History of the iPod

First Generation iPod

A chap called Tony Fadell first conceived of iPod outside of Apple, but had difficulty finding funding and so took it to Apple and demonstrated his idea to Steve Jobs. Apple hired him as an independent contractor to bring his project to the public, where he then designed the first two generations before the UK design guru Jonathan Ives took over.

The first Generation iPod was announced on the 23rd October 2001, and was a 5Gb 'scroll wheel' model, which worked with Macs only. It could up up to around 1,000 songs, and went on sale the following month.

iTunes version 2.0 is released in October 2001 - still just a Mac application at this time, and now with a blue coloured icon instead.

In the spring of 2002, third party software developers begin releasing software that will make Windows PC's work with the Mac-only iPods by fooling the iPod into thinking it is connecting to a Mac and not a PC. This worked by fooling the iPod into thinking it was looking at a Mac mounted volume/disk and not a Windows one.

As Apple were only producing iPods for Macs at this time, software was also developed for Windows PC's to allow you to manage your music collected - Ephpod and Anapod being two that are still going today.

At around the same time, a new version (but still classified as first generation) of the iPod comes out - with a 10Gb hard disk, thus capable of storing 2,000 songs. Connectivity is fire wire only.

Second Generation iPod

In July 2002, Apple replaced the mechanical scroll wheel with a solid-state touch wheel and gave us larger sized models. Looking exactly the same as the first generation, the second gen ones appear in the third quarter of 2002, but with several key points:

There is now a Windows PC version (which ships with the dreadful Yahoo! MusicMatch application instead of iTunes which hasn't been written for Windows yet), and secondly they are now available in 5Gb, 10Gb and 20Gb hard disk sizes - the latter two having a touch sensitive wheel, instead of one that physically moves. There is still no USB connectivity for them - not a problem for Mac users where Firewire comes as standard, but Windows PC users had to go and buy an additional firewire expansion card to make them work.

At the same time, iTunes version 3.0 come out (with a different coloured icon again) and it's still only available for Macs. However, people know that a Windows version of it is on its way when adverts appear for programmers to work/code a Windows version of it.

Third Generation iPod

The third generation - and some would arguable say the model which really caught the publics mainstream attention - came out in April of 2003. They look different from the first and second generation models, and have had the buttons move from the outside of the wheel to just below the display.

There are three sizes: 10Gb (2,000 songs), 15Gb (3,750 songs) and 30Gb (7,500 songs) models available.

Another major upgrade is the fact that there are no 'separate' Mac or Windows PC models - any iPod will work on either type of computer, and also USB functionality is now built in for the first time.

In September of 2003, the 20Gb model replaced the 15Gb one (holds 5,000 songs), and a 40Gb model replaced the 30Gb one - which now holds 10,000 songs.

iTunes Music Store comes online

In April of 2003, a new version of iTunes (4.0) is released along with the launch of the iTunes Store - where you could legally buy and download music. But the store is for US based customers only, the rest of the world must wait a little longer.

Eventually, in October 2003 comes iTunes version 4.1 - for the very first time it's available for Windows based computers as well.

iPod mini

The iPod mini is released in January 2004 - a 'cut down' smaller version which has a 4Gb disk, that can hold 1,000 songs if you use Apples new AAC encoding system instead of MP3.

It also comes in five colours - silver, pink, green, blue and gold. It's the first appearance of the 'click wheel' as well where the four buttons have been placed underneath the scroll wheel.

On the main iPod front, the 10Gb model is replaced by a 15Gb one - although great bargains can be found with some retailers selling off the old 10Gb model stock.

iTunes store in the UK

The iTunes music store is launched in the UK in June of 2004. Other European countries follow shortly after, but people complain that the price is too high in the UK when compared to other countries.

Fourth Generation iPod

Just three weeks after I got my third generation model, Apple announce the new fourth generation ones, which now had an improved battery life, a click-wheel like the iPod mini, and they lower the price significantly as well! There are 20Gb and 40Gb models. They go on sale in September of 2004.

iPod Photo / U2 iPod

I'm still confused as to whether these should be known as fifth generation iPods or not, but the iPod photo is announced/released in October 2004. It has a colour screen, improved battery life again, a different screen font, and (hence the name) the ability to store and display photos. It comes in 40Gb and 60Gb capacities at quite a price.

At the same time, a limited edition black & red colour "U2 iPod" is released, in 20Gb only, it comes with the bands signatures engraved on the back of the iPod, along with a voucher that enables you to buy the entire back catalogue of U2's music from the iTunes music store.

iPod Shuffle

In January 2005, Apple release the iPod Shuffle - the first iPod with no screen and no hard disk, as it's flash memory based. It's tiny as is ideal for joggers and other sports people who want random music on the go. It's also one of the cheapest priced ipods yet. It comes in 512Mb and 1Gb sizes.

In February 2005, the iPod mini got a makeover : It was now available in 6Gb models (as well as 4Gb), it gets an increased battery life (almost doubled), and the price is dropped making it excellent value for money. The Gold coloured iPod is dropped though as it is the one which sells the least.

In the iPod photo range the 40Gb is discontinued, and instead replaced by a smaller 30Gb model - but at a much cheaper price, and it's thinner too

The regular 'fourth generation' iPod (non-colour/photo) was then available in just the 20Gb size.

All iPods in colour

At the end of June 2005, the main iPod range was reduced two just two models - the 20Gb and 60Gb versions which were both in colour. They dropped the 'photo' branding as the non-colour/photo model was withdrawn meaning that all iPods now came in colour and could display photos. The U2 iPod - still proving to be surprisingly popular was also now available in colour.

The price was also dropped again. iTunes 4.9 was released at the same time, bringing with it Podcasting capabilities. iPod-mini at this time is still black and white though.

iPod Nano

In September 2005, Apple announced the iPod Nano - which replaced the iPod mini. A flash disk-based player that came in 4Gb and 6Gb models, and also now in TWO colours - black as well as white, these incredibly small and tiny players were snapped up immediately as they were so popular. They also had colour screens, a bit of a sore point for Apple as they then had to admit that there was a fault with some of them becoming badly scratched and broken shortly after.

That small problem aside (in a minority of cases) it was easily the most 'sexy' iPod yet that proved extremely popular.

iTunes 5 also came out at the same time with a new polished look, the ability to nest playlists within folders and a few more refinements.

iPod Video

Just when everyone thought that the Nano was the big thing that Apple would have out for the christmas 2005 market, just four weeks later they brought us something even newer and better in time for Christmas ... the iPod Video.

This replaces the iPod Photo, and U2 model, and came in 30Gb and 60Gb, and it was even thinner then before.

There was now a 2.5 inch wide 320x240 pixel screen that lets you watch video as well. iTunes 6.0 was brought out to allow you to download music video, short films, and (in the US only at first) certain TV programmes.

New Nanos, Shuffle and Video updated

In September 2006, Apple brought out the new shaped iPod shuffle - now smaller than ever and available in 1Gb.

They also redesigned the iPod nano, including a new 8Gb model. And had them in five refined colours - Silver, Purple, Black, Green and Blue. For a short while a 1Gb model of the older style nano was available too at a very cheap price.

The iPod Video was refined - and became available in 30Gb and 80Gb sizes (the biggest so far) - it included several refinements on the software of the iPod, including a new 'search' function that you could not get through firmware upgrades on existing iPods.

The release of iTunes 7.0 was a major step forward as the iTunes Music Store was renamed just 'iTunes Store' as you could now download music, TV shows and movies (and games!) for your iPod Video. It also incorporated updating the firmware on the iPod to within iTunes - you no longer have to download a separate program to reset it, or keep it up to date.

In October 2006, a limited edition Red coloured nano was brought out with $10 of the purchase price going towards AIDS charities - as part of the Product Red range.

In February 2007, the Shuffle was made available in five colours - silver/grey, purple, green, blue and orange. People suggest that you can now colour coordinate with your outfit and use them as tie-clips!

In May 2007 a new version of iTunes was release (7.2) to enable new content on the music store - DRM free music! For an increased price, some music is now available to buy without the '5 machine' restriction, plus - it comes encodes at the higher bit-rate of 256kbs instead of the 'regular' 128 AAC. It costs more to buy these tracks though.

Introduction of the iPhone

After much hype (Apple had announced it as far back as January) a brand new product was launch by Apple on June 29th 2007 in the USA - the iPhone. Launch dates for other countries around the rest of the world would be a couple of months later.

It's a phone, a video player and an an iPod all in one - with an intelligent touch screen interface, but comes at a quite a price - $499 for the 4Gb model, or $599 for the 8GB model. iTunes 7.3 was also launched to support the iPhone too.

iPod Touch, iPod Classic, Video comes to Nano

On September 5th 2007, Apple announced iPod upgrades in time for the seasonal market. They added a Product (RED) to the Shuffle Market.

A brand new Nano was launched - now capable of playing video on a larger screen - it is shorter and fatter in design - "A Little Video For Everyone". The five colours that the larger 8Gb model comes in (4Gb model is silver only) are new, and have a shiny metallic look to them.

The biggest news though is that the main iPod now branches out into two separate product lines.

There is the iPod Classic - the standard iPod as you know and love it now available in 80Gb and 160Gb models (Hard disk), in two colours - black and silver. Gone is the white plastic.

And there is the new iPod Touch range - essentially like an iPhone but without the phone part. This uses flash memory and is only available in 8Gb and 16Gb sizes.

Off the back of this - Apple also reduce $200 dollars of the price of an iPhone - a move which angers early adopters of that product, so as a good will gesture, Apple give a $100 rebate to anyone who bought the iPhone at a higher price.

In late January 2008, Apple brought out the Macbook Air - the world's thinnest laptop which featured a 64Gb Solid State Flash drive - sparking rumours that upgraded iPhone's and iPods Touch's would follow - and on February 5th - new models indeed were release. The iPhone was now available in 16Gb, and the iPod Touch now in 32Gb. Great news if you waited, but if you got a new iPod Classic or smaller size Touch for Christmas - how annoyed would you be! Oh, and a 'Pretty in Pink' new coloured Nano came out too.

3G iPhone

June 2008, and Apple announce a newer version of the iPhone - 'iPhone 2' essentially. It now connects to 3G networks for faster browsing when not connected to Wi-Fi, has GPS built in and a few other software refinements. The body of the phone has been curved slightly and - most important for a lot of people - the price has been halved to just $199 in the USA. They went on sale on July 11.

Nano Third Gen September 2008, and another Apple expo brings us a completely updated product line - The Nano loses it's "stubby" look and goes back to the thinner look & feel. It has curved edges, came in nine different colours, and has a sensitively chip inside it which allows you to physically shake the iPod to change tracks. Apple dub it "the funniest iPod ever". The iPod Classic now just comes in ONE size - 120Gb, whilst the iTouch has its software updated but disappointingly still only comes in 8, 16 and 32Gb sizes. Many people were hoping for a 64Gb Touch.

Also, iTunes 8 is released with the much-merited 'Genius' feature which learns what songs you like and suggests other songs that are similar to it which you may also enjoy.

9th September 2009, and the now-annual Apple conference bring all new Nanos - they now have a built in video camera that takes video clips (but not still photos!). No zoom though, bigger screen on the iPod now.

iPod Touches are now available in 64Gb! (as well as a 32Gb version), but at an expensive price. The Classic iPod (with Hard Disk) is now just available in 160Gb - but now has the thin form factor that previously the 120Gb model had.

iTunes 9.0 is also released. iPod Shuffles now available in 5 shiny colours.

On 1st September 2010, Apple hold their ..

iTunes 10 is announced with Music Social Media tool 'Ping' announced.

New iPod Touch's, and new iPod Nanon's - now with touch screen.

Timeline of the iPod Classic (Formerly: iPod, iPod Photo & iPod Video)

First Generation

First ever iPod release

Released: November 2001
Size: 5Gb
Notes: For the Mac only, and connects using only Firewire

Upgrade

Released: April 2002
SIze: 10GB
Notes: Same design/look at 5GB model, but hard drive upgraded to 10GB

Second Generation

Released: October 2002
Sizes: 5Gb, 10Gb, 20Gb
Notes: The 5GB model had a mechancial scroll wheelm the 10GB & 20GB models had a touch sensitive wheel. This model could be used on a Windows PC, but was at a time when Firewire ports were not standard on PC's so users had to buy an expansion card.

Third Generation

Released: October 2003
Sizes: 10Gb, 30Gb
Notes: Can now attach using USB, but only for synchronisation - not charging! You can only charge using a firewire cable

Upgrade

Released : January 2004
Size: 15GB
Notes: Replaces the 10GB model

Fourth Generation

Released: July 2004
Sizes: 20Gb and 40Gb
Notes: First full sized iPod to feature the click wheel - where buttons are under the wheel. Screen still Black & White with old-style 'chunky' font

Upgrade

Released: October 2004
Sizes: 40Gb and 60Gb
Notes: Colour iPods are here at last, now renamed 'iPod Photo' cabable of syncing photos (but not play video) from your PC. Also a limited edition 'U2' model available in a black case with a red scroll wheel.

Fifth Generation - iPod Video

Released:September 2005
Sizes: 30Gb and 60Gb
Notes: Now available in black as well as the traditional white colour, the iPod can now playback video as well as photos and music in full colour. They are sold with USB cables only now, an old Firewire cable will charge your iPod but not sync it!

Sixth Generation - iPod Classic

Released: September 2007
Sizes: 80Gb and 160Gb
Notes: With the iPod Touch now available, the traditional style iPod is renamed the 'Classic', but not has huge hard disk sizes, compared to the Touch's flash-only smaller capacity memory. Instead of white colour iPods, they're now a metallic silver finish.

Upgrade:

Released: September 2008
Size: 120GB
Notes: There is now just ONE size model as Classics are being phased out in preference of Touch's. A year later in September 2009, the size increased to 160GB, but the iPod was physically thinner!

iPod Photo (U2 edition)	October 2004	20Gb	Limited edition 'U2' embossed black and red coloured iPod.
iPod Photo (4th Gen upgrade)	February 2005	30Gb and 60GB	A 30Gb model replaces the 40Gb one, but drastically reduces the price making it more viable. A 20Gb black & white and non-colour model is still available to buy too.
iPod (4th Gen upgrade)	June 2005	20Gb and 60Gb	All iPods now in colour, no more black and white ones. U2 special edition also released in colour too. 'Photo' branding dropped.
iPod (5th Gen upgrade)	September 2006	30Gb and 80Gb	Smaller physically, but bigger in size. Also included updates that you could not get through firmware upgrades.

Timeline of the iPod Touch

	Date	Sizes	Notes
iPod Touch (1st Generation)	September 2007	8Gb & 16Gb	Much hype for this new product!
	February 2008	8, 16, 32Gb	New increased capacity
iPod Touch (2nd Generation)	September 2008	8, 16, 32Gb	Upgrade to firmware
iPod Touch (3rd Generation)	September 2009	32, 64Gb	Now in 64Gb at last! Long waited for, as it now starts to reach the capacities that people were used to with the Hard Disk based 'classic' models.

Timeline of the iPod mini and iPod Nano

	Date	Sizes	Notes
iPod mini(1st Gen)	January 2004	4Gb	Had the 'click wheel' before the main iPod did.
iPod mini (1st Gen upgrade)	February 2005	4Gb, 6Gb	Battery life greatly improved
iPod nano (2nd Gen mini)	September 2005	4Gb, 6Gb	Available in black and white, 'mini' branding now changed to 'nano' and has photo functionality. USB only from now on.
iPod nano (3rd Gen)	September 2006	2Gb, 4Gb, 8Gb	Available in 5 colours again, and looking like the original 'mini' (but thinner)
iPod nano (3rd Gen RED edition)	October 2006	2Gb, 4Gb, 8GB	Special RED edition available for limited time

Timeline of the iPod Shuffle

	Date	Platform	Sizes	Connectivity	Notes
iPod Shuffle (1st Gen)	January 2005	Mac & Windows	512Mb, 1Gb	USB only	No screen, 'random' playback function.
iPod Shuffle (2nd Gen)	September 2006	Mac & Windows	1Gb	USB	The cheapest iPod ever, retailing at $79.
iPod Shuffle (2nd Gen)	February 2007	Mac & Windows	1Gb	USB	Now available in five colours

Complete timeline of the iPhone

	Date	Sizes	Connectivity	Notes
iPhone (1st Gen)	June 2007	4Gb & 8Gb	USB only	Much hype for this new product!
iPhone 3G	July 2008			3G connectivity, GPS, price halved
iPhone 3GS	2009	16b & 32GB		Much faster, 2G iPhone now available for just $99 in the USA

Complete timeline of the iTunes releases

	Date	Platform	Notes
iTunes 1.0	January 2001	Mac OS 9	This was pre-iPod! iTunes existed before iPods did
iTunes 2.0	October 2001	Mac OS 9	Features added, now syncs with iPods
iTunes 3.0	July 2002	Mac OS 9 & X	Ratings and play counts added
iTunes 4.0	April 2003	Mac OS 9 & X	AAC introduced, Music Store online for first times
iTunes 4.1	October 2003	Mac and Windows	More Music Store features added
iTunes 4.7	October 2004	Mac and Windows	New version to support iPod Photo
iTunes 4.8	May 2005	Mac and Windows	Video support added. Mac OS 10.1 dropped
iTunes 4.9	June 2005	Mac and Windows	Podcasting added
iTunes 5.0	September 2005	Mac and Windows	New refined look
iTunes 6.0	October 2005	Mac and Windows	'Video' added - supports iPod Video
iTunes 7.0	September 2006	Mac and Windows	Movies now downloadable in Store. Album Artwork option added. Gapless playback. Games.
iTunes 7.2	May 2007	Mac and Windows	Ability to access DRM free music on the iStore
iTunes 7.3	June 2007		Updated to support the launch of the new iPhone
iTunes 8.0	Sep 2008	Mac and Windows	Support for new Nanos. "Genius" feature.
iTunes 9.0	Sep 2009		New Genius Mixes, Touch & iPhone App organising, LP Style downloads and reorgansied iTunes store.