The Evolution Of Apple’s iPod Brand From 2001-2009

This September, we’ll see the latest evolution in the Apple iPod line. It’s being rumored that the iPod Touch and Nano will both offer cameras in the upcoming versions. The entire week we’ll dedicate a post to the evolution of Apple products and while we wait for the iPod rumors to turn into reality, let’s take a look back at the iPod, and how it evolved into the sexiest and the best music player in the world.

2001- First Generation - Released October 23rd, 2001

Worked only on Macs, had a mechanical scroll wheel and needed a Firewire cable to sync songs and charge the iPod. Originally came in a 5GB model and a 10GB model came later in March of 2002. The price was a whopping $399 for the 5GB model.

Here’s Steve Jobs introducing the iPod.

Here’s one of the first iPod commercials.

2002 - Second Generation - Released July 17th, 2002

The 2nd generation iPod still used a Firewire cable, but offered a touch-sensitive wheel and offered a 10GB and 20GB models. It was finally Windows compatible through Musicmatch Jukebox. It also came with a wired remote, offered a calendar, and artist search. Cost for the device started at $499.

2003- Third Generation - Released April 28, 2003

The 3rd generation got a complete redesign with touch sensitive everything, a dock connector, and a slimmer design. It was also compatible with Windows using a USB (only for syncing, no charging). Came in a variety of capacities from 10 all the way to 40GB. There were various pricing options for the 3rd generation: $299 for 10GB, $399 for 15GB, and $499 for 30GB. Later that year, the 30GB dropped its price to $399, while a 40GB was introduced for $499.

2004 - First Generation iPod Mini - Released January 6th, 2004

The Mini was the younger child of the iPod, offering a smaller design, scratch proof aluminum exterior, a slew of colors, 4GB hard drive and the introduction of the click wheel. It was also priced $50 less than the 3rd Gen iPod which, which offered 10GB of capacity.

2004- Fourth Generation iPod - Released July 19th, 2004 (Photo/Color updated in October ‘04 and June ‘05)

Came in 20GB model for $299, and 40 GB for $399. Apple decided to update the 4th generation with two new models both offering color and photo viewing capability. The 40GB model came in at $499, while the 60GB cost $599. To offset the price increase, a 30GB 4th Generation Photo iPod was released for $350 sans the dock. A Harry Potter and U2 Editions for released for this generation of the iPod.

Harry Potter:

U2 Edition:

2005- First Generation iPod Shuffle - Released January 11th, 2005

This was a new entry level iPod, the Shuffle. It looked like a USB dongle with no screen. It came in two capacities, 512MB and 1GB. It was also the first iPod ever made with a flash drive instead of the traditional hard drive.

2005 - Second Generation iPod Mini- February 22nd, 2005

Very similar to the 1st generation iPod mini, but with brighter colors, and two version: a 4GB and 6GB.

2005 - First Generation iPod Nano- Released September 7th, 2005

The replacement for the discontinued iPod Mini and boy was it a hit. Came in 2 and 4GB, offered in black and white, was smaller and thinner than the Mini. It also used flash memory, a carry over from the shuffle. A 1 GB version was released the following year.

Steve Jobs introducing the iPod Nano:

2005 - Fifth Generation iPod - Released October 12th, 2005

Another redesign and this time offering video. The Fifth generation came in a 20, 60, and 80GB models and for the first time, available in black. In September of 2006, it was updated to a 80GB model from the 60GB model and updated the firmware.

2006 - Second Generation iPod Nano- Released September 12th, 2006

The updated nano offered anodized aluminum casing, was available in 6 bright colors and came in 2, 4, and 8GB models. The Nano was well on its way to becoming the best selling iPod at the time.

2006 - Second Generation iPod Shuffle - Released September 12, 2006

On the same day the iPod Nano 2nd gen was announced, a new redesigned shuffle was also announced. Instead of the candy bar design, it came with a clip design with anodized aluminum casing. It came originally in silver but more colors were offered later. It was also refreshed twice to offer more capacity and colors.

2007 - Third Generation iPod Nano - Released September 5th, 2007

A redesigned iPod Nano with a 2″ QVGA screen. It offered video capability, click wheel, with a new interface (blocky) and came in various colors including chrome black. Was available in 4 and 8GB versions.

2007 - Sixth Generation iPod, now dubbed the “Classic” - Released on September 5th, 2007

The “Classic” moniker was given to the final generation of the iPod as the Touch was being introduced the same day. It offered a new interface with anodized aluminum, offered in black and white and came in 80, 120 and 160GB versions. A year later, the hardware and firmware were both updated with a new version, 120GB, replacing the 80GB version and discontinuing the 160GB version.

2007 - First Generation iPod Touch - Released on September 5th, 2007

The highly anticipated iPod Touch brought all the features of the iPhone without the phone and AT&T plans. It was the first ever iPod with Wi-Fi capability, with a multi-touch screen, access to iTunes store, Safari browser, accelerometer (from iPhone) and dedicated YouTube application. It was originally released in two version, a 8GB and 16GB version, with a 32GB version added the following year. The only downside to the Touch was a fee of $9.99 for major OS upgrades, while iPhone users were able to get it for free.

Steve Jobs Introducing iPod Touch:

2008 - Fourth Generation iPod Nano - Released September 9th, 2008

Reverted back to the taller form with a curved glass. All-aluminum enclosure with accelerometer. Came in 4, 8, and 16GB models were released. It was also offered in 9 different colors.

2008 - Second Generation iPod Touch - Released September 9th, 2008.

The second generation Touch offered a slimmer body with tapered chrome back, iPhone OS 2.0, App Store access, bluetooth support (not yet active till OS 3.0) and built-in speakers. It also came with Nike+ functionality built in.

2009 - 3rd Generation iPod Shuffle- Released March 11th, 2009

A much slimmer design without any keys on the device. All the keys have been relocated to the ear bud cable. Comes in two colors, silver and black and has Voice Over, which tells you which song you’re listening to.

2009 - September

We’ll have to see what Apple has in store for us this year. Of course we’re looking at a possible iPod Touch and Nano with a camera. Just take a look at some of the cases already in the wild.

Which iPod(s) did you have? Do you still own it?