Check Your iPod's Generation

Knowing your iPod's Generation will help you get the right accessories, parts, and service. The "Generations" refer to the number of revisions the iPod model has gone through over the years. There are several ways to determine the Generation of your iPod device.

Steps

iPod touch

  1. Identify an iPod touch. iPod touches have a multi-touch screen, and run a variety of apps. iPod Touches all have a row of icons along the bottom of the screen in a dock. Late Generation iPod nanos may be confused with iPod touches, but 7th Generation nanos are much smaller and only fit six app icons on the screen.
  2. Check the model number. Finding the model number is the quickest way to determine the generation. The model number is printed on the back of the iPod touch at the bottom.[1]
    • A1574 - 6th Generation (2015 - Current)
    • A1509, A1421 - 5th Generation (2012 - 2014)
    • A1367 - 4th Generation (2010 - 2012)
    • A1318 - 3rd Generation (2009)
    • A1288 - 2nd Generation (2008)
    • A1213 - 1st Generation (2007 - 2008)

iPod nano

  1. Look at the form factor. iPod nanos have been released in five major different forms. This can give you a quick idea of how old it is.
    • Rectangular with touch screen - 7th Generation (2012 - 2015)
    • Square with touch screen - 6th Generation (2010)
    • Rectangular with click wheel - 4th and 5th Generation (2008 - 2009)
    • Wide screen with click wheel - 3rd Generation (2007)
    • Small screen and click wheel - 1st and 2nd Generation (2005 - 2006)
  2. Find the model number. iPod nanos have a model number printed in small type on the back, near the bottom.
    • A1446 - 7th Generation
    • A1366 - 6th Generation
    • A1320 - 5th Generation
    • A1285 - 4th Generation
    • A1236 (Serial # ends with YOP, YOR, YXR, YXT, YXV, or YXX) - 3rd Generation
    • A1199 - 2nd Generation
    • A1137 - 1st Generation

iPod shuffle

  1. Look at the form factor. iPod shuffles are very small and none of them have a display. There are several visual differences between generations of the iPod shuffle.
    • Square with circular controls - 4th Generation (2010 - 2015)
    • Rectangular with controls along the top edge - 3rd Generation (2009)
    • Rectangular with circular controls - 2nd Generation (2006 - 2008)
    • Narrow rectangle with small circular controls (white only) - 1st Generation (2005)
  2. Check the model number. iPod shuffles model numbers are printed in small type:[2]
    • A1373 - 4th Generation (The model number is printed on the part of the clip that touches the base).
    • A1271 - 3rd Generation (The model number is printed at the bottom of the back, underneath the clip).
    • A1204 - 2nd Generation (The model number is printed on the edge that is covered by the tip of the clip).
    • A1112 - 1st Generation (The model number is printed on the back on the iPod, at the bottom).

iPod classic

  1. Identify a "classic" iPod. iPod classic models are a variety of early iPods that aren't necessarily numbered by Generation. The classic line includes the original iPod (2001) through the "iPod classic 160 GB." This was the last model made in 2009.
  2. Check the display. This is the easiest way to get an idea of what model iPod you have.
    • A full color screen means the iPod is a 4th Generation (2005) or newer.
    • A monochrome display means the iPod is 4th Generation or older. Yes, the 4th Generation had a color and a monochrome model. The monochrome 4th Generation has four control buttons in a row beneath the screen.
  3. Try the control interface. The iPod classic line has gone through several control revisions. This will help you determine the Generation.
    • All 4th generation and newer iPod classics have a Click Wheel interface. This is a circular touchpad that you can press in to click.
    • The 3rd Generation has a Click Wheel and a Dock Connector on the bottom. It also has four control buttons beneath the display.
    • 2nd Generation iPods have Touch Wheels. There are buttons in a circle along the outside of the wheel.
    • 1st Generation iPods have Scroll Wheels. This physically moves as you move your finger.
  4. Look at the color. The color can help you find the difference between the newer Generations.
    • 6th Generation iPods (iPod classic X GB models) come in either silver or black and have an anodized aluminum finish.
    • 5th Generation iPods (iPod with video) come in either black or white with a glossy finish.
    • 4th Generation iPods (iPod with color) come in white with a glossy finish.
  5. Find the model number. If you can't visually identify the Generation, you can check the model number.
    • A1238 - iPod classic. 2009 models come with 160 GB. 2008 models come with 120 GB. 2007 models come with either 80 or 160 GB, and the serial numbers end with one of the following: Y5N, YMU, YMV, or YMX.
    • A1238 - iPod with video (5th Generation). This has the same model number as the iPod classic line. The 5th Generation's serial number ends with: V9K, V9P, V9M, V9R, V9L, V9N, V9Q, V9S, WU9, WUA, WUB, WUC, or X3N. If you have the U2 Special Edition, the serial number will end with W9G.
    • A1099 - iPod with color (4th Generation).
    • A1059 - Monochrome 4th Generation.
    • A1040 - 3rd Generation.
    • A1019 - 2nd Generation.
    • M8541 - 1st Generation.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204217
  2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201570
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