iPod · The Digital Hub · 2007
iPod nano (3rd generation)
A stout, square little nano that could finally play video and browse album art in Cover Flow. It was beloved and mocked in equal measure for its dumpy proportions.
Short, wide "fat nano" shape with video playback and a Cover Flow interface.
iPod nano (5th generation) (2009)
iPod nano (3rd generation): key facts
When was the iPod nano (3rd generation) released?
The iPod nano (3rd generation) arrived on September 5, 2007. Apple discontinued it in September 2008.
How much did the iPod nano (3rd generation) cost?
The iPod nano (3rd generation) launched at $149 in 2007, about $229 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: ARM at 80 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 4 GB storage, 2" colour LCD, 320×240 display.
Why does the iPod nano (3rd generation) matter?
Short, wide "fat nano" shape with video playback and a Cover Flow interface.
Full specifications
| CPU | ARM · 80 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 64 MB |
| Storage | 4 GB |
| Display | 2" colour LCD, 320×240 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector |
| Weight | 49.2 g |
| Dimensions | 6.95×5.2×0.65 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software |
| Released | September 5, 2007 |
| Discontinued | September 2008 |
| Launch price | $149 |
How the iPod nano (3rd generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 256× 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 $149 in 2007, about $229 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?
Fans nicknamed it the "fat nano" almost immediately.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod nano (3rd generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11