Sept. 2009
Sept. 2008
Sept. 2007

6th Generation (iPod classic)

The iPod classic features a large, widescreen display and a Click Wheel. It comes in two colors of anodized aluminum: silver and black. A USB to Dock Connector cable is used for transferring music. The physical size of the iPod classic differed slightly based on capacity. In September 2009, the 120GB iPod classic was discontinued and replaced by a 160GB capacity, but retained the same thinness as the 80GB and 120GB models (0.41 inch / 10.5 mm).

Sept. 2006
Oct. 2005

5th Generation (iPod video)

The fifth generation iPod is the first to feature a large, widescreen, full-color display and the ability to play video (in addition to photos and music). It comes in three capacities, either 30, 60, or 80GB. The casing is made of plastic and available in two colors: white or black. The fifth generation iPod is controlled by the standard Click Wheel.

Jun. 2005
Feb. 2005
Oct. 2004

4th Generation with Color Display (iPod photo)

The fourth generation iPod was originally released with a monochrome display and later updated to include a color display and the ability to display photos and album artwork. Fourth generation iPod models with a color display come in four capacities, either 20, 30, 40, or 60GB. The 4th generation iPod comes only in white. Controls are handled via the standard Click Wheel.

July 2004

4th Generation with Monochrome Display

The original fourth generation iPod features a monochrome display and comes in two capacities, either 20 or 40GB. This is the first iPod model to feature the now-standard Click Wheel. The 4th generation iPod comes only in white.

Sept. 2003
Apr. 2003

3rd Generation

The third generation iPod is the first to use the now-standard Dock Connector and the only iPod to feature touch controls separate from the Touch Wheel. Four touch-sensitive buttons control play, pause, track forward, and reverse, while the Touch Wheel controls volume. The 3rd generation iPod comes only in white and is available in 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40GB capacities.

Jul. 2002
Mar. 2002
Oct. 2001

1st and 2nd Generations

The first and second generation iPod look nearly identical, notably different from all other iPod generations given their square-edged front casing. They are also distinguished by a FireWire port on the top, next to the headphone jack. However, the second generation iPod features a cover for the FireWire port - the first generation iPod does not. Another easily noticeable difference is the Touch Wheel of the second generation iPod, as opposed to the Scroll Wheel of the first generation. (The Touch Wheel is touch activated and does not move, but the Scroll Wheel rotates under one's finger.) The first generation iPod is available in 5 and 10GB capacities, and the second generation in 10 and 20GB capacities. The first and second generation iPod did not include a Dock Connector.

Sept. 2010
Sept. 2011

4th Generation

iPod touch (4th generation) is available in a 8 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB configuration. It has two built-in cameras and is available in white and black.

Sept. 2009

3rd Generation

iPod touch (3rd generation) features a 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen multi-touch display and 32 GB or 64 GB flash drive. You can browse the web with Safari and watch YouTube videos with Wi-Fi. You can also search, preview, and buy songs from the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store on iPod touch.

The iPod touch (3rd generation) can be distinguished from iPod touch (2nd generation) by looking at the back of the device. In the text below the engraving, look for the model number. iPod touch (2nd generation) is model A1288, and iPod touch (3rd generation) is model A1318.

Sept. 2008

2nd Generation

The second generation iPod touch has a 3.5-inch Multi-Touch display. In September 2009, the 16GB iPod touch was discontinued, and a 64GB model was introduced, making for three available capacities: 8GB, 32GB, and 64GB. While externally unchanged, the 32GB and 64GB models feature voice control and a redesigned headphone with remote and microphone. The iPod touch allows you to browse the web, watch YouTube videos, download applications, access the iTunes Store, and more with Wi-Fi internet. The second generation iPod touch is differentiated from the first generation by its rounded, contoured design, volume control on the side, and oval-shaped antennae cover in the back upper left corner.

Feb. 2008
Sept. 2007

1st Generation

The first generation iPod touch has a 3.5-inch Multi-Touch display. It is available in three capacities: 8, 16, or 32GB. It allows you to browse the web, watch YouTube videos, and more with Wi-Fi internet. An iPod software update (available online for $9.95) allows access to new features, including application downloads, the iTunes Store, and more. The first generation iPod touch is differentiated from the second generation by its comparatively flat back and lack of volume controls on the iPod touch itself.

Sept. 2010

6th Generation

iPod nano (6th generation) is available in six colors in a 8 GB or 16 GB configuration. The touch screen is 1.54" (diagonally).

Sept. 2009

5th Generation

The fifth generation iPod nano is available in two capacities (8GB and 16GB) and the same nine colors as the generation before it. It shares the same rounded/curved shape as the previous generation, but is distinguished by its slightly longer/taller screen, polished anodized aluminum finish, and a small video camera on the back near the bottom right corner. Internal changes are notable, too, but not visible from the outside: a built-in pedometer and FM radio tuner, for example.

Sept. 2008

4th Generation

The fourth generation iPod nano comes in two capacities, either 8 or 16GB. It is available in nine colors of anodized aluminum: silver, black, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and pink. The fourth generation iPod nano is notably different from other generations in that: it features a taller/longer screen and the ability to shuffle or change tracks by physically shaking it; the surface is rounded/curved; and it is oval-shaped when seen directly from above or below.

Sept. 2007

3rd Generation

The third generation iPod nano comes in two capacities, either 4 or 8GB. It is available in five colors: black, silver, blue, red, and green. The third generation iPod nano is differentiated from other generations by its wider screen and squarer body (as opposed to oblong), and the hold switch on the bottom by the Dock Connector.

Sept. 2006

2nd Generation

The second generation iPod nano comes in three capacities, either 2, 4, or 8GB. It is available in six colors: black, silver, pink, green, blue, and red. It is different from other generations in that its case is curved on the sides, but flat on the front and back.

Feb. 2006
Sept. 2005

1st Generation

The first generation iPod nano comes in three capacities, either 1, 2, or 4GB. It is available in two colors: white or black. The first generation iPod nano can be distinguished from other generations by its plastic casing (as opposed to anodized aluminum) and squarer edges.

Sept. 2010

4th Generation

iPod shuffle (4th generation) is available in five colors in a 2 GB configuration. The colors are blue, green, orange, pink, and silver.

Sept. 2009
Mar. 2009

3rd Generation

The third generation iPod shuffle has no buttons on the unit itself, but uses a single three-position switch to toggle between shuffle, play-in-order, and off. Controls are handled via the Apple Earphones with Remote. The only port on it is a special headphone jack that is also used with a USB adapter to transfer music. There is a metal clip on the backside. There is no display, but a small pinpoint status light changes from green to orange to display whether the iPod is playing, connected to a computer, etc. As of September 2009, the iPod shuffle is available in three new colors (in addition to black and silver): pink, green, and blue. A "special edition" model in polished stainless steel is also available. The iPod shuffle is available in two capacities, 2GB and 4GB.

Feb. 2008
Sept. 2006

2nd Generation

The second generation iPod shuffle is made of anodized aluminum and features controls on the front and a clip on the back. Many colors are available: silver, lime-green, teal, pink, red, blue, light blue, purple, and orange. There is no display, but two pinpoint status lights let you know whether it is playing, charging, etc. Available in 1 or 2GB.

Jan. 2005

1st Generation

The first generation iPod shuffle is made of white plastic and has no display. Controls are on the unit itself. A USB connector is built-in, covered by a protective cap. The capacity of the drive is engraved on the metal USB connector itself. Available in 512 MB or 1GB.

Feb. 2005
Jan. 2004

1st and 2nd Generations

The first and second generation iPod mini look nearly identical, marked by their colors (silver, blue, green, pink, gold/yellow) and medium size. There are several ways to distinguish the second generation from the first: the capacity is engraved on the back and the Click Wheel icon colors match that of the iPod mini. The first generation iPod mini is available in a 4GB capacity; the second generation featured either 4 or 6GB.