminium design, available in several colours. Sleek and fashionable. Became one of the best-selling consumer electronics products in UK history.
2007 — iPod classic (6th Generation)
Apple renamed the standard iPod the iPod classic. It came with 80GB or 160GB of storage — enough for your entire music, photo, and video collection. The iconic scroll wheel design was perfected here.
2007 — iPod touch (1st Generation)
This was the biggest iPod launch since the original. The iPod touch was essentially an iPhone without the phone calls — a touchscreen device running iOS, with Wi-Fi, apps, and a proper browser. It became incredibly popular with young people in the UK who couldn’t afford an iPhone contract.
2007 — iPod nano (3rd Generation)
A completely new, fatter design with a small video screen. Not everyone loved this shape, but it sold well.
2008 — iPod nano (4th Generation)
Back to a slim design, with a curved aluminium back. Available in nine colours.
2009 — iPod nano (5th Generation)
Added a built-in video camera and FM radio — the first iPod you could record video on.
2009 — iPod classic (Final Model)
Apple quietly updated the iPod classic with 160GB storage. This would be the last update to the classic iPod line.
2010 — iPod nano (6th Generation)
A tiny square design with a touchscreen. So small it could clip to your clothing like a badge. Some people used it as a smartwatch. Unusual but charming.
2010 — iPod shuffle (4th Generation)
Brought back the physical buttons (earlier shuffle models only had on-earphone controls). This was the final iPod shuffle design.
2012 — iPod nano (7th Generation)
Returned to a taller design with a 2.5-inch touchscreen. Bluetooth support added. This was the final iPod nano ever made.
2014 — iPod classic Discontinued
Apple quietly removed the iPod classic from sale in September 2014. No announcement, no farewell event. It was simply gone. Mint-condition used iPod classics immediately started selling for high prices on eBay — including in the UK.
2015 — iPod touch (6th Generation)
Upgraded with Apple’s A8 chip (the same as in the iPhone 6). Great performance for the price, popular for gaming and streaming.
2017 — iPod shuffle and iPod nano Discontinued
Apple stopped selling both the iPod shuffle and iPod nano in July 2017. Only the iPod touch remained.
2019 — iPod touch (7th Generation): The Last iPod
The final iPod touch launched with the A10 chip and 256GB storage option. It looked identical to the 6th generation but was faster.
2022 — The End: iPod touch Discontinued
On 10 May 2022, Apple announced the end of the iPod touch. After 20 years and hundreds of millions of units sold, the iPod was gone.
Apple’s statement said customers could now find the iPod experience through their iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. It was the end of an era.
Every iPod Model — Quick Reference Table
| Model | Year Released | Year Discontinued |
| iPod (1st–5th Gen) | 2001–2005 | 2007 |
| iPod classic | 2007 | 2014 |
| iPod mini | 2004 | 2005 |
| iPod nano (all 7 gens) | 2005 | 2017 |
| iPod shuffle (all 4 gens) | 2005 | 2017 |
| iPod touch (all 7 gens) | 2007 | 2022 |
How Did the iPod Change Music in the UK?
The iPod’s impact in the UK was enormous:
- It boosted digital music sales dramatically. The iTunes Store became the UK’s biggest music retailer within a few years of launching.
- It hurt physical CD sales. CD sales in the UK started dropping in 2004 and never recovered.
- It created the “earbud culture.” Before the iPod, earphones were ugly and bulky. Apple’s white earbuds became a fashion statement.
- It led to the iPhone. Steve Jobs famously said the iPhone was “an iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator.” The iPod was the foundation.
- It led to music streaming. Once people got used to carrying all their music digitally, services like Spotify (launched in the UK in 2008) were a natural next step.
Can You Still Hire an iPod?
Believe it or not, yes. iPods particularly the iPod touch — are still used at events and in education settings. Audio guides at museums, entertainment at corporate events, and interactive displays all sometimes use iPods.
Whether you need iPods for an audio walking tour, a corporate event entertainment station, a museum exhibit, or a product launch, we deliver fully set up devices to your venue across the UK. All devices are pre-loaded with your content and returned after the event. No long-term commitment required.
Rent Tech Devices for Business Events and Professional Use
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the iPod come out?
The original Apple iPod was announced on 23 October 2001 and went on sale shortly after in the UK and USA, priced at around $399 (approximately £269). It came with 5GB of storage and the iconic click-wheel design.
How many iPod models were made?
Apple made six main iPod families: the iPod classic (6 generations), iPod mini (2 generations), iPod nano (7 generations), iPod shuffle (4 generations), iPod touch (7 generations), and the original iPod (5 generations). In total, Apple sold approximately 450 million iPods over 20 years.
Can you still rent an iPod in the UK?
Yes. iPods are still used at events, museums, and exhibitions for audio tours and interactive displays. Hire Tablets UK offers iPod hire for events and exhibitions across the UK, delivered and ready to use.
Are old iPods worth anything?
Yes. Original iPod classics and early models in good condition sell for significant amounts. A mint-condition first-generation iPod can sell for £200 to £500 or more in the UK. The 160GB iPod classic is particularly sought after by collectors.
Why did Apple stop making the iPod?
Apple discontinued the iPod because the iPhone had taken over its role. Most people carried a smartphone, which could play music, making a dedicated music player less necessary.
What was the best iPod ever made?
This is debated, but many fans point to the iPod classic (160GB) for sheer storage and iconic design, or the iPod touch (7th generation) for features and performance.
Are old iPods worth anything?
Yes. Original iPod classics and early models in good condition sell for significant amounts on eBay and second-hand sites. A mint-condition first-generation iPod can sell for £200–£500 or more in the UK.
When was the iPod discontinued?
Apple officially discontinued the iPod on 10 May 2022, ending a 20-year run. The last model was the iPod touch 7th generation. Apple stated that customers could find the iPod experience through their iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.