iPod Touch (3rd generation)


iPod Touch
A black iPod touch (3rd generation)
DeveloperApple Inc.
ManufacturerFoxconn
Product familyiPod
TypeMobile device
ReleasedSeptember 9, 2009 (2009-09-09)
DiscontinuedSeptember 1, 2010 (2010-09-01)
Operating systemOriginal: iPhone OS 3.1
Last: iOS 5.1.1, released May 7, 2012 (2012-05-07)
iOS 6.1.6 (unofficial)[1]
System on a chipS5L8922
CPUARMv7-A32 Samsung S5L8922 600 MHz
Memory256 MB DRAM[2]
Storage32 or 64 GB flash memory[2]
Display3.5 in (89 mm) diagonal (3:2 aspect ratio),
multi-touch display,
LED backlit TN TFT LCD,
480×320 px at 163 PPI
200:1 contrast ratio (typical), 500 cd/m2 max. brightness (typical), Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on front[2]
GraphicsPowerVR SGX535 GPU
Input
Connectivity
Online servicesApp Store, iTunes Store, iBookstore, iCloud, MobileMe
Dimensions110 mm (4.3 in) H
61.8 mm (2.43 in) W
8.5 mm (0.33 in) D[2]
Weight115 g (4.1 oz)[2]
PredecessoriPod Touch (2nd generation)
SuccessoriPod Touch (4th generation)
RelatediPhone 3GS

The third-generation iPod Touch (marketed as "the new iPod Touch" and commonly referred to as the iPod Touch 3G, iPod Touch 3, or iPod 3) is a multi-touch mobile device developed and sold by Apple Inc. It features a touchscreen-based user interface, and serves as the direct successor to the second-generation iPod Touch.

History

Development

Before the launch, leaks of the iPod touch 3rd generation began circulating online, showcasing a camera positioned at the top centre of the rear panel, which was absent on the final design.[3] Rumours speculated that the 3rd-generation iPod touch would have the capability to support both photo and video recording. In Q3 of 2010, a few 3rd-generation iPod touch prototypes with cameras were listed on eBay for a short period of time before they were taken down due to copyright issues.[4] This became apparent when numerous case manufacturers were observed selling various cases for the iPod touch 3rd generation in retail stores, including Best Buy, which had adopted the same rear-centred camera design as shown in the leaks.[5] According to MacRumors, an iFixit teardown of the 3rd-generation iPod touch revealed strong evidence that the prototype was designed to include a camera and an external microphone.[6] In contrast, the final product displayed an empty space where the camera was meant to be installed.

Before its release, many speculations about Apple's next-generation iPod Touch were expecting it to include a camera in the final production, but it was ultimately removed at the last minute due to manufacturing issues.[7]

Release

On September 9, 2009, Apple quietly introduced the 3rd-generation iPod Touch, alongside a revised version of the 2nd-generation iPod touch, known as the "MC model," although Apple did not explicitly mention this. The 3rd-generation iPod touch maintained the same design as its predecessor, featuring no external changes. It was available exclusively in 32 GB and 64 GB models, in contrast to the second-generation iPod touch, which only offered an 8 GB configuration and started at an affordable price of just $199.[8][9]

The iPod touch 3rd generation (32 GB and 64 GB) shares the same specs as the iPhone 3GS and came with a range of new features that weren't offered in previous models, such as voice control (which can only be accessible using a remote control mic), accessibility, and a faster processor. Performance was bumped up from 128 MB to 256 MB of RAM, and graphics were upgraded to the new OpenGL ES 2.0 for a better gaming experience.[10]

Due to the quiet unveiling and confusion, some resellers later sold and mistitled the 8 GB iPod Touch (2nd generation) as the iPod Touch (3rd generation), but this error was neither done nor condoned by Apple.[11][12] Just like the iPod Touch (2nd generation), the 8 GB "iPod Touch (2nd generation)" (late 2009 models) was only supported up to iOS 4.2.1, whereas the 32 GB and 64 GB (3rd generation) iPod Touches were supported all the way up to iOS 5.1.1.[12][13]

Features

Software

Main articles: iOS, iPhone OS 3, iOS 4, and iOS 5
Further information: iOS version history

The iPod Touch 3rd generation, which originally shipped with iPhone OS 3, also fully supports iOS 4 and runs iOS 5; however, it does not support Siri. The last version supported on this device was iOS 5.1.1, which was released on May 7, 2012. Unlike the iPhone 3GS, it did not get the iOS 6 update, likely due to not having a camera despite sharing similar specs.

In 2025, the iOS 6 firmware was unofficially ported to the iPod Touch 3rd generation by a developer using modified firmware from the iPhone 3GS.[14]

Reception

On launch, the 3rd generation iPod touch was generally praised for its technical features, but was believed by some reviewers to not differ significantly from the previous generation iPod touch.[15][16]

References

  1. ^ "iPod touch 3 Gets Unofficial iOS 6 support". 2025. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e "iPod Touch 3rd generation Specs". PhoneArena. 28 May 2020. Archived from the original on 11 June 2022.
  3. ^ Davies, Chris (2009-08-17). "iPod Touch 3G With Camera Spotted In Wild [Video]". SlashGear. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  4. ^ Kim, Arnold (2020-05-27). "Prototype 3rd Gen iPod Touches with Camera Appear on eBay". MacRumors. Archived from the original on 2025-12-08. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  5. ^ Friedman, Alan (2020-05-28). "Cheese! Third-generation Apple iPod touch prototype with rear camera surfaces on Twitter". PhoneArena. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  6. ^ Kim, Arnold (2009-09-12). "Leaked iPod Touch with Camera Photos Were Real". MacRumors. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  7. ^ Friedman, Alan (2020-05-28). "Cheese! Third-generation Apple iPod touch prototype with rear camera surfaces on Twitter". PhoneArena. Archived from the original on 2025-06-22. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  8. ^ "Apple Introduces New iPod touch Lineup". Apple Newsroom. 9 September 2009. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022.
  9. ^ "iPod touch 3rd Gen/32 & 64 GB 32 GB, 64 GB Specs (A1318, MC008LL/A*, 2310, iPod3,1): EveryiPod.com". everymac.com. Archived from the original on 2020-05-12. Retrieved 2022-06-11.
  10. ^ Bell, Donald (September 12, 2009). "Apple iPod Touch (third generation review: Apple iPod Touch (third generation". CNET. Archived from the original on 2023-10-31. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  11. ^ "Is there such thing as a 3rd generation 8GB iPod touch?". Ask Different. Archived from the original on 2022-05-26. Retrieved 2022-06-11.
  12. ^ a b "Differences Between iPod touch 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen 2009: EveryiPod.com". everymac.com. Archived from the original on 2022-06-11. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  13. ^ "iPod touch 3rd Gen/32 & 64 GB 32 GB, 64 GB Specs (A1318, MC008LL/A*, 2310, iPod3,1): EveryiPod.com". everymac.com. Archived from the original on 2020-05-12. Retrieved 2022-06-11.
  14. ^ john (2025-11-22). "GitHub - NyanSatan/SundanceInH2A at rev1". GitHub. Archived from the original on 2026-02-02. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
  15. ^ Bell, Donald. "Apple iPod Touch third generation review: Apple iPod Touch third generation". CNET. Archived from the original on 2024-05-03. Retrieved 2024-05-03.
  16. ^ "Apple iPod touch (3rd Generation)". PCMag UK. 2015-06-30. Retrieved 2024-05-03.
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