iPod 1st Generation: When Did iPods Come Out? History Timeline

The Original Era (2001–2003)

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.

Complete iPod Timeline: Every Model Ever Made

2001: First iPod (1st Generation)

Before the iPod, MP3 players were either large and difficult to carry or small with very limited features. Steve Jobs asked Apple Senior Vice President of Industrial Design Jonathan Ive and a team of hardware engineers to create a better product that could become iconic.

The first iPod was developed in less than a year and introduced on October 23, 2001, at a price of $399. This first iPod release date marked the beginning of Apple’s hugely successful portable music player lineup. It could store up to 1,000 songs. The name “iPod” was suggested by a freelance copywriter who, after seeing the prototype, was reminded of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey and the famous line, “Open the pod bay door, Hal!”

When PCMag tested the iPod, it transferred 523 songs (2.3GB of music) in just five minutes. Unlike competing MP3 players that used larger 2.5-inch hard drives, the iPod used a smaller 1.8-inch hard drive. It weighed only 6.5 ounces and was about the size of a deck of cards. The first-generation iPod had a mechanical scroll wheel, a center select button, and four buttons placed around the wheel. It was designed only for Mac users.

The First iPod: Key Specifications

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.

2002: iPod 2G (2nd Generation)

• Released: July 2002
• Capacity: 10GB and 20GB
• Key feature: Touch Wheel (replaced the original mechanical scroll wheel)
• Connectivity: FireWire
• Compatible with Mac (Windows support arrived later in 2002)

About nine months after releasing the first iPod, Apple made a few small improvements and launched the second-generation iPod on July 17, 2002. The biggest change was that Windows PC users could now use the iPod with Musicmatch Jukebox software.

For users who needed more storage, Apple increased the capacity from 5GB to 10GB while keeping the price at $399. Later that year, Apple also introduced a 20GB model for $499, which could store up to 4,000 songs.

Another new feature was the touch-sensitive scroll wheel. Although the second-generation iPod looked almost the same as the first one, the wheel no longer physically rotated. Apple also added a cover for the FireWire port and included software that allowed users to save contact lists with up to 1,000 names and addresses. In addition, customers could personalize their iPod by adding a custom laser engraving on the stainless-steel back.

2003: iPod 3G 3rd Generation + iTunes Store Launches

• Release: April 2003
• Storage: 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB and later 40GB
• Key features:
  • First iPod with the Dock Connector
  • Touch-sensitive wheel with four buttons above the wheel
  • Thinner and lighter design than previous models
  • Up to 7,500 songs on the 40GB model

This generation is easy to identify because it has:

• A touch wheel without integrated click buttons
• Four separate buttons (Menu, Play/Pause, Previous, Next) positioned between the screen and the wheel
• The first Dock Connector at the bottom instead of only FireWire

Apple realized that 5GB of storage was no longer enough for people’s growing music collections. On April 28, 2003, the company introduced the third-generation iPod with 10GB, 15GB, and 30GB storage options. Five months later, Apple also released 20GB and 40GB models. In less than two years, the iPod’s storage capacity had increased from 1,000 songs to 10,000 songs.

In 2003, Apple stopped using Musicmatch software after releasing iTunes 4.1 for Windows. On April 29, the company also launched the iTunes Store. During its first four months, the store sold more than 10 million songs.

The third-generation iPod was the first model to feature a fully touch-sensitive scroll wheel. It also introduced a dock connector and a slimmer design. Another major change was that the buttons were moved from around the wheel to a row above it.

2004: iPod Mini, iPod Photo, iPod 4G

2004: iPod mini

• Release: January 2004
• Storage: 4GB (later 6GB)
• Key features:
  • First iPod available in multiple colours (Silver, Blue, Green, Pink, Gold)
  • Aluminium body
  • First Click Wheel design
  • Smaller and lighter than the standard iPod

2004: iPod photo

• Release: October 2004
• Storage: 40GB and 60GB
• Key features:
  • First iPod with a colour display
  • Displayed photos in colour
  • TV output for viewing photos on a television
  • Retained the Click Wheel interface

2004: iPod 4G (4th Generation)

• Release: July 2004
• Storage: 20GB and 40GB
• Key features:
  • Introduced the integrated Click Wheel from the iPod mini
  • Longer battery life (up to 12 hours)
  • Thinner design with improved navigation
  • Monochrome display

These are the three iPod models Apple introduced during 2004, making it one of the busiest years in the iPod lineup.

By January 2004, Apple had sold more than 2 million iPods, making it the world’s leading digital music player. That year, Apple introduced three new iPod models: the iPod photo, available in 30GB, 40GB, and 60GB versions; the fourth-generation iPod, available in 20GB and 60GB models; and the 4GB iPod mini.

The iPod mini came in five colors: silver, blue, pink, green, and gold. It was the first iPod to feature the click wheel, which combined the function buttons with the scroll wheel and made one-handed navigation easier. At the time, it was the smallest portable music player that could store up to 1,000 CD-quality songs, and it was sold for $249.

The iPod photo, also called the iPod with color display, was released in October 2004. It looked similar to the standard iPod but had a larger hard drive, a color screen, and a bigger battery. Although it could not play videos, users could view photos on the color display. It also showed album artwork while songs were playing.

The fourth-generation iPod removed the separate function buttons and adopted the click wheel from the iPod mini. This model also introduced the Shuffle feature, which played songs in random order and later became an important feature in Apple’s iPod lineup.

2005: iPod nano, iPod Shuffle, iPod Mini, iPod 5G/Video iPod

2005: iPod shuffle

Release: January 2005

Storage: 512MB and 1GB (later 2GB)

Key Features:

• Apple’s smallest and most affordable iPod
• Screen-free design with shuffle playback
• USB plug built into the device
• Lightweight and highly portable

2005: iPod mini (2nd Generation)

Release: February 2005

Storage: 4GB and 6GB

Key Features:

• Improved battery life (up to 18 hours)
• Available in five vibrant colours
• Aluminium body with Click Wheel
• Last iPod mini before being replaced by the iPod nano

2005: iPod nano (1st Generation)

Release: September 2005

Storage: 1GB, 2GB and 4GB

Key Features:

• Replaced the iPod mini
• Ultra-thin design with flash storage
• Colour display for photos and album artwork
• Click Wheel with up to 14 hours of battery life

2005: iPod (5th Generation / Video iPod)

Release: October 2005

Storage: 30GB and 60GB (later 80GB)

Key Features:

• First iPod capable of video playback
• Larger 2.5-inch colour display
• Slimmer design with improved battery life
• Supported TV shows, music videos and podcasts

In 2005, Apple released five new iPod models and introduced two completely new products to the iPod family: the iPod nano and the iPod shuffle.

The iPod nano was launched later that year. It used flash memory instead of a hard drive, making it more reliable because it did not have problems like skipping or hard drive failure. It was available in black and white with 2GB and 4GB storage options. The nano also had a color screen, excellent sound quality, and a very slim design that was only 0.27 inches thick, making it 62% smaller than the iPod mini.

At its launch, Steve Jobs described the iPod nano as “a full-featured iPod in an impossibly small size” and said it would change the portable music market.

The iPod shuffle also used flash memory but had a much simpler design. It featured a white body with a four-way control ring and a play/pause button on the front. The power switch and battery-check button were placed on the back. It was the first iPod without a display screen. Instead, it worked with a new version of iTunes that randomly loaded songs onto the device. Users could choose to play songs in order or in shuffle mode. Steve Jobs described it as “smaller and lighter than a pack of gum.” The 1GB model, which could hold about 240 songs, cost $149, while the 512MB model, which stored about 120 songs, was priced at $99.

The iPod mini was discontinued after this update, and the iPod nano replaced it about seven months later.

Along with these smaller models, Apple also introduced the fifth-generation iPod, known as the iPod with video. It had a larger screen and a smaller click wheel than previous models. This was the first iPod that allowed users to watch videos. It was also available in black and became the last iPod to feature a plastic front.

2006: 80GB iPod, iPod Nano 2G, iPod Shuffle 2G

In 2006, Apple made fewer changes to the iPod lineup. The company released its largest-capacity iPod yet, the 80GB iPod. It included several improvements, such as longer battery life, a brighter screen, a search feature, and support for improved games.

Apple also introduced the second-generation iPod nano. It replaced the plastic body with a durable, scratch-resistant anodized aluminum case, similar to the iPod mini. The new nano was available in six colors and featured a screen that was 40% brighter. It also added a search function and supported gapless audio playback, allowing songs to play without pauses between tracks.

The iPod shuffle also received a major redesign. It became less than half the size of the previous model, and Apple called it the “world’s smallest MP3 player.” It even included a built-in belt clip for easy carrying. In addition, the power switch and the shuffle mode switch were separated into two different controls, making them easier to use.

2007: iPod Touch and iPod Classic

By 2007, Apple had sold 88 million iPods. That year also saw the launch of the iPhone, a new product that greatly affected iPod sales. Announced in January, the iPhone included many of the same features as the iPod while also working as a complete smartphone. As a result, many people stopped carrying both an iPod and a mobile phone because the iPhone combined both devices into one.

In September 2007, Apple introduced the iPod touch for people who wanted iPhone-like features without the phone function. If you’re wondering when did the iPod touch come out, the first iPod touch was released in September 2007. The iPod touch had the same 3.5-inch multi-touch screen and included Wi-Fi connectivity. Users could browse the internet, watch YouTube videos, and buy music wirelessly. At only 8 millimeters thick, it was the thinnest full-sized iPod at the time. The 8GB model started at $299. PCMag described it as “probably the best portable media player ever made.”

Apple also released a redesigned iPod nano in 2007. It had a shorter, wider, and slightly heavier design with a 2-inch screen. The new nano supported video playback and new iPod games.

Later that year, Apple introduced the iPod classic with a 160GB storage option. While it was similar to the previous model, it offered twice the storage capacity of the 80GB iPod released in 2006. The 160GB iPod classic was priced at $349.

2008: iPod touch 2G, iPod nano 4G

In 2008, the iTunes Store became the largest music retailer in the United States, surpassing Walmart after selling more than 5 billion songs.

In July 2008, Apple launched the App Store, allowing iPhone and iPod touch users to download apps. During its first weekend, users downloaded 10 million apps, and by September, the total number of downloads had exceeded 100 million.

Apple also updated the iPod touch and the iPod nano. The second-generation iPod touch featured a thinner design, dedicated volume buttons, and built-in speakers. New iOS updates also added support for the App Store and the Genius feature, which recommended songs and created playlists based on users’ music.

The fourth-generation iPod nano introduced Apple’s Genius playlist feature and became the first nano to include an accelerometer. This allowed the screen to automatically rotate between vertical and horizontal modes. Another new feature was “Shake to Shuffle,” which let users shake the device to play a random song.

2009: iPod Shuffle 3G, iPod Nano 5G, iPod Touch 3G

In March 2009, Apple released the third-generation iPod shuffle. It introduced the VoiceOver feature, which announced song titles and notified users when the battery needed to be recharged. The new shuffle was even smaller than the previous model. It still did not have a screen or an FM radio, and its playback controls were built into Apple’s earphones instead of the device itself.

In September 2009, Apple launched the fifth-generation iPod nano. It was the first non-touch iPod to include a built-in camera for taking photos and recording videos. The new nano also featured a larger screen, an FM radio, a built-in microphone, a speaker, a pedometer, and the VoiceOver feature previously introduced on the iPod shuffle.

Apple also released the third-generation iPod touch with a faster processor, making it better for games and other applications. It was promoted as a gaming device to compete with the PSP and Nintendo DS. Two years later, the iPod touch became the world’s best-selling non-phone portable gaming device.

2010: iPod Touch 4G, iPod Shuffle 4G, iPod Nano 6G

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.

In 2010, Apple had over 10 billion songs available on the iTunes Store and more than 5 billion app downloads from the App Store. It was another successful year for the company.

In September 2010, Apple introduced the fourth-generation iPod touch. It featured a Retina display, which made text and images much sharper and clearer. The new iPod touch could also record HD videos, take high-quality photos, and included a front-facing camera for FaceTime video calls.

Apple also updated the iPod shuffle and the iPod nano. The fourth-generation iPod shuffle was priced at just $49, making it the cheapest iPod ever released. It brought back the play, track, and volume buttons that had been removed from the previous model, so users no longer needed to use the controls on the earphones.

The sixth-generation iPod nano received a major redesign, but it was not as popular as earlier versions. Apple replaced the click wheel with a small multi-touch screen. The new nano no longer supported video recording or video playback. However, it included a rotatable touchscreen, an FM radio, and Nike+ fitness features.

2011: iPod Nano 7G, iPod Touch 4G Update

In October 2011, Apple updated the iPod nano while keeping the same touchscreen design introduced in the previous generation. Although its overall appearance stayed the same, Apple made several improvements to the user interface. The update included larger icons, 16 new watch-face designs, easier navigation with swipe gestures, and a lower price.

The iPod touch also received a small update in 2011. It was available in both black and white and came with iOS 5. The new operating system introduced more than 200 features, including iMessage, Notifications, and Wi-Fi syncing with iTunes. The iPod touch also supported iCloud, Apple’s free cloud service for storing and syncing data across devices.

2012: Larger Screen iPod Touch 5G, iPod Nano 8G, EarPods

In 2012, Apple made several important updates to the iPod lineup. One of the biggest changes was the introduction of the Apple EarPods. These were the first major redesign of Apple’s famous white earphones in 11 years. Although they were not designed for professional-quality audio, they offered much better sound and comfort than the previous earbuds.

The main focus of the 2012 iPods was larger displays. The iPod touch received the same 4-inch Retina display as the iPhone 5. It also featured a faster A5 processor, making it the first iPod touch with a dual-core chip. Other improvements included a 5-megapixel camera and Apple’s new Lightning connector. The iPod touch was available only in 32GB and 64GB versions, as the 8GB and 16GB models were discontinued. Apple also added a built-in loop so users could attach a wrist strap.

The iPod nano also received a major redesign. It kept its touchscreen but changed to a larger 2.5-inch rectangular display, making it better for watching HD videos. It was also the first iPod nano to include Bluetooth, along with a built-in pedometer and an FM radio tuner. Apple made 16GB the standard storage capacity, and the nano was available in several different colors.

Special Releases: U2, Harry Potter, (PRODUCT) RED

Apple has released many products over the years, including several limited-edition iPods. In 2005, the company introduced the Harry Potter Special Edition iPod, which featured the Hogwarts crest laser-engraved on the back. Earlier, in 2004, Apple released the 20GB U2 Special Edition iPod. It had a black stainless-steel body, a red click wheel, and the engraved signatures of the U2 band members.

In 2006, Apple launched another U2 Special Edition iPod based on the fifth-generation 30GB model. It also included 30 minutes of exclusive U2 video that users could download from the iTunes Music Store.

Later in November 2006, Apple introduced the (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition iPod nano. For every (PRODUCT) RED iPod nano sold, Apple donated $10 to the Global Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. Apple continues to sell (PRODUCT) RED products today, mainly iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands.

Apple also partnered with HP to release the iPod+HP between 2004 and 2005, but the product was available for only about a year and was not very successful.

There were very few major iPod updates in 2013 and 2014. In September 2014, Apple officially discontinued the iPod Classic, nearly 13 years after the original iPod was introduced. One of the main reasons was that the company could no longer obtain the older components needed to manufacture it. After production ended, iPod Classic models became highly sought after and were often sold on eBay for very high prices.

2015: iPod Touch 6G (6th Generation)

The launch of Apple Music encouraged Apple to release another update for the iPod touch. Before this, the iPod touch had only received small updates in 2013, when it became lighter, and in 2014, when it got an improved camera and a lower price.

The sixth-generation iPod touch kept the same 4-inch Retina display with a resolution of 1,136 × 640 pixels. However, it received major internal upgrades, including the A8 chip used in the iPhone 6, an 8-megapixel iSight camera, and the M8 motion coprocessor for fitness tracking.

The device was available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage options, with prices ranging from $199 to $399. It came in several colors, including Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Pink, Blue, and a special (PRODUCT) RED edition.

At the same time, Apple continued selling the iPod nano and the iPod shuffle alongside the updated iPod touch. However, it would be another four years before the iPod touch got another update.

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: Last iPod Touch Release

In May 2019, Apple surprised many people by announcing a new iPod touch. This became the last iPod release, making it an important date for anyone searching for when did the last iPod come out. This was unexpected because the company had discontinued the iPod nano and iPod shuffle in 2017. (Apple later officially classified the iPod nano as obsolete in 2020.)

Although the seventh-generation iPod touch looked almost the same as the previous model, it received several important internal upgrades. It featured a quad-core A10 chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 7. The device was available in six colors and came in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, priced at $199, $299, and $399, respectively.

The new iPod touch also included faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi and offered up to 40 hours of music playback or 8 hours of video playback on a single charge.

One of the main reasons Apple released this updated model was to support the Apple Arcade gaming service, which launched later that year. Older iPod models were not powerful enough to run many of the new games. PCMag described the seventh-generation iPod touch as “the only mainstream non-cellular handheld on the market” and praised it as an excellent choice for children and for people who wanted a portable device without the features of a smartphone.

Another feature that remained unchanged was the 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect wired headphones without an adapter.

2022: When Was the Last iPod Discontinued?

This marked the end of the iPod’s story. By 2019, it was clear why the product had reached the end of its life. At its peak, the iPod generated a large share of Apple’s total revenue—reaching as much as 40% in 2006. However, after the iPhone was introduced in 2007, the iPod’s share of Apple’s revenue began to decline. Sales dropped sharply by 2010, and in 2014, Apple stopped reporting iPod sales as a separate category.

Every iPod Model — Quick References

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Did the First iPod Come Out?

The first iPod came out on October 23, 2001. It had 5GB of storage, could hold up to 1,000 songs and initially worked only with Mac computers.

When Did the iPod Touch Come Out?

The first iPod touch came out in September 2007. It introduced a multi-touch display, Wi-Fi connectivity and many iPhone-style features without cellular connectivity.

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 Did the Last iPod Come Out?

The last iPod came out in May 2019, when Apple released the seventh-generation iPod touch. Apple continued selling the model until May 2022, when the iPod product line was officially discontinued.