iPod · The Digital Hub · 2004
iPod photo
Before the iPod played video, it learned to show photos: album art, slideshows and a colour UI that made the monochrome iPods suddenly feel old.
First iPod with a colour screen and photo syncing.
iPod (5th generation, Video) (2005)
iPod photo: key facts
When was the iPod photo released?
The iPod photo arrived on October 26, 2004. Apple discontinued it in June 2005.
How much did the iPod photo cost?
The iPod photo launched at $499 in 2004 — about $848 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Dual ARM 7TDMI at 80 MHz, 32 MB RAM, 40 GB storage, 2" colour LCD, 220×176 display.
Why does the iPod photo matter?
First iPod with a colour screen and photo syncing.
Full specifications
| CPU | Dual ARM 7TDMI · 80 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 MB |
| Storage | 40 GB |
| Display | 2" colour LCD, 220×176 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector, photo dock |
| Weight | 181 g |
| Dimensions | 10.4×6.1×1.9 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software |
| Released | October 26, 2004 |
| Discontinued | June 2005 |
| Launch price | $499 |
How the iPod photo 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 10,200 modern phone photos — a respectable library even today.
Launched at $499 in 2004 — about $848 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Did you know?
Apple later folded the "photo" model into the regular iPod line as the iPod with color display.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod photo in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-29