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iPod Touch

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iPod Touch
iPod Touch 7th generation in Pink
DeveloperApple Inc.
ManufacturerFoxconn
Product familyiPod
TypeMobile device
Release date
  • 1st gen: September 5, 2007 (2007-09-05)
  • 2nd gen: September 9, 2008 (2008-09-09)
  • 3rd gen: September 9, 2009 (2009-09-09)
  • 4th gen: September 12, 2010 (2010-09-12)
  • 5th gen: October 11, 2012 (2012-10-11) (32 & 64 GB models), May 2013 (2013-05) (16 GB model A1509), June 2014 (2014-06) (16 GB model A1421)[1]
  • 6th gen: July 15, 2015 (2015-07-15)
  • 7th gen: May 28, 2019 (2019-05-28)
Units sold100 million (as of May 2013)[2]
Operating systemiOS
System on a chip
CPU
Memory
  • 1st & 2nd gen: 128 MB LPDDR DRAM
  • 3rd & 4th gen: 256 MB LPDDR DRAM
  • 5th gen: 512 MB LPDDR2 DRAM
  • 6th gen: 1 GB LPDDR3 DRAM
  • 7th gen: 2 GB LPDDR4 DRAM
Storage
  • 1st gen: 8, 16 & 32 GB flash memory[1]
  • 2nd gen: 8, 16 & 32 GB flash memory[1]
  • 3rd gen: 32 & 64 GB flash memory[1]
  • 4th gen: 8, 16, 32 & 64 GB flash memory[1]
  • 5th gen: 16, 32 & 64 GB flash memory[1]
  • 6th gen: 16, 32, 64 & 128 GB flash memory[1]
  • 7th gen: 32, 128 & 256 GB flash memory[1]
Display
Graphics
Input
Connectivity
1st gen, 2nd gen, and 3rd gen:

Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
4th gen:
Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
5th gen:
Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n)
6th gen and 7th gen:
Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)

2nd gen, 3rd gen, and 4th gen:
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
5th gen:
Bluetooth 4.0
6th gen and 7th gen:
Bluetooth 4.1[6]

Power
  • Built-in rechargeable Li-Po battery
  • 1st gen: 3.7 V 2.15 W·h (580 mA·h)
  • 2nd gen: 3.7 V 2.73 W·h (739 mA·h)
  • 3rd gen: 3.7 V 2.92 W·h (789 mA·h)
  • 4th gen: 3.7 V 3.44 W·h (930 mA·h)
  • 5th gen: 3.7 V 3.8 W·h (1030 mA·h)
  • 6th gen & 7th gen: 3.83 V 3.99 W·h (1043 mA·h)
Online services
Dimensions
  • 1st gen:
  • 110 mm (4.3 in) H
  • 61.8 mm (2.43 in) W
  • 8 mm (0.31 in) D
  • 2nd, 3rd gen:
  • 110 mm (4.3 in) H
  • 61.8 mm (2.43 in) W
  • 8.5 mm (0.33 in) D
  • 4th gen:
  • 111 mm (4.4 in) H
  • 58.9 mm (2.32 in) W
  • 7.2 mm (0.28 in) D
  • 5th, 6th, 7th gen:
  • 123.4 mm (4.86 in) H
  • 58.6 mm (2.31 in) W
  • 6.1 mm (0.24 in) D
Mass
  • 1st gen: 120 g (4.2 oz)
  • 2nd, 3rd gen: 115 g (4.1 oz)
  • 4th gen: 101 g (3.6 oz)
  • 5th, 6th, 7th gen: 88 g (3.1 oz)
RelatediPod Nano
iPod Classic
iPod Shuffle
iPhone
List of iOS devices
Websitewww.apple.com/ipod-touch/

The iPod Touch (stylized and marketed as iPod touch) is a brand of iOS-based multi-purpose mobile computers designed and marketed by Apple Inc. with a touchscreen-controlled user interface. It connects to the Internet only through Wi-Fi and does not use cellular network data, thus it is not a smartphone. Similarly to an iPhone, it can be used as a music player, digital camera, web browser, note-logger, and handheld gaming device.[7] As of May 2013, 100 million iPod Touch units had been sold since 2007.[2]

iPod Touch models are sold by storage space and color, with all models of the same generation typically offering otherwise identical features, processors, performance, and available operating system upgrades. An exception was the fifth generation, in which the low-end (16 GB (14.9 GiB[8]))[9] model was initially sold without a rear-facing camera.[10] The current iPod Touch is the seventh-generation model, released on May 28, 2019.

The iPod Touch is currently the only product in Apple's iPod product line, following the discontinuation of the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle on July 27, 2017. Following the discontinuation, Apple revised the storage and pricing for the iPod Touch with 32 and 128 GB (29.8 and 119.2 GiB) of storage.[11]

Software

Main article: iOS
See also: iOS version history

The iPod Touch runs Apple's Unix-based iOS operating system (called 'iPhone OS' until 2010) and includes bundled software to browse the Internet, view maps, send and receive email, view media, and work with office documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Users type on a virtual keyboard displayed on the screen. Apple operates an online store, allowing users to buy and directly download music, videos and third-party software. From launch, the iPod Touch was described by journalists as an 'iPhone without the phone',[12] and each iPod Touch model to date has been introduced with the same release number of iOS as the contemporary iPhone model.

Successive updates to iOS since the initial release in 2007 have released additional features. iPhone OS 2.0, released on July 11, 2008, introduced the App Store, which allowed third-party applications for the first time. iPhone OS 3.0, released on June 17, 2009, added features such as cut, copy, and paste, data tethering and push notification support. iOS 4.0, released on June 21, 2010, introduced iBooks, FaceTime, and multitasking. It dropped support for the first generation iPod Touch.

In June 2011, iOS 5, the fifth major release of iOS software, was announced at Apple's WWDC 2011, which added notification, messaging and reminder features.[13] Apple limited some features, most notably the voice control system Siri, to the iPhone.[14] iOS 6, which was released on September 19, 2012 to the fourth and fifth generation iPod Touch models, contains 200 new features including Passbook, Facebook integration and Apple Maps. The fifth generation iPod Touch gained the ability to take panoramic photos, a feature shared with the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5.[15]

On June 8, 2015, it was announced at the WWDC that the iPod Touch fifth generation would support iOS 9, along with other A5 Chip devices. This makes the iPod Touch fifth generation the first iPod Touch to support four major versions of iOS.

Recent iOS updates have been free for owners of supported iPod Touch models, but Apple received criticism for charging iPod Touch owners for versions 2.0 and 3.0, which iPhone owners received for free, and for excluding certain features from the iPod Touch software that the iPhone included.[16][17] Apple's position was that they could add features for free to the iPhone because the revenue from it is accounted for on a subscription basis under accounting rules, rather than as a one time payment.[18] At WWDC in June 2010, as of iOS 4, Steve Jobs announced that Apple had "found a way" to make subsequent OS upgrades available free to iPod Touch owners.

Purchasing content

To purchase content on the iPod Touch, the user must create an Apple ID or have an existing account. With this account one may download music and videos from the iTunes Store, apps from the App Store, or books from the iBook store. An Apple ID account created without a credit card can be used to get free content, and gift cards can be bought to pay for apps instead of using credit cards. This is convenient for users who want to purchase an app, song, video, or E-book, but do not have a credit card.

Third-party applications

The only official way to obtain third-party applications for the iPod Touch is Apple's App Store, which is a branch of iTunes Store. The App Store application, available in all versions of iOS from 2.0 onwards, allows users to browse and download applications from a single online repository (hosted by Apple) with the iTunes Store. To develop such software, a software development kit (SDK) was officially announced on March 6, 2008, at an Apple Town Hall meeting.[19] The iOS SDK allows making applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch after paying a fee to join the development team. The developer can then set the price for the applications they develop and will receive 70% of money earned. Apple retains 30% of the sale price with no minimum fixed fee.

However, Saurik, developer of Cydia, made a tool called Cydia Impactor. This tool allowed users (provided that they have registered for a developer Apple ID), to sideload apps onto their iPhone.

User-made modifications

See also: iOS jailbreaking

Like all of Apple's iOS devices, the iPod Touch is a tightly controlled or closed platform. Modifying or replacing the operating system voids the device warranty, communication between apps is limited and controlled, and Apple is the only authorized software vendor. Hackers have attempted to 'jailbreak' all iOS devices to enable forbidden or unsupported features, such as multitasking in iOS versions before 4.0, themes for the home screen and the use of software Apple has refused to sell such as a battery percentage indicator. Jailbreaks for the iPod Touch first surfaced a month after the first model was released in September 2007, when hackers released JailbreakMe 1.0 (also called "AppSnapp") to jailbreak iPhone OS 1.1.1.[20][21] This allowed users to install third-party programs on their devices before Apple permitted this.

Apple's warranty statement implies that an iPod Touch after jailbreaking or other modification made by unofficial means is not covered by Apple's warranty. Jailbreaking is a violation of the Terms and Conditions for using iOS. While the jailbreaking process can normally be undone by performing a restore through iTunes,[22] there is a risk of bricking the device.

Comparison to the iPhone

Main article: List of iOS devices

The iPod Touch is generally similar to the iPhone. Compared to a same-generation iPhone, an iPod Touch is thinner, lighter and less expensive, while lacking some hardware and software features. Steve Jobs once referred to the iPod Touch as "training wheels for the iPhone".[23]

All iPod Touch models lack Touch ID, Face ID, 3D Touch, NFC, GPS, an earpiece speaker and a noise-cancelling microphone. Depending on the generation, the iPod Touch may have a smaller or inferior display and camera(s). Newer models (5th, 6th, and 7th generation) lack the ambient light sensor that makes automatic brightness available. The first generation iPod touch lacks a built-in speaker, and the first, second, and third generation iPod Touch lack a microphone, a camera, and a flash. Starting with the 4th generation iPod Touch, a camera and microphone were added, and starting with the 5th generation iPod Touch, support for AirDrop and an LED flash were added.

The iPod Touch has no cellular modem, and therefore cannot make phone calls. However, it can make FaceTime calls over an internet connection, and send iMessages to other iPhones, Macs, iPads, and iPod Touches with an Apple ID. The 5th generation iPod Touch and later can forward phone calls through a separate iPhone, with the Wi-Fi Calling feature. The two devices must be paired, and the iPhone's carrier must support this feature.[24]

Requirements

As of the 7th Generation iPod Touch:

  • iTunes 12.8.2 or later on Mac and iTunes 12.9.5 or later on PC
  • OS X 10.11.4 or later
  • Windows 7 or later

Setup and synchronization

For iPod Touch units bought before October 12, 2011 users must own a Mac or PC computer to be able to use the iPod. Users then must install iTunes and connect the iPod through a USB port. The iPod will then be set up in iTunes. New iPods bought after October 12, 2011 have iOS 5.0 preloaded, and allow activation wirelessly, without the need of a PC or Mac.[25]

Earlier iPod Touch units must be plugged into a computer to be synced. This will charge the iPod Touch and sync the music library, videos, pictures and backup data. iOS 5 enables the user to do all this from the device and send it to the iCloud service, which supports macOS Lion and later.

Battery charging with FireWire

Starting with the second generation model, the iPod Touch dropped support charging from the 12 V pin of a FireWire cable.[26] Charging the iPod Touch takes about 2 hours (80 percent capacity) for fast charge, and full charge takes about 4 hours.[citation needed]

Apple Lightning connector

Main article: Lightning (connector)
Apple Lightning connector

The fifth, sixth, and seventh generations of the iPod touch feature a new dock connector, called "Lightning", which replaces the 30-pin dock connector on older iPhone, iPad and iPod models. The Apple Lightning connector has eight pins and all the signaling is digital. This new connector is smaller than the previous one allowing for a slimmer form factor. Apple Lightning cables have duplicate pins on both sides of the plug, this makes the plug reversible. Various accessories are available to connect the Apple Lightning connector to the older 30-pin dock connector or USB,[27] although not all old accessories will work, because the lightning connector cannot handle analog signals.[28]

Models

See also: iPod Touch model comparison

As of May 2019, there have been seven types of iPod Touch devices produced.

  • 1st generation (2007–2008) Supported until June 2010 (iPhone OS 3.1.3)
  • 2nd generation (2008–2011) Supported until March 2011 (iOS 4.2.1)
  • 3rd generation (2009–2012) Supported until September 2012 (iOS 5.1.1)
  • 4th generation (2010–2014) Supported until February 2014 (iOS 6.1.6)
  • 5th generation 16 gigabyte (no iSight camera) (2013-2016) Supported until September 2016 (iOS 9.3.5)
  • 5th generation (2012-2016) Supported until September 2016 (iOS 9.3.5)
  • 6th generation (2015–2019) Security update support only (iOS 12.4.7)
  • 7th generation (2019–present) Fully supported (iOS 13.5.1)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Identify your iPod model - Apple Support". Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  2. ^ a b Smith, Mat (May 30, 2013). "Apple: 100 million iPod touches sold since 2007". Engadget. AOL Inc. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  3. ^ "New A8 iPod Touch Clocks in at 1.10GHz, Includes 1GB RAM and Bluetooth 4.1".
  4. ^ Brandon Chester. "Apple Refreshes The iPod Touch With A8 SoC And New Cameras".
  5. ^ O'Hara, Andrew (May 29, 2019). "2019 iPod touch: First look, initial impressions, & benchmarks". AppleInsider. Quiller Media, Inc. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  6. ^ "Apple - iPod touch - Technical Specifications". Apple. Apple Inc. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  7. ^ "iPod touch - Features". Apple. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  8. ^ What's the true formatted storage capacity of an iPhone, iPad or iPod?
  9. ^ Although physical memory usually comes in powers-of-two GiB, Apple lists its capacities in GB, and also allows for formatting overhead.
  10. ^ "Apple cuts prices on iPod Touch line, refreshes 16GB model". CNET. June 26, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  11. ^ "Apple removes iPod nano and shuffle from website hinting at discontinuation". 9to5Mac. July 27, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  12. ^ Sadun, Erica (September 5, 2007). "Apple announces iPod Touch: iPhone without the phone". TUAW. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
  13. ^ "Apple announce iOS 5 and iPhone release date". Apple. October 4, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  14. ^ Lawler, Richard (October 4, 2011). "iPod touch still maxes out at 64GB / $399, available in white October 12th". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  15. ^ Gunther, Cory (September 19, 2012). "What's new in iOS 6? Here's the changelog". SlashGear. R3 Media. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
  16. ^ Block, Ryan (January 17, 2008). "iPod touch users: if you bought after Jan 1 the new apps are free – maybe". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
  17. ^ Arya, Aayush (January 24, 2008). "Early Adopter Tax Resurfaces with the iPod touch January Software Upgrade". AppleMatters. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
  18. ^ Dalrymple, Jim. "Accounting rules behind iPod touch update charge". Macworld. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
  19. ^ Block, Ryan (March 8, 2008). "Live from Apple's iPhone SDK press conference". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
  20. ^ Wilson, Ben (October 10, 2007). "Official iPhone 1.1.1 jailbreak released with easy-to-follow instructions; does not require TIFF exploit". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on July 19, 2009. Retrieved November 10, 2009.
  21. ^ Keizer, Gregg (October 29, 2007). "Hacker Software Can Install Unauthorized Software on iPhones". PCWorld. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
  22. ^ "iPod and iSight Warranty" (PDF). Apple. p. 1. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
  23. ^ Fildes, Nic (September 19, 2007). "iPhone finally arrives but it's neither cheap nor G3". The Independent. UK. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
  24. ^ "Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling". Apple Support. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  25. ^ "iOS 5 - See new features included in iOS 5". Apple. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
  26. ^ "iPhone and iPod touch: Charging the battery". Apple. October 15, 2008. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  27. ^ "Apple iPhone 5 features". Apple. September 12, 2012. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
  28. ^ McGlaun, Shane (September 13, 2012). "iPhone 5 won't work with some accessories even with Apple Lightning adapter". SlashGear. R3 Media. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
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