iPod · The Aluminum Age · 2010
iPod touch (4th generation)
The touch got the iPhone 4’s Retina screen and front camera, making FaceTime a Wi-Fi reality for teens everywhere. It was the must-have gadget under many a Christmas tree.
Brought the Retina display, cameras and FaceTime to the iPod.
iPod touch (5th generation) (2012)
iPod touch (4th generation): key facts
When was the iPod touch (4th generation) released?
The iPod touch (4th generation) arrived on September 8, 2010. Apple discontinued it in May 2013.
How much did the iPod touch (4th generation) cost?
The iPod touch (4th generation) launched at $229 in 2010, about $337 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple A4 at 800 MHz, 256 MB RAM, 8 GB storage, 3.5" Retina LCD, 960×640 display.
Why does the iPod touch (4th generation) matter?
Brought the Retina display, cameras and FaceTime to the iPod.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple A4 · 800 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 256 MB |
| Storage | 8 GB |
| Display | 3.5" Retina LCD, 960×640 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX535 |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector |
| Weight | 101 g |
| Dimensions | 11.1×5.9×0.71 cm |
| Operating system | iOS 4.1 |
| Released | September 8, 2010 |
| Discontinued | May 2013 |
| Launch price | $229 |
How the iPod touch (4th generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 64× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 800 MHz, the clock is roughly 4.0× 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 2,050 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $229 in 2010, about $337 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?
Its rear camera was famously mediocre, but FaceTime made it a hit anyway.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod touch (4th generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11