The first iPod nano was released on Sept. 7, 2005, and in the six intervening years, it has undergone a lot of changes. In fact, the nano has one of the most mercurial design histories of any Apple product. Here’s a quick look back at the history of the iPod nano over the years in pictures.
Images from the slideshow
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First generation iPod nano, introduced Sept. 7, 2005. Stylistically, it actually bears a striking resemblance to the current iPhone.
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Second generation iPod nano, introduced Sept. 12, 2006. The rounded edges and anodized aluminum casing borrows from the earlier iPod mini.
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Third generation iPod nano, introduced Sept. 5, 2007. This nano features a squat design, and introduced video playback to the nano for the first time. It also went back to an stainless steel back plate.
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Fourth generation iPod nano, introduced Sept. 9, 2008. This went back to the longer design of the 2G nano, and was the thinnest design yet. It also features more tapered edges, and an accelerometer to automatically rotate the song.
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Fifth generation iPod nano, introduced Sept. 9, 2009. This nano most closely resembled its predecessor, but came with a larger screen and a video camera, microphone and FM radio.
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Sixth generation iPod nano, introduced Sept. 1, 2010. The latest nano is scarcely bigger than the iPod shuffle, and has spawned countless watchband accessories. It actually lost features, including video recording and playback, from previous models, but introduced a touchscreen interface and higher pixel density.
If Apple sticks to its release schedule for new iPod models, we’ll likely see the seventh generation nano before too long. I’m hoping for an evolutionary take on the most recent nano, with Bluetooth features for wireless pairing with headphones and push notifications from iPhone and iPad devices. What are you looking for from the next iPod nano?
Image credits, in order of oldest to most recent models: Flickr users eheçåtzin, martijnbeijk, Andrew*, marcopako , coolmikeol, and viskas.
I love the latest form factor but I want Apple to bring back the ability to play movies / video.
I’m not looking at new iPod nanos…my 1st-gen nano has all the capacity a reasonable human could want, and it still works great. Well, the battery life is understandably shitty, but no matter.
wifi connectivity would be great.
Agree 100% I really want the ability to sync directly from iCloud (on all devices). And add AirPlay.
This latest iPod Nano is the same physical size as the Shuffle, but it has more memory / storage with a nice display – but the display is flaky / unpredictable. It needs a Home button. It does not need movies / videos in its present size.
When will the ipod nano be available.
Is there a chance there’s going to be a 7th generation. I’m planning on buying a nano, but I don’t want to get 6th gen if a 7th gen is coming out.
I personally think that the next nano should be the same size as the 4th/5th gen’s screen, so that videos can be played, while still having a touch screen. I also hope that they put the speaker back on it and it still has radio, because the radio apps on the other devices suck from time to time.
i hope it has an AM radio (i like to listen to sports radio). i’m also hoping it’s not a touch screen – i listen on crowded trains and like the ability to skip songs and adjust volume without have to take it out of my pocket.
This is a working out device – I don’t like running with my iPhone or iPod Touch – they’re too big. I don’t like the current Nano because it can’t track me. GPS seems like the most logical addition. Nike+ app on the iPhone is great and would be great on the Nano with GPS.
Maybe the 7th genereation iPod nano can play video. That’s what stinks about the 6th generation.