iPod · The Digital Hub · 2004
iPod mini
Smaller, lighter and available in five anodised colours, the mini introduced the solid-state Click Wheel every later iPod used. It sold so well Apple retired it at its peak.
Introduced the touch-sensitive Click Wheel and anodised aluminium colours.
iPod (5th generation, Video) (2005)
iPod mini: key facts
When was the iPod mini released?
The iPod mini arrived on February 20, 2004. Apple discontinued it in September 2005.
How much did the iPod mini cost?
The iPod mini launched at $249 in 2004, about $423 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: ARM at 80 MHz, 32 MB RAM, 4 GB storage, 1.67" monochrome, 138×110 display.
Why does the iPod mini matter?
Introduced the touch-sensitive Click Wheel and anodised aluminium colours.
Full specifications
| CPU | ARM · 80 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 MB |
| Storage | 4 GB |
| Display | 1.67" monochrome, 138×110 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector |
| Weight | 103 g |
| Dimensions | 9.1×5.1×1.3 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software |
| Released | February 20, 2004 |
| Discontinued | September 2005 |
| Launch price | $249 |
How the iPod mini 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 1,020 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $249 in 2004, about $423 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?
Apple killed the wildly popular mini on purpose, to make room for the flash nano.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod mini in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11