Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.






Apple iPod shuffle 3rd Gen (Colors) 2 GB, 4 GB Specs

Identifiers: 3rd Gen (Colors) - MC306LL/A* - A1271 - 2262

All iPod shuffle Models | All 2009 iPod Models | Dynamically Compare This iPod to Others

Download: PDF Manual


Apple iPod shuffle 3G (Colors)The iPod shuffle 3rd Generation (Late 2009/Colors) models essentially are the same externally as the previous iPod shuffle 3rd Generation except they are offered in colors -- blue, green, and pink -- in addition to the same black and silver colors offered previously and a new all stainless steel "Special Edition" as well.

Internally, the "Late 2009/Colors" models are available in a 2 GB capacity as well as the original 4 GB capacity (the "Special Edition" only is offered in a 4 GB capacity).

Regardless of color, the iPod shuffle 3rd Generation models use an effectively three button controller -- volume up, volume down, and "action" -- integrated with the earphone cable and "VoiceOver" technology for navigation. To use the "action" button, one is to press and hold for title/artists or press and hold until a tone for playlists and "VoiceOver" will "talk to you" with the appropriate information.

The 2 GB and 4 GB of flash memory in the iPod shuffle 3rd Generation (Late 2009/Colors) models support up to 500 and 1000 songs, respectively, and Apple reports an estimated ten hours of battery life.

Also see: What are the differences between the iPod shuffle 3rd Generation and the earlier iPod shuffle 2nd Generation?

Despite the age of this device, site sponsor OWC has inexpensive, compatible headphones and some upgrades and parts for vintage iPods while supplies last.



  • Tech Specs
  • Global Original Prices
  • Popular Q&As

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.


September 9, 2009 September 1, 2010
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.

Also see: All iPhone models introduced in 2009.
N/A Samsung ARM*
Details: *Apple provides no information on the processor used in the iPod shuffle 2nd Gen models, but it uses an Apple branded processor, believed to be a Samsung ARM.
N/A 2 GB, 4 GB
Details: N/A
500, 1000 None
Details: Apple reports that the 2 GB and 4 GB iPod shuffle (3rd Generation) models can hold "up to" 500 and 1000 songs, respectively, "based on 4 minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; actual song capacity varies by encoding method and bit rate." They lack a display and consequently do not support photo slideshows or video playback.
Sync & Charge None
Details: The third generation iPod shuffle models are capable of charging and syncing by USB using the provided cable. Firewire "400" is not supported.
USB Stereo Minijack*
Details: The iPod shuffle (3rd Generation) models only have a stereo minijack that provides connectivity to the headphones and to a computer using the provided USB cable.
Handheld iPod shuffle 3rd Gen
Details: N/A
Colors* Earphones/VoiceOver**
Details: *The iPod shuffle 3rd Generation (Colors/Late 2009) models are offered in silver, black, blue, green, pink, and a "Special Edition" stainless steel. All have a "mirrored finish" clip.

**For navigation, these models have a three button remote -- effectively volume up, volume down, and "action" (which varies depending on the number and duration of clicks) -- integrated with the headphones and a spoken response dubbed "VoiceOver" where the iPod "speaks" the names of songs, artists, and playlists.
None N/A
Details: The iPod shuffle (3rd Generation) models do not have an integrated display.
Lithium Ion 10 Hours
Details: Apple reports that the iPod shuffle (3rd Generation) models provide "up to" 10 hours of music playback.
N/A N/A
Details: The iPod shuffle (3rd Generation) models lack a display and consequently do not support photo slideshows or video playback.
"About 3 Hours" MC306LL/A*
Details: *MC306LL/A is the order number for the 2 GB configuration in silver. 2 GB in black is MC323LL/A, blue is MC384LL/A, green is MC381LL/A, and pink is MC387LL/A. The 4 GB configuration in black is MC164LL/A, silver is MB867LL/A, blue is MC328LL/A, green is MC307LL/A, and pink is MC331LL/A.

The stainless steel "Special Edition" is MC303LL/A.
3rd Gen (Colors) A1271 (EMC 2262)
Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All iPods with the A1271 Model Number and the 2262 EMC Number.
1.8 x 0.7 x 0.3 0.38 ounce*
Details: In inches - height by width by depth (including clip) -- 45.2 mm x 17.5 mm x 7.8 mm, 10.7 grams.

*The silver, black, blue, green, and pink models weigh 0.38 of an ounce (10.7 grams). The stainless steel "Special Edition" weighs 0.61 of an ounce (17.2 grams).
MacOS X 10.4.11 Windows XP SP3/Vista
Details: Apple reports that this iPod is compatible with a "Mac 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 a USB 2.0 port, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later, and iTunes 9 or later."
Apple reports that the iPod shuffle 3rd Generation (Late 2009/Colors) models support "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."
None
None
Shipped with "Apple earphones with remote and iPod shuffle USB cable."
US$59, $79, $99* US$20-US$30
Details: *The 2 GB configurations were US$59 and the 4 GB configurations were US$79, with the exception of the all stainless steel 4 GB "Special Edition" model -- which was available only direct from Apple -- and cost US$99.

Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).

Photo Credit: Apple Computer.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.



Global original prices for the iPod shuffle 3rd Gen (Colors) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region. Please note that prices with an asterisk (*) are bound by carrier contractual obligations.

For global original prices for all iPod, iPhone, and iPad models in one particular country on a single page, please refer to Everyi.com's Global Original Prices section.

If you have additional original prices for this iPod shuffle, please share. Thank you.


Original Prices - North & South America

C$69, C$89, C$109 N/A
N/A US$59, $79, $99*

Original Prices - Europe

€55, €75, €95 €55, €75, €95
DKK 399, 549 €65, €85, €105
€59, €79, €99 €55, €75, €95
€55, €75, €95 €55, €75, €95
N/A €55, €75, €95
NOK 479, 649, 799 €55, €75, €95
€55, €75, €95 SEK 579, 779, 979
CHF 75, 99, 129 £49, £59, £75

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 448, 608, 788 HK$448, HK$588, HK$748
Rs 3,700, 4,800 N/A
¥5,800, ¥7,800, ¥9,800 KRW 89,000, 119,000
N/A N/A
N/A NT$2,290, NT$3,000, NT$3,890
N/A N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$79, A$109, A$139 NZ$99, NZ$129, NZ$169


Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPod shuffle line follow.



Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices






<< iPod shuffle Specs (Main)




Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors 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 EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.