iPod · The Aluminum Age · 2010
iPod nano (6th generation)
Apple shrank the nano to a clip-on touchscreen postage stamp — so watch-like that a cottage industry of wrist straps turned it into the unofficial first "Apple Watch."
iPod nano (6th generation): key facts
When was the iPod nano (6th generation) released?
The iPod nano (6th generation) was released in September 1, 2010. Apple discontinued it in September 2012.
How much did the iPod nano (6th generation) cost?
The iPod nano (6th generation) launched at $149 in 2010 — about $219 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What are the iPod nano (6th generation)’s specs?
The iPod nano (6th 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 (6th generation) matter?
A tiny square multitouch screen with a built-in clip.
Full specifications
| CPU | ARM · 200 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 64 MB |
| Storage | 8 GB |
| Display | 1.54" multitouch, 240×240 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | 30-pin dock connector |
| Weight | 21.1 g |
| Dimensions | 3.74×4.07×0.88 cm |
| Operating system | iPod software |
| Released | September 1, 2010 |
| Discontinued | September 2012 |
| Launch price | $149 |
How the iPod nano (6th 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 2010 — about $219 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Cross-architecture speed figures are clock-only and approximate; inflation figures use US CPI.
Did you know?
Strap accessories let people literally wear it as a watch years before the real one.
Related iPod models
Open the iPod nano (6th generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-25