iPod · The Digital Hub · 2007
iPod nano (3rd generation)
A stout, square little nano that could finally play video and browse album art in Cover Flow — beloved and mocked in equal measure for its dumpy proportions.
iPod nano (3rd generation): key facts
When was the iPod nano (3rd generation) released?
The iPod nano (3rd generation) was released in September 5, 2007. Apple discontinued it in September 2008.
How much did the iPod nano (3rd generation) cost?
The iPod nano (3rd generation) launched at $149 in 2007 — about $229 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What are the iPod nano (3rd generation)’s specs?
The iPod nano (3rd generation) used a ARM running at 80 MHz, with 64 MB of memory and 4 GB of storage. It ran iPod software.
Why does the iPod nano (3rd generation) matter?
Short, wide "fat nano" shape with video playback and a Cover Flow interface.
Full specifications
| CPU | ARM · 80 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 64 MB |
| Storage | 4 GB |
| Display | 2" colour LCD, 320×240 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector |
| Weight | 49.2 g |
| Dimensions | 6.95×5.2×0.65 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software |
| Released | September 5, 2007 |
| Discontinued | September 2008 |
| Launch price | $149 |
How the iPod nano (3rd generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 256× 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 1,020 modern phone photos — a respectable library even today.
Launched at $149 in 2007 — about $229 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Cross-architecture speed figures are clock-only and approximate; inflation figures use US CPI.
Did you know?
Fans nicknamed it the "fat nano" almost immediately.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod nano (3rd generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-25