iPod · The Digital Hub · 2001
iPod (1st generation)
A 5 GB hard drive, a scroll wheel and FireWire syncing turned messy MP3 players into something effortless, kicking off the device that carried Apple into the stratosphere.
iPod (1st generation): key facts
When was the iPod (1st generation) released?
The iPod (1st generation) was released in October 23, 2001. Apple discontinued it in March 2003.
How much did the iPod (1st generation) cost?
The iPod (1st generation) launched at $399 in 2001 — about $722 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What are the iPod (1st generation)’s specs?
The iPod (1st generation) used a Dual ARM 7TDMI running at 90 MHz, with 32 MB of memory and 5 GB of storage. It ran iPod software 1.0.
Why does the iPod (1st generation) matter?
"1,000 songs in your pocket" — the mechanical scroll wheel reinvented navigating music.
Full specifications
| CPU | Dual ARM 7TDMI · 90 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 MB |
| Storage | 5 GB |
| Display | 2" monochrome LCD, 160×128 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | FireWire |
| Weight | 184 g |
| Dimensions | 10.2×6.1×2.0 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software 1.0 |
| Released | October 23, 2001 |
| Discontinued | March 2003 |
| Launch price | $399 |
How the iPod (1st generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 512× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 90 MHz, the clock is roughly 36× 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 1,280 modern phone photos — a respectable library even today.
Launched at $399 in 2001 — about $722 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Cross-architecture speed figures are clock-only and approximate; inflation figures use US CPI.
Did you know?
The first iPod was Mac-only and its scroll wheel physically rotated.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod (1st generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-25