Timeline Description: Portable music players have a long history that spans from the boom box to the Walkman. It wasn’t until 2000 that digital music players were introduced. However, digital players in 2000 were either large and cumbersome or small and contained dreadful user interfaces. Apple saw an opportunity to improve the digital players and released the iPod.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2001 | Apple introduced the iTunes software. The iTunes media player, media library, and mobile management application was released in a Macintosh version before the first iPod was introduced. This software allowed users to place their digital music libraries on phones and computers. |
| October 23, 2001 | The first iPod was introduced. Apple introduced to the world a product that would allow you to fit your entire music library into your pocket. The first generation iPod had a 5G hard drive and sold for $400. |
| December 2001 | Sales. Since its release date in October and its official date of hitting the stores in November, the first generation iPod had sold 125,000 units by December 31st. |
| January 2002 | The iPod was given a rating. Despite a steep price and lack of a case and wrist strap, Macworld gave the iPod an A rating for quick transfer speed, iTunes integration, and high capacity. The iPod was named as the best digital music device. |
| March 2002 | Apple ramps up its product. Apple adds software available for free download that allows for the addition and storage of names and addresses on the iPod. It also begins an engraving service allowing users to add text to the back of their iPods. Also, a 10GB model priced at $499 is added. |
| July 2002 | The second generation of iPods arrives. Second generation iPods top out at a 20GB capacity. This time, the scroll wheel is replaced by a touch wheel and a door for the FireWire port. Software updates allow users to organize music, and the price drops by $200.00. |
| August 2002 | iPods for Windows. Along with the second generation of iPods, the software becomes available for Windows platforms, increasing the sales potential of iPod devices. |
| January 2003 | Steve Jobs was selected as keynote speaker for the Macworld Expo. During his keynote speech, Jobs stated that Apple sold over 600,000 iPods since their launch. |
| April 2003 | iTunes goes online. Apple introduced the online music service that offered over 200,000 songs for download. This offer revolutionized the music industry. |
| September 2003 | iPod capacity was increased. Dave Winer, software developer, created an RSS-with-enclosures feed to distribute audio content, as well as increased the capacity of iPods to offer 10GB, 20GB, and 40GB memory drivers. |
| October 2003 | The iTunes store went cross-platform. With the iTunes store having the availability to be used by Windows users, Apple celebrated by offering an amazing detail. For the month, Windows users were able to purchase all songs for 99 cents. Also, the 2.1 software update was released and the ability to store and add voice recordings were added through Belkin add- ons. |
| January 2004 | The iPod slimmed down for the new year. Half an inch thin and the size of a credit card, the iPod mini was introduced to the market in January. The mini 4GB sold for $250 and came in gold, pink, green, and blue anodized aluminum. |
| July 2004 | Generation four was welcomed. Click Wheel interface was new with the third generation iPods. 20GB and 40GB models were sold for $299 and $399 respectively. |
| September 2004 | HP jumped on the bandwagon. Identical to Apple’s 20GB and 40GB fourth generation iPods, HP released its own iPod. The only difference was the HP logo on the back. |
| September 2006 | Apple overhauled the entire product line. After the introduction of shuffles and Nanos, Apple adjusted the product line of iPods, making them scratch resistant, brighter, and giving them better quality screen displays and a longer battery life. The iPod, after the overhaul, is here to stay. iPods changed the course of music, movies, gaming, and information. Even with the introduction of today’s smartphones and iPads, the iPod is still a commonly used device in the world of technology. |