iPod® Generations Chart
Heads up!
Welcome to this article from the Crutchfield archives. Have fun reading it, but be aware that the information may be outdated and links may be broken.Apple first introduced the iPod back in 2001, and since then this single versatile device has grown into an entire family of digital music and video players. The original iPod was the "first generation" model. Subsequent versions have been referred to as "second generation" (2G), "third generation" (3G), and so on.
Once memory capacity started being measured in gigabytes — abbreviated "GB" — determining which iPod you had could be confusing. For example, you might have a 4G 20GB iPod, or a 2G 4GB iPod shuffle.
So we've created this handy chart to help you identify exactly which iPod you have. Note that not every iteration was considered a new generation. The fourth generation iPod, for example, initially had a black and white screen, then was re-released with a color screen. Both versions are considered 4G iPods. We've also noted some of the major changes for each model in the chart to further help you with identification.
-
Tricia from Stanfield
Posted on 1/18/2019A friend gave me her old ipod. I believe it is 1st generation. Will I be able to download iTunes on this or will I have to purchase a newer ipod?
Cam from Aurora
Posted on 11/17/2018G'dday Ralph! Please keep this updated, I know it's archived, but it's what the people want! You worked really hard on this, and it would be a great article for referencing. Keep it up Dude!
Ralph Graves from Crutchfield
Posted on 11/2/2017Patrick: Sorry, once an article is archived it doesn't get updated. I did note when the dock connector changed. You can assume that every generation after that uses the same connector (until the next change occurred).
Patrick H
Posted on 11/1/2017Hi, Ralph - thanks for the handy chart! Any chance talking you into adding a column for (Dock) Connector Type?
Dee love from hayward
Posted on 11/9/2016How much are the ipod touch 4th generation worth now ?
marcia
Posted on 9/26/2016my IPOD touch is not recognized by Itunes anymore. I get an error when I plug it in, noting that Itunes does not recognize it. Might be the 1st or 2nd generation IPOD touch. How do I fix this. I don't want to purchase an new IPOD?
Diana from Hueytown, AL
Posted on 5/16/2016Have an older iPod but not sure if it's a 2nd or 3rd generation. It is 64GB and has a silver back but no camera or radio. Still plays great but battery is about gone. How can I find out which generation?
jim from homer glen
Posted on 4/19/2016can you hook up the 4th gen ipod shuffle to play in your car stereo? I plugged it in with the usb and the car head unit displays error 7
Brooks Davis from Houston
Posted on 4/18/2016Mike from Purceville, your ipod battery is bad. Ask me how I know...personal experience with my heavily used ipod 5th generation. Order a replacement battery ( must get the right ipod model !) from wherever , go to you tube and watch how to do it yourself using a guitar pick or one of those eyeglass small screwdrivers. I did it myself in 10 minutes, the battery was less than 10 bucks.
KMC1 from Chaska
Posted on 4/6/2016This incorrect! Unless the original Ipod was not considered an "Ipod" because it was made by HP? THE FIRST HAD BUTTONS ON THE BOTTOM AND THEY LIT UP RED
-
Pinkfloydthegr8
Posted on 4/4/2016You guys should really go into detail about the different DAC's Used in each generation, and the op amps and other relevant technical information if you want this article to really help your higher end clientele make a selection between these. It's all about how they sound which is definitely not the same, not just How much they hold and how they look. Good article however as is. :)
Michael Sasso from Gotha
Posted on 3/20/2016The latest iPod Touch is 6th generation, released on July 15, 2015.
hannah
Posted on 3/2/2016to mike - it's probably since it's old and wan't built to last this long either that or you have a bad battery Congrats on managing to keep it this long.
Ian
Posted on 8/18/2015Why did Apple not put a lens on the back of my fifth generation iPod® touch? :)
Ralph Graves from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/18/2015Zach:
The easiest way to determine memory size is to synch your iPod® with iTunes®. Select the listing for your synching player in the left navigation bar. You should see a status bar at the bottom of the iTunes window showing how much total memory you have on your player, and how much of it is currently in use.Zack Bernhardt from Newport News Va.
Posted on 8/15/2015How do I tell what the memory is, 8 or 16 GB in my iPod Nano 5th gen.
Mike from Purcellville
Posted on 7/26/2015Why is my 5th gen Nano iPod screen keep going dark or black?
17 comments