iPod nano Specs History

On July 15, 2015, Apple refreshed the iPod nano with five new, softer colors (Gold, Silver, Blue, Pink, and Space Gray) compared to the original seven jewel tones, while continuing to offer a (PRODUCT)RED version. On July 27, 2017, Apple discontinued the iPod nano alongside the iPod shuffle, leaving the iPod touch as the final model in the iPod lineup. It remains the thinnest device ever made by Apple. This 7th generation features a 2.5-inch touch-sensitive 432x240 display (202 ppi), Bluetooth 4.0 supporting the Nike+iPod sensor, and a Lightning connector replacing the original 30-pin dock connector. Although its software resembles the iOS user interface, it is not an iOS device. The initial models shipped with firmware 1.0.4, while the 2015 refreshed models use 1.1.2.

Apple released the seventh and final generation of the iPod nano on September 12, 2012. While the maximum storage remained the same as the previous generation, it was launched as a single 16GB model to conclude the series. Apple described it as the "thinnest iPod ever," measuring just 5.4 mm thick—38% thinner than its predecessor (8.78 mm)—and it was the first to support Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless headphones, speakers, and other devices. It retained Nike+iPod fitness features, an FM radio, and support for headphones or stereo jacks. Although the software's UI resembles iOS, it is not an iOS device. The firmware version is 1.0.4.

Apple unveiled the sixth-generation iPod nano at a media event on September 1, 2010, featuring several new traits designed around a high-resolution "square touch" screen. Key changes included a smaller 1.54-inch multi-touch display with higher pixel density, down from the 2.2-inch screen of the iPod nano 5G. The device offered over 24 hours of music playback on a single charge and retained the 30-pin dock connector. Priced identically to the fifth generation, the 6th generation nano still included Nike fitness options and an FM radio tuner.

Apple released the fifth-generation iPod nano in September 2009, improving upon the fourth generation by adding features rather than storage. New additions included an integrated video camera capable of recording 640x480 H.264 video at 30 fps, an FM radio (with features like a 15-minute pause), a pedometer, and VoiceOver technology (first introduced on the 3rd gen shuffle). It launched in nine colors in 8GB and 16GB capacities.

Apple officially announced the fourth-generation iPod nano at the "Let's Rock" event on September 9, 2008. It returned to the tall form factor of the second generation while retaining and rotating the 2-inch (51 mm) screen of the third. Thinner than both predecessors at just 6.2 mm (0.24 inches) and weighing 36.8 grams (1.3 oz), it featured a curved aluminum shell and glass screen. The previous colors were replaced by bright Silver, Black, Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, and (PRODUCT)RED, a lineup Apple called "nano-chromatic." It introduced an accelerometer for features like "shake to shuffle" and landscape Cover Flow. The UI was refreshed to match the new hardware, and it included a new voice recording feature (with compatible microphones) and the algorithm-based "Genius" playlist feature. It was marketed as Apple's most environmentally friendly iPod to date, being BFR, mercury, and PVC-free. It shipped in 8GB and 16GB capacities.

Apple refreshed the iPod nano again on September 5, 2007, and it officially went on sale that weekend. This generation featured a 2-inch QVGA (320x240) screen in a shorter, wider (but thicker) design with new colors. New features included Cover Flow, a revamped user interface, video playback, and support for iTunes Store games. It launched with a 4GB Silver model and 8GB models in Silver, Blue, Mint Green, Black, and (PRODUCT)RED.

Apple released the second-generation iPod nano (2G) in September 2006, restoring color options previously seen on the discontinued iPod mini. Aside from the redesigned casing and increased capacity, it was similar to its predecessor. It launched in three configurations: a 2GB entry-level Silver model for $149, 4GB models in Silver, Blue, Green, or Pink for $199, and an 8GB Black model for $249. On October 16, Apple added a (PRODUCT)RED 4GB version, followed by an 8GB version in November 2006.

The iPod nano represented a bold move by Apple: replacing the iPod mini at its peak with a completely new model. Unlike the hard drive-based mini, the iPod nano was built around 2GB or 4GB of flash memory. The nano's look and feel aligned more closely with the full-sized iPod. It featured a higher-resolution color screen and significantly reduced physical size. Although the nano held fewer songs per dollar than the mini, Apple launched the 2GB and 4GB models at the same price points as the previous 4GB and 6GB minis ($149 and $249 respectively).