Apple iPod touch (3G/Late 2009) 8, 32, 64 GB Specs (MC008LL/A*)
iPod Main | Support Links | Q&A | Forums | Add to EveryMac.com Pro
The iPod touch 3G (Late 2009) models -- so named because they are third-generation, not for 3G networking support -- are being marketed with an increased emphasis on gaming rather than the "iPhone without a phone" pitch provided by previous iPod touch models. Nevertheless, they continue to offer much of the same functionality of the iPhone 3GS, minus the "phone", mobile phone networking (3G/EDGE), A-GPS, digital compass, and integrated camera.
Although they are sold as a single lineup with 8 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB of storage, the 8 GB model essentially is the same as the 8 GB configuration of the iPod touch 2G, whereas the 32 GB and 64 GB models are the same externally as the iPod touch 2G but have innards more in common with the iPhone 3GS with advertised "50% faster performance" and OpenGL ES 2.0 support for better graphics performance (courtesy of the same 800 MHz Samsung ARM processor that powers the iPhone 3GS).
Like the iPod touch 2G, the iPod touch 3G features the same "multi-touch" sensitive 3.5" display with 320x480 resolution, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and support for 802.11b/g (hardware-capable of 802.11n as well).
Features are largely unchanged -- apart from superior performance on the 32 GB and 64 GB models -- but the higher-end models also add Voice Control capability for voice navigation and a "VoiceOver" screen reader for the visually impared. All three models support Voice Memos too, but the 8 GB model ships with standard earphones by default and needs the "Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic" (or another mic) for recording. All three also support a new "Genius Mixes" feature that makes an effort to make mixes of songs that "go great together".
Battery life is an Apple-estimated 30 hours for music playback and 6 hours for video.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the iPod touch 3G (Late 2009) and the iPod touch 2G?
- What are the differences between the iPod touch 3G (Late 2009) and the iPhone 3GS?
Buy This iPod -- and all other new & used iPods -- at site sponsor PowerMax!
Upgrade This iPod at site sponsor Other World Computing. Batteries & accessories!
Click on the underlined category text for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.
| Introduction Date: |
September 9, 2009 |
Discontinued Date: |
N/A |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended. |
| Processor Type: |
Samsung ARM* |
Processor Speed: |
800 MHz* |
| Details: |
*Apple provides no information on the processor used in the iPod touch 3G models, but third-party "teardowns" indicate that the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations use an Apple branded Samsung ARM processor running at 800 MHz (the same processor used by the iPhone 3GS, but not downclocked to preserve battery life). The 8 GB model, on the other hand, uses the same 533 MHz Samsung ARM as the iPod touch 2G models (it essentially is a 2G model).
For more information, please refer to the disassembly "guide" from the always excellent iFixIt. |
| Onboard RAM: |
256 MB* |
Storage Capacity: |
8, 32, 64 GB |
| Details: |
*Apple provides no information regarding the RAM used in the iPod touch 3G, but it is assumed that the 32 GB and 64 GB models have the same amount as the iPhone 3GS. The 8 GB configuration, on the other hand, likely has 128 MB like the iPod touch 2G (it essentially is an iPod touch 2G). |
| Song Capacity: |
1750, 7000, 14,000 |
Photo Capacity: |
10,000, 40,000, 90,000 |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the 8 GB model can hold "up to" 1750 songs, the 32 GB model "up to" 7000 songs, and the 64 GB model "up to" 14,000 songs in "128-Kbps AAC format". Likewise, the 8 GB model can hold as many as 10,000 photos, the 32 GB model can hold as many as 40,000 photos, and the 64 GB model can hold as many as 90,000 photos.
Additionally, Apple reports that the 8 GB model can hold "up to" 10 hours of video, the 32 GB model "up to" 40 hours of video, and the 64 GB model "up to" 80 hours of video. |
| USB Support: |
Sync & Charge |
Firewire Support: |
None |
| Details: |
The iPod touch (3G) models are capable of charging and syncing by USB via the dock connector, but cannot sync or charge via Firewire "400". |
| Connectivity: |
USB, Audio* |
Ports: |
Dock, Headphone* |
| Details: |
*Note that the iPod touch (3G) models do not support video out via the headphone jack, they only provide video out via the dock connector. The 32 GB and 64 GB configurations ship with the same "Earphones with Remote and Mic" as the iPhone 3GS, whereas the 8 GB model ships with a standard set of earphones. |
| Case Type: |
Handheld |
Form Factor: |
iPod touch 3G |
| Housing Color: |
Black |
Controller: |
Multi-touch |
| Details: |
The patented "multi-touch" interface allows one to control the functions of the system by dragging one or more fingers across the display.
Also see: How does the "multi-touch" interface introduced with the iPhone work? Who developed the "multi-touch" interface originally? |
| Built-in Display: |
3.5" Color |
Display Resolution: |
320x480 (163 ppi) |
| Details: |
The iPod touch 3G has a 3.5" 320 by 480 at 163 ppi resolution display, identical to that provided by the iPod touch 2G models.
Also see: How does the touchscreen feel? Is the touchscreen really better than a keypad with tactile feedback? |
| Standard Wireless: |
802.11b/g* |
Standard Bluetooth: |
Bluetooth 2.1+EDR |
| Details: |
*The iPod touch 3G models are advertised as having 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR support. However, third-party teardowns have discovered that the Broadcom BCM4329 chip that provides 802.11b/g is capable of 802.11n as well. It will be interesting to see if it is supported in software. |
| Cell Network: |
None |
Camera: |
None |
| Details: |
The iPod touch 2G does not have mobile phone capabilities or an integrated camera. |
| Battery Type: |
Lithium Ion |
Battery Life (Music): |
30 Hours |
| Details: |
The iPod touch 3G models officially provide an Apple-estimated 30 hours of battery life for music playback and 6 hours for video playback.
Site sponsor Other World Computing has replacement batteries that are higher capacity than the stock models as well as cases, headphones, speakers, and other accessories. |
| Battery Life (Voice): |
N/A |
Standby Time: |
N/A |
| Details: |
Apple does not provide estimated battery life for photo playback or web browsing, but does estimate "up to" 6 hours of video playback. |
| Full-Charge Time: |
N/A |
Apple Order No: |
MC008LL/A* |
| Details: |
*MC008LL/A refers to the 32 GB configuration. The 64 GB configuration is assigned MC011LL/A and the essentially re-issued 8 GB configuration is assigned MC086LL/A. |
| Apple Subfamily: |
Late 2009 |
Apple Model No: |
A1318 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. |
| Pre-Installed OS: |
iPhone OS 3.1.1 (7C145) |
Maximum OS: |
Current |
| Details: |
This model is capable of running the current version of the operating system. |
| Dimensions: |
4.3 x 2.4 x 0.33 |
Avg. Weight: |
4.05 oz. (115 g) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth (110 x 61.8 x 8.5 mm). |
| Mac Support: |
MacOS X 10.4.11 |
Windows Support: |
Windows Vista/XP SP3 |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the iPod touch 3G is compatible with a "Macintosh computer with a USB 2.0 port, MacOS X 10.4.11 or later, and iTunes 9 or later."
It is compatible with a "PC with USB 2.0, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later, and iTunes 9 or later." |
| Audio Support: |
Apple reports that the iPod touch 3G supports "AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV." |
| Photo Support: |
Apport reports that the iPod touch models sync iPod-viewable photos in "JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only), and PNG formats". |
| Video Support: |
Apple reports that the iPod touch 3G supports "H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats." |
| Incl. Accessories: |
All iPod touch 3G models ship with a USB 2.0 cable and a dock adapter. The 32 GB and 64 GB models ship with a pair of "Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic", whereas the 8 GB model simply has a standard set of earbuds. The polishing cloth provided by the iPod touch 2G is no longer included. |
| Original Price: |
US$199, $299, $399 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$199, $299, $399 |
| Details: |
The 8 GB iPod touch 2G was offered for US$229, the 16 GB for US$299, and the 32 GB for US$399.
To purchase an iPod, free of sales tax, please visit site sponsor PowerMax.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Add the iPod touch (3G/Late 2009) to EveryMac.com Pro for future reference.
Permalink | E-mail to a Friend |
Bookmark & Share
| Subscribe | Follow
Report an Error/Typo | Ask a Question in the Forums | Become a Member
<< iPod Specs (Main)
EveryMac.com and EveryiPod.com are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever.
EveryMac.com, EveryiPod.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any
damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright
information please read and understand the Terms
of Use and the Privacy Policy before
using either website. Use of any content or images without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.
