iPod · The Digital Hub · 2003
iPod (3rd generation)
Thinner and all-touch, with a glowing row of capacitive buttons and the new dock connector that would link iPods and iPhones to the world for the next decade.
Introduced the 30-pin dock connector and touch-sensitive buttons.
iPod (4th generation, Click Wheel) (2004)
iPod (3rd generation): key facts
When was the iPod (3rd generation) released?
The iPod (3rd generation) arrived on April 28, 2003. Apple discontinued it in July 2004.
How much did the iPod (3rd generation) cost?
The iPod (3rd generation) launched at $299 in 2003, about $520 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Dual ARM 7TDMI at 90 MHz, 32 MB RAM, 15 GB storage, 2" monochrome LCD, 160×128 display.
Why does the iPod (3rd generation) matter?
Introduced the 30-pin dock connector and touch-sensitive buttons.
Full specifications
| CPU | Dual ARM 7TDMI · 90 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 MB |
| Storage | 15 GB |
| Display | 2" monochrome LCD, 160×128 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector |
| Weight | 158 g |
| Dimensions | 10.4×6.2×1.6 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software 2.0 |
| Released | April 28, 2003 |
| Discontinued | July 2004 |
| Launch price | $299 |
How the iPod (3rd generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 512× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 90 MHz, the clock is roughly 36× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 3,840 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $299 in 2003, about $520 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
This is the generation that launched the silhouette "dancers" ad campaign.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod (3rd generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11