Apple iPod: history, models, and features of the portable media player

Model highlights

The original model, later called the iPod Classic, debuted on October 23, 2001 and remained in Apple’s lineup until September 9, 2014.

A compact variant, the iPod mini, used solid-state flash memory rather than a spinning hard disk; it had a smaller capacity but a reduced size and was eventually succeeded by the iPod nano.

The iPod shuffle was an ultra-small model that relied on flash memory and omitted a display to keep cost and size low.

The most feature-rich model has been the iPod touch. It uses a capacitive touch screen similar to the iPhone and is often compared to that device; the iPod touch resembles an iPhone in interface and apps but is not classified as a smartphone. The first iPod touch launched on September 5, 2007; Apple discontinued the line on May 10, 2022.

Software and formats

Tracks are commonly managed with iTunes, and content for iPods has frequently been sold through Apple’s online store. Apple’s store has used the AAC audio format for purchases rather than other widely used formats such as MP3 or WMA. These formats are forms of compressing audio to reduce file size so more music fits on a player.

The App Store, operated by Apple Inc., opened on July 11, 2008 and allows users of devices such as the iPhone and iPod Touch to obtain applications; millions of apps—some free, some paid—have been made available there.