iPod · The Aluminum Age · 2009
iPod nano (5th generation)
The tall nano packed in a surprising amount: a video camera, an FM tuner you could pause, and a pedometer — a Swiss-army gadget the size of a stick of gum.
iPod nano (5th generation): key facts
When was the iPod nano (5th generation) released?
The iPod nano (5th generation) was released in September 9, 2009. Apple discontinued it in September 2010.
How much did the iPod nano (5th generation) cost?
The iPod nano (5th generation) launched at $149 in 2009 — about $222 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What are the iPod nano (5th generation)’s specs?
The iPod nano (5th generation) used a ARM running at 200 MHz, with 64 MB of memory and 8 GB of storage. It ran iPod software.
Why does the iPod nano (5th generation) matter?
Built-in video camera, FM radio with live pause, and a pedometer.
Full specifications
| CPU | ARM · 200 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 64 MB |
| Storage | 8 GB |
| Display | 2.2" colour LCD, 240×376 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector |
| Weight | 36.4 g |
| Dimensions | 9.0×3.8×0.62 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software |
| Released | September 9, 2009 |
| Discontinued | September 2010 |
| Launch price | $149 |
How the iPod nano (5th generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 256× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 200 MHz, the clock is roughly 16× 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 $149 in 2009 — about $222 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Cross-architecture speed figures are clock-only and approximate; inflation figures use US CPI.
Did you know?
It came in nine candy colours, the widest nano palette yet.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod nano (5th generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-25