iPod Classic
The iPod Classic (stylized and marketed as iPod classic and originally iPod Video or just iPod) is a discontinued portable media player created and formerly marketed by Apple Inc.
Manufacturer
November 10, 2001 – September 9, 2014 (12 years, 9 months)
September 9, 2014[1]
5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 120 or 160 GB 1.8" hard drive
1.5 (1G, 2G)
2.3 (3G)
3.1.1 (4G)
1.2.1 (4G Color)
1.3 (5G)
1.1.2 (6G)
2.0.5 (6G, 2009)
1G: Scroll wheel
2G–3G: Touch wheel
4G–6G: Click wheel
1G–2G: Lithium polymer battery
3G–6G: Lithium-ion battery
There were six generations of the iPod Classic, as well as a spin-off (the iPod Photo) that was later re-integrated into the main iPod line. All generations used a 1.8-inch (46 mm) hard drive for storage. The "classic" suffix was formally introduced with the rollout of the sixth-generation iPod on September 5, 2007.[2] Prior to this, all iPod Classic models were simply referred to as iPods; the first iPod released in 2001 was part of this line that would be called "Classic".[3] It was available in silver or black from 2007 onwards, replacing the "signature iPod white".
On September 9, 2014, Apple discontinued the iPod Classic.[1][4] The sixth-generation 160 GB iPod Classic was the last Apple product to use the original 30-pin dock connector and the distinctive click wheel.[5][6]
Special editions[edit]
U2 Special Editions[edit]
There are four different U2 Special Edition iPod models, each with widely differing capabilities. However, each of the U2 models—the iPod U2 (4th Gen), iPod U2 (Color), iPod U2 (5th Gen/Video), and iPod U2 (5th Gen Enhanced) — are the same internally as the "standard" iPod model available at the time, and the U2 models vary only in case design and cost.
The iPod U2 (4th Gen)[edit]
The original U2 iPod—the iPod U2 (4th Gen) — is internally the same as the 20 GB configuration of the iPod (4th Generation), but uses a case with a black front, a red Click Wheel, and laser-etched signatures of the U2 band members on the stainless steel back. It shipped with an "exclusive" U2 poster, a US$50-off coupon for "The Complete U2" downloadable "box set", and the standard white iPod earbuds. It cost US$50 more than the standard iPod (4th Gen).
The iPod U2 (Color)[edit]
The second U2 iPod—the iPod U2 (Color)—is internally identical to the 20 GB configuration of the iPod (with Color Display). It uses a slightly thicker (.06 inches) version of the original U2 iPod case, complete with black front, red Click Wheel, and laser-etched signatures from the band members on a stainless-steel back, but it most notably adds a color display. It also shipped with the same poster, coupon, and earbuds, but only cost US$30 more than the standard iPod (with Color Display).
The U2 (5th Gen & 5th Gen Enhanced)[edit]
The third and fourth U2 Special Edition iPods—the iPod U2 (5th Gen/Video), and iPod U2 (5th Gen Enhanced)—are internally identical to the iPod Fifth Generation (with Video) and iPod Fifth Generation (Enhanced), respectively, but each cost US$30 more than the standard models. Externally, both have a red Click Wheel and a "gloss black metal" rear case (featuring laser-etched autographs of the U2 band members like the other U2 models). [27]
Discontinuation[edit]
According to speculation by Wired in 2013, the 6th generation was expected to be the final form of the iPod Classic.[28] Ars Technica speculated in 2011 that the iPod Classic was nearing its end,[29] and the site's readers generally agreed it would not still be produced in 2013.[5] The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in 2013 revealed no new iPod Classic, and Apple was not expected to produce another one. Production of the iPod Classic continued in low volumes as a stopgap measure to clear out and monetize inventory of unused stand-alone parts.
On September 9, 2014, Apple officially discontinued the iPod Classic.[1] The sixth-generation 160 GB iPod Classic was the last Apple product in the iPod line to use the original 30-pin iPod connector and the Click Wheel.[5][6] According to Tim Cook speaking at WSJD Live, the iPod Classic was discontinued because the parts were unavailable and a redesign was unwarranted given the small amount of consumer interest in the product.[30]
Media related to IPod classic at Wikimedia Commons