iPod touch

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

iPod touch
DeveloperApple Inc.
ManufacturerFoxconn
Release date
May 28, 2019 (2019-05-28) (current generation)
September 14, 2007 (1st generation)
Lifespan2007-2022
DiscontinuedMay 10, 2022 (2022-05-10)
Units sold400 million as of March 2024 (since September 2007)[1]
Operating systemiOS
CPUARM Cortex-A9 Apple A5 dual-core 1 GHz (underclocked to 800 MHz)
Memory512 MB DRAM[2]
Storage8, 16, 32, or 64 GB flash memory
Display4 in (102 mm), 800:1 contrast ratio (typical), 500 cd/m2 max. brightness (typical), Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on front , 1136×640 px at 326 PPI
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n (802.11n 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
Bluetooth 4.0
Power3.7 V rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 3.8 Wh, 1030 mAh;
audio: 40 hours; video: 8 hours[3][4]
Online servicesApp Store, iTunes Store, iBookstore, iCloud, Passbook
Dimensions123.4 mm (4.86 in) H
58.6 mm (2.31 in) W
6.1 mm (0.24 in) D
Mass88 g (3.1 oz)
Related articlesList of iOS devices
Websitewww.apple.com/ipodtouch

The iPod touch is a media player created and sold by Apple Inc. The public first saw it at an Apple meeting called "The Beat Goes On" on September 5, 2007. The iPod touch was famous for its touch screen. It has internet access with YouTube and the iTunes store. Apple sold it with either 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage.

The iPod touch can see the last ten songs played in a Starbucks café through Wi-Fi within the location of the iPod. The user can download tracks from the online iTunes music store with an iPod touch. This feature is to be offered in some Starbucks stores in the US. Right now, there are no plans to expand its Wi-Fi iTunes stores in any other country than the United States.

The iPod touch's touchscreen ability is the same as the iPhone's. Like the iPhone, the iPod touch also has a physical home button separate from the touch screen. The home screen includes a headphone set, an alarm clock and also a list of buttons corresponding to the available applications: Music, Videos, Photos, and iTunes on the bottom button row. Safari, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Calculator, and Settings are at the top. The iPod touch is also sold with 28 wallpaper photos, some of which are figures from the iPod advertisements.

As of September 9, 2014, when iPod Classic was discontinued, iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and iPod Touch were the only ones still manufactured. The iPod touch is the only remaining iPod still being manufactured as of July 27, 2017, when the iPod nano and iPod shuffle were discontinued. Apple concluded the iPod touch on May 10, 2022. However, the iPod touch was still available at Apple's online store while supplies lasted.

Models[change | change source]

  1. iPod 1st Generation (iOS 1 to 3.1.3)
  2. iPod 2nd Generation (iOS 2 to 4.2.1)
  3. iPod 3rd Generation (iOS 3 to 5.1.1)
  4. iPod 4th Generation (iOS 4 to 6.1.6)
  5. iPod 5th Generation (iOS 6 to 9.3.5)
  6. iPod 6th Generation (iOS 8.4 to 12.5.5)
  7. iPod 7th Generation Current Model (iOS 12.4 to 15.7)
Model Picture Capacity RAM Connection Original release date Minimum OS to sync Rated battery life (hours)
1st generation 8 GB
16 GB
32 GB[5]
128 MB[6] USB via dock connector (FireWire for charging only)[7] iPhone OS 1.1: September 14, 2007 iPhone OS 1.1.3: January 30, 2008 32 GB: February 5, 2008 Mac: 10.4 or later
Win: XP, Vista, 7
audio: 22
video: 5
The first generation iPod touch was launched on September 5, 2007, at an event called The Beat Goes On.[8] First iPod with Wi-Fi and a multi-touch interface. Features Safari web browser and wireless access to the iTunes Store and YouTube. Later added 16 and 32 GB versions, 32 GB in February 2008. iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access require an upgrade fee. iOS 4.0 and later are not supported because they require newer hardware.
2nd generation 8 GB
16 GB
32 GB[5]
128 MB[6] USB via dock connector iPhone OS 2.1 (8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB): September 9, 2008 iPhone OS 3.1 (8 GB only): September 9, 2009 Mac: 10.4 or later
Win: XP, Vista, 7
audio: 36
video: 6
The second generation iPod touch featured a new tapered chrome back with Nike+ functionality, volume buttons, and built-in speaker added, It was unveiled on September 9, 2008. It originally shipped with iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access. Bluetooth support was added with iPhone OS 3.0, which required an upgrade fee.[9][10] The 2nd generation comes with the chrome frame seen on the iPhone 3G, making the two almost identical when viewed from the front. However, there are some notable differences, as there is no speaker above the screen, no silent/ringer switch, the back is metal, and the sleep/wake button is on the other side. The 2nd generation also supports audio input when a headphone or earphone with microphone abilities is plugged into the audio output (headphone) jack. The CPU runs slightly faster than the processor inside the iPhone 3G, but slower than the iPhone 3GS.[11][12] iOS 4 was released for free for second generation iPod touch models June 21, 2010, but included a limited selection of features, with no support for iOS applications utilizing the iPhone's camera or GPS receiver and no support for iOS 4's multitasking and home screen background customization features. The 2nd generation iPod touch cannot be upgraded beyond iOS version 4.2.1. The iPod touch (2nd generation) is model A1288.
3rd generation

32 GB
64 GB[5]

256 MB USB via dock connector September 9, 2009 Mac: 10.4 or later
Win: XP, Vista, 7
audio: 30
video: 6
The 32 GB and 64 GB models were updated to include the upgraded RAM, CPU and GPU internals from the iPhone 3GS; they include voice control support, VoiceOver, included iPhone OS version 3.x, and bundled remote earphones with microphone. The 3rd generation iPod touch with iPhone OS 3.1 was released on September 9, 2009.[13] Apple's published technical specifications for the 3rd generation iPod touch only include references to the 32 GB and 64 GB models.[14]

Following the introduction of the 3rd generation iPod touch, Apple also continued offering the 2nd generation 8 GB version, upgraded to the same iPhone OS version as the new 3rd generation devices. The iPod touch (3rd generation) is model A1318.

4th generation 8 GB
16 GB
32 GB
64 GB[5]
256 MB[15] USB via dock connector Black: September 1, 2010 White: October 12, 2011 Mac: 10.5 or later
Win: XP, Vista, 7
audio: 40
video: 7
Apple unveiled the 4th generation iPod touch on September 1, 2010. It includes a front-facing camera for FaceTime, the iPhone 4's Retina display without an IPS screen,[16] support for recording 720p video and 960 x 720 still photos via a back camera,[17] Apple's A4 chip, a built-in microphone, and a 3-axis gyroscope. On October 12, 2011, the iPod touch 4th-generation began shipping with iOS 5.0 pre-installed for PC-free activation. Also, an additional color option, white, was made available. On September 12, 2012, the 8GB model was discontinued leaving the 16GB as the base model, the 32GB model was reduced in price, and the 64GB model was discontinued in favor of the fifth generation models. The 4th generation iPod touch supports up to iOS 6.1.6; it does not support iOS 7.
5th generation 32 GB
64 GB[5]
512 MB[18] USB via Lightning connector October 12, 2012 Mac: 10.6.8 or later
Win: XP (SP3), Vista, 7
audio: 40
video: 8
Apple unveiled the 5th generation iPod touch on September 12, 2012. Improvements include a 4-inch screen, IPS display, support for recording 1080p video and panoramic still photos via the rear camera, Apple's A5 chip, and support for Apple's Siri.
Additionally, colors matching the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle were added, making the iPod touch colors available Slate, Silver, Pink, Yellow, Blue and Product Red.[19]

On June 26, 2014, Apple released a new version of the 16 GB model that includes the rear-facing camera and more color options. The prices for every iPod touch model were also dropped. The 16 GB model is now $199 from $229, the 32 GB model is now $249 from $299, and the 64 GB model is now $299 from $399.[20]

Requirements[change | change source]

Before October 12, 2011, when the iPod touch is taken out of the box for the first time, it needs to be connected to a computer for it to start.[21] When it's first turned on, iTunes must be installed on either a macOS or Microsoft Windows operating system computer for programming the iPod touch. On either operating system, the iPod touch needs a USB 2.0 port on the computer to connect.[22] When the iPod is first turned on it needs data communications with iTunes, and will always show the "cable to iTunes" picture until it senses iTunes.[23]

However, after October 12, 2011, new iPods that were bought will have iOS 5 installed and that means users can set up the iPod wirelessly, without connecting it to a computer. It also means that users do not have to connect their iPod to a computer in order to sync and back up data. All of this will be done through Apple's iCloud service.[24]

The official requirements for the iPod touch are:[25]

Wi-Fi[change | change source]

The iPod touch is included with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, and, like the iPhone, has the Safari web browser and YouTube. The iPod's Wi-Fi ability can also be used to buy music from the iTunes Store.

Third-party applications[change | change source]

On October 17, 2007, Steve Jobs, gave an open letter posted on Apple's webpage, announced that a software development kit (SDK) for the iPhone would be made ready to third-party developers in February 2008. Because of security concerns and Jobs' praise of Nokia's digital signature system, it is also suggested that Apple will adopt a similar method. The SDK will also apply to the iPod touch.[27] However, end-users have still been able to "jailbreak" the iPod touch in similar methods to the iPhone, allowing the usage of third-party applications created by users. The most popular iPod touch jailbreak method is a website which takes advantage of a TIFF exploit in the iPod touch's web browser to execute the code in order to install the hacks. The site also patches the exploit as well. This method only worked on the 1.1.1 firmware, as 1.1.2 fixed the exploit needed for the installer to work.[28]

Software upgrades[change | change source]

During the initial launch of the iPod touch, reviews noted some differences compared to Apple's similar iPhone. One of the primary criticisms of the iPod touch is the absence of the iPhone's email, mapping and stock tracking applications. On January 15, 2008, Steve Jobs announced at his Macworld 2008 keynote that the January Software Upgrade for the iPod touch consisted of five new applications: Mail, Maps, Stocks, Notes and Weather. The new Maps feature is similar to that of the iPhone, with new software from Skyhook Wireless that pinpoints the user's location using Wi-Fi. The software upgrade is available for current iPod touch owners via iTunes download for US$19.99.[1] New iPod touch units with 1.1.3 installed (MA623LL/B or MA627LL/B) will also have the software upgrade pre-installed.[2]Customers who purchase an iPod touch with part number MA623LL/A or MA627LL/A must pay the upgrade fee to receive the new applications.

Comparisons to the iPhone[change | change source]

The first reviews of the iPod touch have cited some differences compared to Apple's similar iPhone. In addition to what was previously indicated regarding the differences that were subsequently considered and included in the January 2008 software upgrade, another complaint mentioned that the iPod touch had no physical buttons for volume control - a feature that the iPhone had. The iPod touch instead used software-based controls, which makes users to double click the home button, bringing up an on-screen volume control.[29] The iPod touch also did not have the iPhone's external speakers, built-in camera, and Bluetooth capability, but the 2nd generation onward has external speakers and the Bluetooth capability. The fourth generation, released in September 2010, was the first iPod touch to feature the retina display and two built-in cameras for FaceTime and for videos and still photos. At least one critic has suggested that Apple may have left out these applications and hardware features on purpose in order to differentiate the iPod touch from its more expensive cousin, the iPhone. Others say that the touch does not need the applications mentioned above because it's an iPod and not a mobile phone. However, the 2009 model of the iPod touch does feature Bluetooth, but only to link with bluetooth headphones.[29]

By now, the 5th-generation iPod touch mostly has the same functions as the iPhone, but is not quite as powerful, uses an inferior camera, lacks a built-in GPS, and lacks cell phone capabilities. However, it is cheaper than the iPhone, and also thinner, making it more portable.

Manufacturing flaws[change | change source]

A number of early iPod touch users have complained that their iPod's screen could not properly display shades of black. The problem has been related to the bad reflective coating on the LCD display and bad quality control. The defect caused the screen to have very narrow optimal viewing angle (hard to look at the screen from the side) and also resulted in "shimmering" blacks. This screen problem was later fixed with the firmware update 1.1.1 although some still complained that the screen still could not properly display certain shades of black. Critics also say that the update simply "alleviates" the screen problem by adjusting contrast settings and does not provide a fix for the screen itself.

Specifications[change | change source]

The specifications as listed on Apple's website are:[30][31]

Timeline[change | change source]

Timeline of iPod models and related products

Apple Watch Series 7Apple Watch Series 6Apple Watch SEApple Watch Series 5Apple Watch Series 4Apple Watch Series 3Apple Watch Series 2Apple Watch Series 1Apple Watch (1st generation)Apple TV#6th generation (4K)Apple TV#5th generation (4K)Apple TV#4th generation (HD)Apple TV#3rd generationApple TV#2nd generationApple TV#1st generationiPad Pro (5th generation)iPad Pro (4th generation)iPad Pro (3rd generation)iPad Pro (2nd generation)iPad Pro (1st generation)iPad Mini (2021)iPad Mini (2019)iPad Mini 4iPad Mini 3iPad Mini 2iPad Mini (1st generation)iPad Air (2022)iPad Air (2020)iPad Air (2019)iPad Air 2iPad AiriPad (2021)iPad (2020)iPad (2019)iPad (2018)iPad (2017)iPad (4th generation)iPad (3rd generation)iPad 2iPad (1st generation)iPhone 5CiPhone SE (3rd generation)iPhone 13 ProiPhone 13iPhone 12 ProiPhone 12iPhone SE (2nd generation)iPhone 11 ProiPhone 11iPhone XRiPhone XSiPhone XiPhone 8iPhone 7iPhone SE (1st generation)iPhone 6SiPhone 6iPhone 5SiPhone 5iPhone 4SiPhone 4iPhone 3GSiPhone 3GiPhone (1st generation)iPod Touch#7th generationiPod Touch#6th generationiPod Touch#5th generationiPod Touch#4th generationiPod Touch#3rd generationiPod Touch#2nd generationiPod Touch#1st generationiPod Classic#6th generationiPod Classic#5th generationiPod Classic#iPod With Color Display)iPod PhotoiPod Classic#4th generationiPod Classic#3rd generationiPod Classic#2nd generationiPod Classic#1st generationiPod Nano#7th generationiPod Nano#6th generationiPod Nano#5th generationiPod Nano#4th generationiPod Nano#3rd generationiPod Nano#2nd generationiPod Nano#1st generationiPod MiniiPod MiniiPod Shuffle#4th generationiPod Shuffle#3rd generationiPod Shuffle#2nd generationiPod Shuffle#1st generation
Sources: Apple press release library,[34] Mactracker Apple Inc. model database[35]

Related pages[change | change source]

References[change | change source]

  1. "Everything You Need to Know About the iPod Touch".
  2. "Apple's iPod Touch (2010) Review, Not a Poor Man's iPhone 4". AnandTech. September 8, 2010. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  3. FCC Office of Engineering and Technology. "OET List Exhibits Report". US Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved July 5, 2011.
  4. Horwitz, Jeremy (September 1, 2010). "iPod touch 5G's Battery Is Bigger, But Is It Better?". iLounge. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Identifying iPod models". Apple Inc. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  6. 6.0 6.1 "The iPhone 3GS Hardware Exposed & Analyzed". AnandTech. Retrieved June 7, 2010.
  7. "iPhone and iPod touch: Charging the battery". Apple. October 15, 2008. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  8. Block, Ryan (September 5, 2007). "Steve Jobs live -- Apple's "The beat goes on" special event". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  9. Bell, Donald (March 17, 2009). "iPod touch gets Bluetooth after OS upgrade". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
  10. "Broadcom page on wireless chip included in the 2nd generation iPod Touch". Broadcom. Archived from the original on March 26, 2015. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  11. Krazit, Tom (November 24, 2008). "New iPod Touch faster than iPhone 3G". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  12. "2nd Generation iPod Touch Faster than iPhone". Touch Arcade. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
  13. "Apple Introduces New iPod touch Lineup". Apple. September 9, 2008. Retrieved March 2, 2010.
  14. "iPod touch (3rd generation) – Technical Specifications". Apple. April 8, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2011.
  15. "iPod Touch 4th Generation Teardown". iFixit. September 8, 2010. p. 3. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
  16. Topolsky, Joshua (September 7, 2010). "iPod touch review (2010)". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
  17. "iPod touch – Technical specifications for iPod touch". Apple. Retrieved July 5, 2011.
  18. "iPod Touch 5th Generation Teardown". iFixit. October 11, 2012.
  19. "iPod touch – Technical specifications for iPod touch". Apple. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  20. "Apple adds cameras and colors to now $199 16GB iPod touch, drops 32/64GB to $249/$299". 9to5Mac. June 26, 2014. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  21. Apple iPod touch First Impressions Review. (September 18, 2007). Retrieved on December 9, 2007
  22. Apple - iPod touch - Technical Specifications, Apple Inc., (December 5, 2007). Retrieved on December 5, 2007
  23. iPod Touch unpacking tour and first look (photos), AppleInsider, (September 13, 2007). Retrieved on December 9, 2007
  24. "iOS 5 - See new features included in iOS 5". Apple. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
  25. Apple - iPod touch - Technical Specifications, Apple Inc., (December 9, 2007). Retrieved on December 9, 2007
  26. iPod: Minimum System Requirements Archived 2008-01-14 at the Wayback Machine, Apple Inc., (October 16, 2007). Retrieved on December 9, 2007
  27. Kim, Arnold. "Steve Jobs Announces 3rd Party SDK for iPhone for February 2008". www.macrumors.com.
  28. "Instant Jailbreak for iPhone and iPod touch". Archived from the original on December 18, 2007. Retrieved November 27, 2007.
  29. 29.0 29.1 Apple's iPod touch Is a Beauty of a Player Short on Battery Life (September 20, 2007). Retrieved on October 6, 2007
  30. Apple - iPod touch - Technical Specifications, Apple Inc., (September 5, 2007). Retrieved on September 5, 2007
  31. Apple - iPod touch - Features, Apple Inc., (September 5, 2007). Retrieved on October 8, 2007
  32. Apple and Starbucks Announce Music Partnership, Apple Inc., (September 5, 2007). Retrieved on October 8, 2007
  33. Apple - iTunes - Starbucks, Apple Inc., (September 5, 2007). Retrieved on October 8, 2007
  34. Apple Inc., Apple press release library, Retrieved September 19, 2007.
  35. Mactracker (mactracker.ca), Apple Inc. model database, version as of July 26, 2007.

Other websites[change | change source]