Content

• Steps

This wikiHow teaches you how to define iPod generation. The easiest way to tell the difference is to compare your iPod to another model listed on the Apple website, but you can also use the iPod's model number to determine the generation.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: By the Apple website

1. 

   Open Apple's "Identify your iPod model" page. Go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht204217 using the web browser on your computer. On this website, Apple lists all the different iPod models.

2. 

   
   
   Select model. Click the iPod option associated with your model at the top of the page. The most recent generation of the selected iPod will appear.
   • If you are unsure of which iPod model you have, scroll down until you see a similar iPod.

3. 

   
   
   Find the model of the iPod. Scroll across different generations of iPods until you find one that is similar to yours.

4. 

   Compare model on website with iPod. Below the model's generation title is a list of the iPod's features. If the features on the site are the same as the current iPod, this is the model to look for.
   • If the features listed below the current generation don't match your iPod then scroll down to another model and compare again.

5. 

   
   
   Look up iPod by model number. If you can't conclude the iPod generation through the description on the page or just want to define your model, then:
   • Find your iPod's model number (the 5-letter code next to the word "Model" on the back of your iPod).
   • Press Ctrl+F (Windows) or ⌘ Command+F (Mac) to open the "Find" window on the Apple website.
   • Enter the model number of the iPod.
   • Find the generation title above the number.
   advertisement

Method 2 of 5: iPod Touch

1. 

   Distinguish iPod Touch. iPod Touch looks like an iPhone and is the only iPod model with a full-size touchscreen.

2. 

   Check the model number. Normally, you can easily find the model number of the iPod Touch in the small print on the bottom edge of the device.

3. 

   Compare this model number with other generations. The model number of the iPod Touch will determine the product generation:
   • A1574 - 6th generation (2015 or later)
   • A1509 or A1421 - 5th generation (2012 - 2014)
   • A1367 - fourth generation (2010 - 2012)
   • A1318 - 3rd generation (2009)
   • A1288 or A1319 (Chinese market only) - 2nd generation (2008)
   • A1213 - first generation (2007 - 2008)
   advertisement

Method 3 of 5: iPod Nano

1. 

   Observe your appearance. iPod Nano has 5 different models, through this you can quickly determine the age of the iPod.
   • Rectangles with touch screens - 7th generation (2012 - 2015)
   • Square with touch screen - 6th generation (2010)
   • Rectangle with control wheel (called "click wheel") - 4th and 5th generation (2008 - 2009)
   • Widescreen with click wheel - 3rd generation (2007)
   • Small screen and click wheel - first and second generation (2005 - 2006)

2. 

   Check the model number. The iPod Nano's model number is on the back of the device, near the bottom edge.

3. 

   Compare model numbers of generations below. The following model numbers correspond to generations:
   • A1446 - 7th generation
   • A1366 - 6th generation
   • A1320 - 5th generation
   • A1285 - fourth generation
   • A1236 (serial number simultaneously ends with YOP, YOR, YXR, YXT, YXV or YXX) - 3rd generation
   • A1199 - 2nd generation
   • A1137 - first generation
   advertisement

Method 4 of 5: iPod Shuffle

1. 

   Look at the outward appearance. iPod Shuffle is very small and has no screen. There are different styles of iPod shuffle generations.
   • Square with control circle - fourth generation (2010 - 2015)
   • Rectangular with controls along the top edge - 3rd generation (2009)
   • Rectangular with control circle - 2nd generation (2006 - 2008)
   • Narrow rectangle with small control circle (white only) - first generation (2005)

2. 

   Check the model number. The model number of the iPod Shuffle is printed in a mini format:
   • A1373 - fourth generation (model number printed on the clamp and facing the back of the machine).
   • A1271 - 3rd generation (model number printed on the bottom rear edge of the machine, below the clamp).
   • A1204 - 2nd generation (model number printed on the edge and covered by the clamp head).
   • A1112 - first generation (model number printed on the bottom edge of the back iPod).
   advertisement

Method 5 of 5: iPod Classic

1. 

   Distinguish the iPod "Classic". The iPod Classic was a series of early iPod models and was not numbered by generation. The Classic line includes the original iPod (2001) to the iPod Mini.
   • If your iPod is rectangular, doesn't have a touchscreen, and is quite large, it is probably an iPod Classic.

2. 

   Check the screen. The easiest way to find out the iPod model is to check the screen.
   • Multi-screen display: fourth generation iPod (2005) or later.
   • Monochrome display: Fourth-generation iPod or earlier (note that the fourth-generation iPod comes in two models, monochrome and color display). The monochrome fourth-generation iPod has an array of four control buttons at the bottom of the screen.

3. 

   Review the console. The iPod Classic line has gone through many different versions of the console. This factor will help you to determine the generation of the machine.
   • All iPod Classic fourth generation and later use a control wheel interface. This is a circular touchpad that you can click to select.
   • The 3rd generation has the control wheel and the bottom charging station connector. iPod 3rd generation also has 4 control buttons located below the screen.
   • 2nd generation iPod has touch wheels, the outside are buttons located along the wheel.
   • The first-generation iPod had a scroll wheel that physically spins as you move your finger to navigate.

4. 

   Look at color. Color can help you differentiate between generations to come.
   • The 6th generation iPod (model iPod classic # GB) is silver or black and covered with anodized aluminum.
   • 5th generation iPod (video iPod) is available in black or white and has a glossy coating.
   • The fourth generation iPod (color-screen iPod) is white and has a glossy finish.

5. 

   Find the model number. If you cannot distinguish the generations according to the external characteristics, you can check the model number to determine the model:
   • A1051 IPod Mini. If the text on the play button (eg "MENU") is the same color as the iPod cover, this is the 2nd generation iPod Mini; otherwise this is the first generation.
   • A1238 IPod Classic. Model released in 2009 has a capacity of 160 GB; 2008 is 120 GB and 2007 is 80 or 160 GB, the serial number of the machine also ends with Y5N, YMU, YMV or YMX.
   • A1238 Video iPod (5th generation). This model shares the same model number as the iPod Classic series. The serial number of the 5th generation iPod ends with V9K, V9P, V9M, V9R, V9L, V9N, V9Q, V9S, WU9, WUA, WUB, WUC or X3N.
     • If the serial number ends with W9G then this is the limited edition U2 Special Edition.
   • A1099 - iPod color display (fourth generation)
   • A1059 4th generation monochrome monitor
   • A1040 - iPod 3rd generation
   • A1019 IPod 2nd generation
   • M8541 The first generation iPod
   advertisement