iPod · The Digital Hub · 2004
iPod (4th generation, Click Wheel)
The full-size iPod adopted the elegant solid-state Click Wheel and gained much better battery life. It’s the design most people picture when they think "iPod."
Brought the touch-sensitive Click Wheel from the mini to the full-size iPod.
iPod (5th generation, Video) (2005)
iPod (4th generation, Click Wheel): key facts
When was the iPod (4th generation, Click Wheel) released?
The iPod (4th generation, Click Wheel) arrived on July 19, 2004. Apple discontinued it in September 2005.
How much did the iPod (4th generation, Click Wheel) cost?
The iPod (4th generation, Click Wheel) launched at $299 in 2004, about $508 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Dual ARM 7TDMI at 80 MHz, 32 MB RAM, 20 GB storage, 2" monochrome LCD, 160×128 display.
Why does the iPod (4th generation, Click Wheel) matter?
Brought the touch-sensitive Click Wheel from the mini to the full-size iPod.
Full specifications
| CPU | Dual ARM 7TDMI · 80 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 MB |
| Storage | 20 GB |
| Display | 2" monochrome LCD, 160×128 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector |
| Weight | 158 g |
| Dimensions | 10.4×6.1×1.5 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software 3.0 |
| Released | July 19, 2004 |
| Discontinued | September 2005 |
| Launch price | $299 |
How the iPod (4th generation, Click Wheel) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 512× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 80 MHz, the clock is roughly 40× 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 5,120 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $299 in 2004, about $508 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?
A red-and-black U2 Special Edition followed, engraved with the band’s signatures.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod (4th generation, Click Wheel) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11