iPod Evolution
During the iPod's short life -- the first one was released less then seven years ago -- it has seen many technical updates and redesigns. Take a look at how the iPod has changed from the first version to the latest incarnation.
iPod First Generation
Released: Oct. 2001
Weight: 6.5 ounces
The first iPod had a scroll wheel that physically moved when navigating through song lists. The play, next and menu buttons were placed in a circle around the wheel. A revision was released in 2002 that offered more memory space.
iPod Second Generation
Released: July 2002
Weight: 6.5 ounces
Although the second version looked like its predecessor, it featured a touch-sensitive wheel instead of the moving scroll wheel, which would be the standard going forward.
iPod Third Generation
Released: April 2003
Weight: 5.6 ounces
This version marks the first full redesign of the device. The play, next and menu buttons were moved above the wheel and below the screen. Besides weighing less, Apple also added new software including games and an alarm clock.
iPod mini
Released: Jan. 2004
Weight: 3.6 ounces
At the time, the mini was the smallest mp3 player on the market. It was also the first iPod to use the click wheel – a combination of the function buttons and the touch wheel. Another first for Apple, the device came in five colors: silver, pink, green, blue, and gold.
iPod Fourth Generation
Released: July 2004
Weight: 5.6 ounces
The major differences between this version and the third generation is the adoption of the click wheel from the iPod and improved battery life.
iPod photo
Released: Oct. 2004
Weight: 5.9 ounces
Apple introduced the color screen with the iPod Photo, letting users upload photos and music cover art onto the device.
iPod shuffle
Released: Jan. 2005
Weight: 0.78 ounces
Starting at just $99, Apple gave consumers a low-cost alternative to the more sophisticated models.
iPod nano
Released: Sept. 2005
Weight: 1.5 ounces
Designed to replace the iPod mini, the nano was the smallest MP3 player on the market when released. The nano was sold in two colors -- white and black. A second generation was released a year later that had aluminum casing and came in five different colors.
iPod Fifth Generation
Released: Oct. 2005
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Apple's first move into the portable video market came with this device. The larger screen offered higher resolution for viewing videos. Sold in black or white, this version was significantly thinner than the last iPod model.
iPod shuffle
Released: Sept. 2006
Weight: 0.55 ounces
Apple shrunk the size of the shuffle, as well as the price, which started at $79. In early 2007, the model became available in four colors other than the original silver.
iPod classic
Released: Sept. 2007
Weight: 4.9 ounces
The sixth generation of the iPod, known as the classic, came in silver and black, and brought an end to the white-colored era.
iPod nano 3G
Released: Sept. 2007
Weight: 1.74 ounces
A shorter and wider update of the nano, this version is able to play video on a wider screen.
iPod touch
Released: Sept. 2007
Weight: 4.2 ounces
Similar to the iPhone, the Touch is the first iPod to have a multi-touch screen and Wi-Fi capabilities.
iPod nano
Released: Sept. 9, 2008
The fourth generation is the thinnest ever, has a curved shape, comes in nine different colors and shuffles songs when users shake it.
iPod Touch
Released: Sept. 9, 2008
This update to the original version includes a thinner body, curved design, volume controls and a built-in speaker.
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