iPod · The Digital Hub · 2003
iPod (3rd generation)
Thinner and all-touch, with a glowing row of capacitive buttons and the new dock connector that would link iPods and iPhones to the world for the next decade.
iPod (3rd generation): key facts
When was the iPod (3rd generation) released?
The iPod (3rd generation) was released in April 28, 2003. Apple discontinued it in July 2004.
How much did the iPod (3rd generation) cost?
The iPod (3rd generation) launched at $299 in 2003 — about $520 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What are the iPod (3rd generation)’s specs?
The iPod (3rd generation) used a Dual ARM 7TDMI running at 90 MHz, with 32 MB of memory and 15 GB of storage. It ran iPod software 2.0.
Why does the iPod (3rd generation) matter?
Introduced the 30-pin dock connector and touch-sensitive buttons.
Full specifications
| CPU | Dual ARM 7TDMI · 90 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 MB |
| Storage | 15 GB |
| Display | 2" monochrome LCD, 160×128 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector |
| Weight | 158 g |
| Dimensions | 10.4×6.2×1.6 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software 2.0 |
| Released | April 28, 2003 |
| Discontinued | July 2004 |
| Launch price | $299 |
How the iPod (3rd 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 3,840 modern phone photos — a respectable library even today.
Launched at $299 in 2003 — about $520 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Cross-architecture speed figures are clock-only and approximate; inflation figures use US CPI.
Did you know?
This is the generation that launched the iconic silhouette "dancers" ad campaign.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod (3rd generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-25