| iPod | |
| Developer: | Apple Inc. |
| Type: | Portable media player |
| Units Sold: | 450 million (as of May 2022)[1] |
| Storage: | 512 MB—256 GB |
| Website: | apple.com/ipod redirects to support.apple.com/ipod-touch |
The iPod was a series of portable media players and multi-purpose mobile devices designed and marketed by Apple Inc.[2] [3] The first version was released on November 10, 2001, about months after the Macintosh version of iTunes was released. Apple sold an estimated 450 million iPod products as of 2022. Apple discontinued the iPod product line on May 10, 2022. At over 20 years, the iPod brand is the longest-running to be discontinued by Apple.[4]
Some versions of the iPod can serve as external data storage devices, like other digital music players. Prior to macOS 10.15, Apple's iTunes software (and other alternative software) could be used to transfer music, photos, videos, games, contact information, e-mail settings, Web bookmarks, and calendars to the devices supporting these features from computers using certain versions of Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows operating systems.[5] [6]
Before the release of iOS 5, the iPod branding was used for the media player included with the iPhone and iPad, which was separated into apps named "Music" and "Videos" on the iPod Touch. As of iOS 5, separate Music and Videos apps are standardized across all iOS-powered products.[7] While the iPhone and iPad have essentially the same media player capabilities as the iPod line, they are generally treated as separate products. During the middle of 2010, iPhone sales overtook those of the iPod.[8]
See also: Timeline of Apple Inc. products. Portable MP3 players had existed since the mid-1990s, but Apple found existing digital music players "big and clunky or small and useless" with user interfaces that were "unbelievably awful".[9] They also identified weaknesses in existing models' attempt to negotiate the trade-off between capacity and portability; flash memory-based players held too few songs, while the hard drive based models were too big and heavy. To address these deficits, the company decided to develop its own MP3 player.[10]
At Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ direction, hardware engineering chief Jon Rubinstein recruited Tony Fadell, a former employee of General Magic and Philips, who had a business idea to invent a better MP3 player and build a complementary music sales store. Fadell had previously developed the Philips Velo and Nino PDA before starting a company called Fuse Systems to build the new MP3 player, but RealNetworks, Sony and Philips had already passed on the project.[11] Rubinstein had already discovered the Toshiba hard disk drive while meeting with an Apple supplier in Japan, ultimately purchasing the rights to it for Apple. Rubinstein had also already made substantial progress on development of other key hardware elements, including the device's screen and battery.[12]
Fadell found support for his project with Apple Computer and was hired by Apple in 2001 as an independent contractor to work on the iPod project, then code-named project P-68.[13] Because most of Apple's engineering manpower and resources were already dedicated to the iMac line, Fadell hired engineers from his startup company, Fuse, and veteran engineers from General Magic and Philips to build the core iPod development team.
Time constraints forced Fadell to develop various components of the iPod outside Apple. Fadell partnered with a company called PortalPlayer to design software for the device; this work eventually took shape as the iPod OS. Within eight months, Tony Fadell's team and PortalPlayer had completed a prototype.[14] The power supply was then designed by Michael Dhuey,[15] while the display was designed in-house by Apple design engineer Jonathan Ive. The original iPod's physical appearance was inspired by the 1958 Braun T3 transistor radio designed by Dieter Rams, while the wheel-based user interface drew on Bang & Olufsen's BeoCom 6000 telephone.[16] [17] Apple CEO Steve Jobs set an exacting standard for the device's physical design; one anecdote relates an occasion on which Jobs dropped a prototype into an aquarium in front of engineers to demonstrate from bubbles leaving its housing that the current design contained unused internal space.[18]
Apple contracted another company, Pixo, to help design and implement the user interface (as well as Unicode, memory management, and event processing) under Jobs' direct supervision.
The name iPod was proposed by Vinnie Chieco, a freelance copywriter, who (with others) was contracted by Apple to determine how to introduce the new player to the public. After Chieco saw a prototype, he was reminded of the phrase "Open the pod bay doors, Hal" from the classic sci-fi film 2001: A Space Odyssey, referring to the white EVA Pods of the Discovery One spaceship.[19] Chieco's proposal drew an analogy between the relationship of the spaceship to the smaller independent pods and that of a personal computer to its companion music player.
The product (which Fortune called "Apple's 21st-Century Walkman"[20]) was developed in less than one year and unveiled on October 23, 2001.[21] Jobs announced it as a Mac-compatible product with a 5 GB hard drive that put "1,000 songs in your pocket."[22]
Apple researched the trademark and found that it was already in use. Joseph N. Grasso of New Jersey had originally listed an "iPod" trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in July 2000 for Internet kiosks. The first iPod kiosks had been demonstrated to the public in New Jersey in March 1998, and commercial use began in January 2000, but the venture had apparently been discontinued by 2001. The trademark was registered by the USPTO in November 2003, and Grasso assigned it to Apple Computer, Inc. in 2005.[23] Separately, the earliest recorded use in commerce of an "iPod" trademark was in 1991 by Chrysalis Corp. of Sturgis, Michigan, styled "iPOD", for office furniture.[24]
As development of the iPod progressed, Apple continued to refine the software's look and feel, rewriting much of the code. Starting with the iPod Mini, the Chicago font was replaced with Espy Sans. Later iPods switched fonts again to Podium Sans—a font similar to Apple's corporate font, Myriad. Color display iPods then adopted some Mac OS X themes like Aqua progress bars, and brushed metal meant to evoke a combination lock.
On January 8, 2004, Hewlett-Packard (HP) announced that they would sell HP-branded iPods under a license agreement from Apple. Several new retail channels were used—including Walmart—and these iPods eventually made up 5% of all iPod sales. In July 2005, HP stopped selling iPods due to unfavorable terms and conditions imposed by Apple.[25]
In 2006, Apple partnered with Irish rock band U2 to present a special edition of the 5th-generation iPod. Like its predecessor, this iPod has the signatures of the four members of the band engraved on its back, but this one was the first time the company changed the color of the stainless steel back from a silver chrome to black. This iPod was only available with 30 GB of storage capacity. The special edition entitled purchasers to an exclusive video with 33 minutes of interviews and performance by U2, downloadable from the iTunes Store.[26] [27]
In 2007, Apple modified the iPod interface again with the introduction of the sixth-generation iPod Classic and third-generation iPod Nano by changing the font to Helvetica and, in most cases, splitting the screen in half, displaying the menus on the left and album artwork, photos, or videos on the right.
In mid-2015, several new color schemes for all of the current iPod models were spotted in the iTunes 12.2 update. Belgian website Belgium iPhone originally found the images after plugging in an iPod for the first time, and subsequent photos were discovered by Pierre Dandumont before being leaked.[28] [29]
On July 27, 2017, Apple removed the iPod Nano and Shuffle from its stores, marking the end of Apple's production of standalone music players.[30] On May 10, 2022, Apple discontinued the iPod Touch, the last remaining product in the iPod line.[31] iOS 15 was the last iOS release the 7th generation iPod touch received, as future versions from iOS 16 onward no longer support the device.
| Microcontroller | iPod Classic 1st to 3rd generations | Two ARM7TDMI-derived cores running at 90 MHz |
| iPod Classic 4th and 5th generations, iPod Mini, iPod Nano 1st generation | Variable-speed ARM7TDMI cores, running at a peak of 80 MHz to save battery life | |
| iPod Classic 6th generation, iPod Nano 2nd generation onwards, iPod Shuffle 2nd generation onwards | Samsung System-on-a-chip, based around an ARM processor.[32] | |
| iPod Shuffle 1st generation | SigmaTel D-Major STMP3550 chip running at 75 MHz that handles both the music decoding and the audio circuitry.[33] | |
| iPod Touch 1st and 2nd generation | ARM 1176JZ(F)-S at 412 MHz for 1st gen, 533 MHz for 2nd gen. | |
| iPod Touch 3rd and 4th generation | ARM Cortex A8 at 600 MHz for 3rd gen, 800 MHz for 4th gen. (Apple A4) | |
| iPod Touch 5th generation | ARM Cortex A9 at 800 MHz (Apple A5) | |
| iPod Touch 6th generation | Apple ARMv8-A "Typhoon" at 1.1 GHz (Apple A8) with Apple M8 Motion coprocessor | |
| iPod Touch 7th generation | Apple ARMv8-A "Hurricane" and "Zephyr" at 1.64 GHz (Apple A10 Fusion) with Apple M10 Motion coprocessor | |
| Audio chip | iPod Classic 1st to 5th generation, iPod Touch 1st generation, iPod Nano 1st to 3rd generation, iPod Mini[34] | Audio Codecs developed by Wolfson Microelectronics |
| iPod Classic 6th generation, iPod Touch 2nd generation onwards, iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano 4th generation onwards | Cirrus Logic Audio Codec Chip | |
| Video chip | iPod Classic 5th generation | Broadcom BCM2722 VideoCore 2 graphics processor[35] |
| Storage medium | iPod Classic | 45.7 mm (1.8 in) hard drives (ATA-6, 4200 rpm with ZIF connectors) made by Toshiba |
| iPod Mini | 25.4 mm (1 in) Microdrive by Hitachi and Seagate | |
| iPod Nano | Flash Memory from Samsung, Toshiba, and others | |
| iPod Shuffle and Touch | Flash Memory | |
| Batteries | iPod Classic 1st and 2nd generation | Internal Recyclable Lithium Polymer Batteries |
| iPod Classic 3rd generation onwards, iPod Mini, iPod Nano, iPod Touch, iPod Shuffle | Internal Recyclable Lithium-Ion Batteries | |
| Display | iPod Nano 7th generation | 2.5-inch (diagonal) Multi-Touch, 432-by-240 resolution at 202 pixels per inch[36] |
| iPod Classic 5th and 6th generation | 2.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight, 320-by-240 resolution at 163 pixels per inch[37] | |
| iPod Touch 1st to 3rd generation | 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch, 480-by-320 resolution at 163 pixels per inch | |
| iPod Touch 4th generation | 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch, 960-by-640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch | |
| iPod Touch 5th to 7th generation | 4-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch, 1136-by-640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch[38] |
Audio tests showed that the third-generation iPod has a weak bass response.[39] [40] The combination of the undersized DC-blocking capacitors and the typical low impedance of most consumer headphones form a high-pass filter, which attenuates the low-frequency bass output. Similar capacitors were used in the fourth-generation iPods.[41] The problem is reduced when using high-impedance headphones and is completely masked when driving high-impedance (line level) loads, such as when using an external headphone amplifier. The first-generation iPod Shuffle uses a dual-transistor output stage, rather than a single capacitor-coupled output, and does not exhibit reduced bass response for any load.
For all iPods released in 2006 and earlier, some equalizer (EQ) sound settings can easily distort the bass sound, even on undemanding tracks.[42] [43] This occurs when using EQ settings such as R&B, Rock, Acoustic, and Bass Booster, because the equalizer amplifies the digital audio level beyond the software's limit, causing distortion (clipping) on bass instruments.
From the fifth-generation iPod on, Apple introduced a user-configurable volume limit in response to concerns about hearing loss.[44] Users report that in the sixth-generation iPod, the maximum volume output level is limited to 100 dB in EU markets. Apple previously had to remove iPods from shelves in France for exceeding this legal limit.[45] However, users who bought new sixth-generation iPods in late 2013 reported a new option that allowed them to disable the EU volume limit.[46] Some have attributed this change to a software update that shipped with these devices.[47] Older sixth-generation iPods, however, are unable to update to this software version.[48]
Originally, a FireWire connection to the host computer was used to update songs or recharge the battery. The battery could also be charged with a power adapter that was included with the first four generations.
The third generation began including a 30-pin dock connector, allowing for FireWire or USB connectivity. This provided better compatibility with non-Apple machines, as most of them did not have FireWire ports at the time. Eventually, Apple began shipping iPods with USB cables instead of FireWire, although the latter was available separately. As of the first-generation iPod Nano and the fifth-generation iPod Classic, Apple discontinued using FireWire for data transfer (while still allowing for use of FireWire to charge the device) in an attempt to reduce cost and form factor. As of the second-generation iPod Touch and the fourth-generation iPod Nano, FireWire charging ability has been removed. The second-, third-, and fourth-generation iPod Shuffle uses a single 3.5 mm minijack phone connector which acts as both a headphone jack or a USB data and charging port for the dock/cable.
The dock connector also allowed the iPod to connect to accessories, which often supplement the iPod's music, video, and photo playback. Apple sold a few accessories, such as the now-discontinued iPod Hi-Fi, but most are manufactured by third parties such as Belkin and Griffin. Some peripherals use their own interface, while others use the iPod's own screen. Because the dock connector is a proprietary interface, the implementation of the interface requires paying royalties to Apple.[49]
Apple introduced a new 8-pin dock connector, named Lightning, on September 12, 2012 with their announcement of the iPhone 5, the fifth-generation iPod Touch, and the seventh-generation iPod Nano, which all feature it. The new connector replaces the older 30-pin dock connector used by older iPods, iPhones, and iPads. Apple Lightning cables have pins on both sides of the plug so it can be inserted with either side facing up.[50]
Bluetooth connectivity was added to the last model of the iPod Nano, and Wi-Fi to the iPod Touch.
Many accessories have been made for the iPod line. A large number have been made by third-party companies, although many, such as the iPod Hi-Fi and iPod Socks, have been made by Apple. Some accessories added extra features that other music players have, such as sound recorders, FM radio tuners, wired remote controls, and audio/visual cables for TV connections. Other accessories offered unique features like the Nike+iPod pedometer and the iPod Camera Connector. Other notable accessories included external speakers, wireless remote controls, protective case, screen films, and wireless earphones.[51] Among the first accessory manufacturers were Griffin Technology, Belkin, JBL, Bose, Monster Cable, and SendStation.
BMW released the first iPod automobile interface,[52] allowing drivers of newer BMW vehicles to control an iPod using either the built-in steering wheel controls or the radio head-unit buttons. Apple announced in 2005 that similar systems would be available for other vehicle brands, including Mercedes-Benz,[53] Volvo,[54] Nissan, Toyota,[55] Alfa Romeo, Ferrari,[56] Acura, Audi, Honda,[57] Renault, Infiniti[58] and Volkswagen.[59] Scion offered standard iPod connectivity on all their cars.
Some independent stereo manufacturers including JVC, Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, and Harman Kardon also had iPod-specific integration solutions. Alternative connection methods included adapter kits (that use the cassette deck or the CD changer port), audio input jacks, and FM transmitters such as the iTrip—although personal FM transmitters are illegal in some countries. Many car manufacturers have added audio input jacks as standard.[60]
Beginning in mid-2007, four major airlines, United, Continental, Delta, and Emirates, reached agreements to install iPod seat connections. The free service allowed passengers to power and charge an iPod, and view video and music libraries on individual seat-back displays.[61] Originally KLM and Air France were reported to be part of the deal with Apple, but they later released statements explaining that they were only contemplating the possibility of incorporating such systems.[62]
The iPod line can play several audio file formats including MP3, AAC/M4A, Protected AAC, AIFF, WAV, Audible audiobook, and Apple Lossless.[63] The iPod Photo introduced the ability to display JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and PNG image file formats.[64] Fifth- and sixth-generation iPod Classic models, as well as third-generation iPod Nano models, can also play MPEG-4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) and QuickTime video formats, with restrictions on video dimensions, encoding techniques and data rates.