When the iPod touch debuted, it marked a major change for the entire iPod line up. For the first time, there was an iPod that was more like the iPhone than the nanos or iPod Video that had come before it. There was good reason that the iPod touch was referred to as "an iPhone without the phone."
Not only was the iPod touch similar to the iPhone, it was a sign that the end of the traditional iPod had begun.
It will takes years still for the original iPods to die off, but the iPod touch's appearance was the event that signaled their eventual doom.
Over the years the touch has evolved from a fun, but limited iPod to a powerful device that could almost replace an iPhone for some uses. Chart the evolution of the iPod touch in this article, which surveys the history of the touch model by model.
iPod touch (1st Gen.) Specs, Features, and Hardware
Availability
Released: Sept. 2007 (32GB model added Feb. 2008)
Discontinued: Sept. 2008
The iPhone been out about 18 months by the time the first iPod touch had been released. The iPhone 3G had debuted a few months earlier and, by this time, Apple knew it had a hit on its hands with the iPhone (though not yet how big a hit). It also knew that not everyone wanted, needed, or could afford an iPhone.
To bring some of the best features of the iPhone to the iPod, it released the first generation iPod touch.
Many people referred to the touch as an iPhone without the phone features. It offered the same basic design, a large touchscreen, Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, and iPod features including music and video playback, wireless music purchases from the iTunes Store, and CoverFlow content browsing.
Its chief differences from the iPhone are the lack of phone features, digital camera, and GPS, and a smaller, lighter body.
Capacity
8GB (about 1,750 songs)
16GB (about 3,500 songs)
32GB (about 7,000 songs)
solid-state Flash memory
Screen
480 x 320 pixels
3.5 inches
multitouch
Networking
802.11b/g Wi-Fi
Supported Media Formats
- Audio: AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, Audible, MP3, WAV
- Images: Bitmap, GIF, JPEG, PNG, PSD (Mac only), TIFF
- Video: H.264, MPEG-4
Dimensions
4.3 x 2.4 x 0.31 inches
Weight
4.2 ounces
Battery Life
- Audio: 22 hours
- Video: 5 hours
Colors
Silver
iOS Support
Up to 3.0; Not compatible with iOS 4.0 or higher
Requirements
- Mac: Mac OS X 10.4.10 or higher; iTunes 7.6 or higher
- Windows: Windows Vista or XP or higher; iTunes 7.6 or higher
Price
US$299 - 8 GB
$399 - 16 GB
$499 - 32 GB
iPod touch (2nd Gen.) Specs, Features, and Hardware
Availability
Released: Sept. 2008
Discontinued: Sept. 2009
Read the Review
The Second Generation iPod touch was distinct from its predecessor due to its redesigned shape and a host of new features and sensors, including a built-in accelerometer, integrated speakers, Nike+ support, and Genius functionality.
The second generation iPod touch had the same shape as the iPhone 3G, though it was thinner at just 0.33 inches thick.
Like the iPhone, the 2nd gen. touch included an accelerometer that senses how the user is holding or moving the device and allows content on the screen to respond accordingly. The device also included the Nike+ personal exercise management and tracking software system (hardware for Nike shoes needs to be purchased separately).
Unlike the iPhone, the touch lacked phone features and a camera. In most other ways, the two devices were very similar.
Capacity
8GB (about 1,750 songs)
16GB (about 3,500 songs)
32GB (about 7,000 songs)
solid-state Flash memory
Screen
480 x 320 pixels
3.5 inches
multitouch
Networking
802.11b/g Wi-Fi
Bluetooth (with iOS 3 and up)
Supported Media Formats
- Audio: AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, Audible, MP3, WAV
- Images: Bitmap, GIF, JPEG, PNG, PSD (Mac only), TIFF
- Video: H.264, MPEG-4
Dimensions
4.3 x 2.4 x 0.31 inches
Weight
4.05 ounces
Battery Life
- Audio: 36 hours
- Video: 6 hours
Colors
Silver
iOS Support
up to 4.2.1 (but doesn't support multitasking or wallpaper customization)
Not compatible with iOS 4.2.5 or higher
Requirements
- Mac: Mac OS X 10.4.10 or higher; iTunes 8 or higher
- Windows: Windows Vista or XP or higher; iTunes 8 or higher
Price
$229 - 8 GB
$299 - 16 GB
$399 - 32 GB
iPod touch (3rd Gen.) Specs, Features, and Hardware
Availability
Released: Sept. 2009
Discontinued: Sept. 2010
The 3rd generation iPod touch was met with a somewhat tepid response at its initial introduction because it offered only slight improvements over the previous model. Based on rumors, many observers had expected that this model would incorporate a digital camera (it would later appear on the 4th generation model). Despite that initial disappointment in some corners, the 3rd generation iPod touch continued the line's sales success.
The 3rd gen. touch was fairly similar to its predecessor, it distinguished itself due to its increased capacity and faster processor, as well as support for Voice Control and VoiceOver.
Another key addition to the third-generation model was the same processor as used in the iPhone 3GS, giving the device more processing power and allowing it to display more complex graphics using OpenGL. Not all iPhone features arrived on the touch, though: Like previous iPod touch models, this one lacked the digital camera and GPS features available on the iPhone.
Capacity
32GB (about 7,000 songs)
64GB (about 14,000 songs)
solid-state Flash memory
Screen
480 x 320 pixels
3.5 inches
multitouch screen
Networking
802.11b/g Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Supported Media Formats
- Audio: AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, Audible, MP3, WAV
- Images: Bitmap, GIF, JPEG, PNG, PSD (Mac only), TIFF
- Video: H.264, MPEG-4
Dimensions
4.3 x 2.4 x 0.33 inches
Weight
4.05 ounces
Battery Life
- Audio: 36 hours
- Video: 6 hours
Colors
Silver
iOS Support
up to 5.0
Requirements
- Mac: Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher; iTunes 9 or higher
- Windows: Windows Vista or XP or higher; iTunes 9 or higher
Price
$299 - 32GB
$399 - 64GB
iPod touch (4th Gen.) Specs, Features, and Hardware
Availability
Released: September 2010
Discontinued: 8GB and 64GB models discontinued in Oct. 2012; 16GB and 32GB models were sold until May 2013.
Read the Review
The 4th generation iPod touch inherited many of the features of the iPhone 4, significantly upgrading its display capabilities and making it more powerful.
The major changes introduced with this model were the addition of Apple's A4 processor (which also powers the iPhone 4 and the iPad), two cameras (including one user-facing) and support for FaceTime video chats, high-definition video recording, and the inclusion of the high-resolution Retina Display screen.
It also included a three-axis gyroscope for better gaming responsiveness.
As with previous models, the 4th generation touch offered a 3.5-inch touchscreen, Internet access over Wi-Fi, media-playback features, multiple sensors for gaming performance, and App Store support.
Capacity
8GB
32GB
64GB
Screen
960 x 640 pixels
3.5-inch
multitouch screen
Networking
802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Supported Media Formats
- Audio: AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, Audible, MP3, WAV
- Images: Bitmap, GIF, JPEG, PNG, PSD (Mac only), TIFF
- Video: H.264, MPEG-4
Cameras
- Front-facing: records 720p high-definition video, 940 x 640 pixel photos
- User-facing: VGA-quality photos and videos
Dimensions
4.4 x 2.3 x 0.28 inches
Weight
3.56 ounces
Battery Life
- Audio: 40 hours
- Video: 7 hours
Colors
Silver
White
Price
$229—8GB
$299—32GB
$399—64GB
iPod touch (5th Gen.) Specs, Features, and Hardware
Availability
Release date: October 2012
Discontinued: July 2015
Read the Review
Unlike the iPhone, which is refreshed every year, the iPod touch line hadn't been updated since 2010. When the 5th generation model was unveiled in 2012, it was a big step forward for the device.
Every model of the iPod touch has looked a lot like its older sibling, the iPhone, and inherited many of its features. While the 5th generation touch does indeed share many features with the iPhone 5, the two devices don't look completely alike, thanks to the introduction of colored cases to the iPod touch line for the first time (previously the touch had only been available in black and white).
The 5th generation iPod touch is also a thinner and lighter than the iPhone 5, by 0.06 inches and 0.85 ounces, respectively.
5th Generation iPod touch Hardware Features
Some of the major hardware changes added in the 5th iPod touch include:
- New, larger screen: Like the iPhone 5, the 5th generation iPod touch sports a large, 4-inch screen. Like the iPhone, the touch got taller, but not wider, changing its resolution to 1136 x 640. Thanks to that resolution, the iPod touch still offers a Retina Display screen at 326 pixels per inch.
- Apple A5 processor, the same as used in the iPhone 4S and iPad 2.
- Improved cameras
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Lighter, thinner: The 5th generation touch is 0.04 inches thinner and weighs 0.46 ounces less than the 4th generation model.
- Lightning: This generation is the first iPod touch model to use Lightning, Apple's replacement for the earlier Dock Connector. Lightning is smaller and thinner than its predecessor, and it is reversible, so it doesn't matter which side is facing up when you plug it in.
- Built-in Nike+ support
- Loop: A new accessory for the iPod touch. This small loop attaches to the back of the touch and goes around the user's wrist to secure it to their body. The loop is included with every 5th generation touch and is color coordinated with the color of the touch's case.
- EarPods: The touch ships with Apple's new, redesigned earbuds, called EarPods. They're intended to better fit in the ear, not fall out, and deliver better sound.
Key Software Features
Thanks to its new hardware and iOS 6, the 5th generation iPod touch supports the following new software features:
- Siri: Previously limited to just the iPhone 5, the iPod touch now supports Apple's voice-activated digital assistant, Siri.
- Panoramic photos: Thanks to iOS 6, the iPod touch is
- Passbook: A new app that collects e-tickets, gift cards, coupons, and other items that can be used in stores and at events. Employees will simply scan the bar codes in the app to give the user their ticket or discount.
- Facebook integration
Major iOS 6 Features Not Supported on the iPod touch
- Turn-by-turn directions in the new Maps app
- FaceTime over cellular networks
Battery Life
- Music: 40 hours
- Video: 8 hours
Cameras
- Front (user facing): 1.2 megapixel images, 720p HD video recording and FaceTime
- Back: 5 megapixel images, 1080p HD video recording, support for panoramic photos in iOS 6, camera flash
Wireless Features
802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, on both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands
Bluetooth 4.0
AirPlay support--up to 1080p on 3rd generation Apple TV, up to 720p on 2nd generation Apple TV
Colors
Black
Blue
Green
Gold
Red
Supported Media Formats
- Audio: AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, Audible, MP3, WAV
- Images: Bitmap, GIF, JPEG, PNG, PSD (Mac only), TIFF
- Video: H.264, MPEG-4
Included Accessories
Lightning cable/connector
EarPods
Loop
Size and Weight
4.86 inches tall by 2.31 inches wide by 0.24 inches thick
Weight: 3.10 ounces
Requirements
- Mac: Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later
- PC: Windows 7, Vista, or XP Home or Professional with SP3 or later
- iTunes: iTunes 10.7 or later
Capacity and Price
32GB - US$299
64GB - $399
Availability
Release date: July 2015
Discontinued: Still being sold
In the three years since the 5th generation iPod touch was released, and with the continued runaway growth of the iPhone after the blockbuster introductions of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, many speculated that Apple wouldn't continue offering the iPod touch much longer.
They were proved wrong with the release of the powerfully revamped 6th generation iPod touch.
This generation brings many of the hardware features of the iPhone 6 series into the touch lineup, including an improved camera, the M8 motion co-processor, and the A8 processor, a big jump from the A5 at the heart of the previous generation. This generation also introduces a high-capacity 128GB model.
6th Generation iPod touch Hardware Features
Key new features of the 6th generation touch include:
- A8 processor - The same 64-bit chip as used in the iPhone 6 series, giving the touch more power
- M8 motion co-processor - The touch can now take advantage of the same movement data collection as the top-of-the-line iPhone models
- 8 megapixel back camera - In addition to higher-quality images, includes support for 43 megapixel panoramic images and 120 frames/second slow motion
- Improved networking - This model supports the faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard and Bluetooth 4.1, as opposed to the 4.0 in the previous generation
- 128 GB model - The maximum storage offered by the touch now matches that offered by the iPhone 6 series.
The 6th touch maintains features from the previous generation such as the 4-inch Retina Display screen, a 1.2 megapixel user-facing camera, support for iOS 8 and iOS 9, and more. It also has the same physical size and weight as its predecessor.
Battery Life
- Music: up to 40 hours
- Video: up to 8 hours
Cameras
- Front (user facing): 1.2 megapixel images, 720p HD video recording and FaceTime
- Back: 8 megapixel images, 1080p HD video recording, 43 megapixel panoramic images, bust mode, 120 frames/second slow motion video
Wireless Features
802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, on both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands
Bluetooth 4.1
AirPlay support--up to 1080p on 3rd generation Apple TV, up to 720p on 2nd generation Apple TV
Colors
Silver
Gold
Space Gray
Pink
Blue
Red
Supported Media Formats
- Audio: AAC, Protected AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, Audible, MP3, WAV
- Video: H.264, MPEG-4, Motion JPEG
Included Accessories
Lightning cable/connector
EarPods
Size and Weight
4.86 inches tall by 2.31 inches wide by 0.24 inches thick
Weight: 3.10 ounces
Requirements
- Mac: Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later
- PC: Windows 7 or later
- iTunes: 12.2 or later
Capacity and Price
16GB - US$199
32GB - $249
64GB - $299
128GB - $399
If you listen to the discussion online or out loud about iPods, you're bound to hear someone refer to the "iTouch."
But there's no such thing as an iTouch (at least not in the iPod line. Reader Carnie points out that there's a Logitech keyboard with that name). What people mean when they talk about the iTouch is the iPod touch.
It's easy to see how this confusion can arise: many of Apple's flagship products have the prefix "i" and "iTouch" is an easier name to say than iPod touch.
Still, the official name of the product isn't the iTouch; it's the iPod touch.