Identification and Background

The iPod line is a series of portable media players and pocket computers designed and sold by Apple Inc. The iPod line launched on October 23, 2001, with the original iPod. This first-generation iPod was introduced about eight months after the release of the Macintosh version of iTunes. iTunes is Apple’s media player that serves as the client application for the iTunes Store on Apple devices.

The iPod is one of the most successful electronic devices ever produced. Now, the iPod sales record is only eclipsed by Apple’s own iPhone. By September 2007, over 150 million iPods were sold globally. Known for its innovative scroll wheel interface and the iconic white earbuds, the iPod was so ubiquitous that the name practically became a replacement for the terms mp3 player and portable music player.

Following the original iPod's introduction, the iPod Mini, iPod Shuffle, and iPod Touch were released. In 2005, the iPod Mini product line was replaced by the iPod Nano. In 2007, the iPod original was replaced by the iPod Classic. On May 10, 2022, Apple discontinued the iPod Touch, the last remaining iPod product.

Each of the iPod versions includes tell-tale features that identify them. The iPod Classic is hard-drive-based; the iPod Touch features a touch screen; the iPod Nano is video-capable; the iPod Shuffle does not include a screen; the iPhone includes calling capabilities. Some iPod models appear visually similar. If you're unsure which iPod you have, you can identify your iPod here.

Additional Information

• [[Troubleshoot|iFixit: List of Troubleshooting Guides]]

• Wikipedia: iPod

• EveryMac: Online iPod Q&A

• Apple: iPod touch