iPod · The Digital Hub · 2005
iPod (5th generation, Video)
The iPod learned to play movies and TV shows, arriving alongside video sales on the iTunes Store — a glimpse of the pocket screen future the iPhone would perfect.
iPod (5th generation, Video): key facts
When was the iPod (5th generation, Video) released?
The iPod (5th generation, Video) was released in October 12, 2005. Apple discontinued it in September 2007.
How much did the iPod (5th generation, Video) cost?
The iPod (5th generation, Video) launched at $299 in 2005 — about $490 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What are the iPod (5th generation, Video)’s specs?
The iPod (5th generation, Video) used a PortalPlayer dual ARM running at 80 MHz, with 32 MB of memory and 30 GB of storage. It ran iPod software.
Why does the iPod (5th generation, Video) matter?
First iPod to play video, on a larger 2.5" colour screen.
Full specifications
| CPU | PortalPlayer dual ARM · 80 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 MB (up to 64 MB) |
| Storage | 30 GB |
| Display | 2.5" colour LCD, 320×240 |
| GPU | Broadcom video decoder |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector |
| Weight | 136 g |
| Dimensions | 10.3×6.2×1.1 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software |
| Released | October 12, 2005 |
| Discontinued | September 2007 |
| Launch price | $299 |
How the iPod (5th generation, Video) 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 7,680 modern phone photos — a respectable library even today.
Launched at $299 in 2005 — about $490 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Cross-architecture speed figures are clock-only and approximate; inflation figures use US CPI.
Did you know?
Its arrival turned the iTunes Store into a video shop overnight.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod (5th generation, Video) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-25