Apple iPod touch 5th Gen 32 GB, 64 GB* Specs
Identifiers: 5th Gen - MD723LL/A* - iPod5,1 - A1421 - 2600*
All iPod touch Models | All 2012 iPod Models | Dynamically Compare This iPod to Others
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Although there are many differences, conceptually the iPod touch (5th Gen) remains very much an "iPhone without a phone" -- just like earlier models -- and Apple promotes it with a heavy emphasis on "fun."
More specifically, in pursuit of said fun, the iPod touch (5th Gen) has a 4" (diagonal) widescreen multi-touch IPS "retina" display with a 1136x640 native resolution (326 ppi), dual cameras -- a 5 megapixel rear "iSight" camera with LED flash that can shoot 1080p video and a front-facing 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" 720p camera -- and support for Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11n Wi-Fi (both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies), Siri, and AirPlay in addition to the expected music, photo, video playback, and iOS app functionality.
The iPod touch (5th Gen) is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core A5 processor, has 512 MB of RAM, and has 32 GB or 64 GB of flash storage (a 16 GB option was added June 26, 2014). Battery life is an Apple-estimated 40 hours of music playback and 8 hours of video playback.
Unlike earlier iPod touch models, which have been black or white (or even just black), the iPod touch (5th Gen) models sport aluminum "unibody" cases originally offered in six different color choices -- dark gray "slate" (which has a black glass front) along with silver, pink, yellow, blue, and red (which have white glass fronts). However, on September 10, 2013, Apple swapped the "slate" color for a gunmetal "space gray," which also has a black glass front like its predecessor.
As a minor point, the iPod touch (5th Gen) additionally introduces a new "pop out" rear "nub" to attach an "iPod touch loop" wrist strap (as a minor point of differentiation, the 16 GB configuration ships without this strap, but it could be purchased separately for an additional US$9).
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the iPod touch 4th Generation (A1367) and the iPod touch 5th Generation (A1421/A1509)?
- What are all the differences between the iPod touch 5th Generation and the iPhone 5?
- 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. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: |
September 12, 2012* |
Discontinued Date: |
July 15, 2015 |
| 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.
*On September 10, 2013, Apple discontinued the dark gray "slate" color option and replaced it with a gunmetal "space gray" color.
*On June 26, 2014, Apple introduced a 16 GB configuration and cut the prices for the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations.
Also see: All iPhone models introduced in 2012. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Geekbench 2 (32): |
625 |
| Details: |
Geekbench 2 provides 32-bit benchmarks for iOS models. This number is an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all Geekbench 2 user submissions for devices with the iPod5,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, please see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
|
| Geekbench 3 (SC): |
215 |
Geekbench 3 (MC): |
410 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for devices with the iPod5,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
|
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
281 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
488 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for devices with the iPod5,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
|
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
N/A |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
N/A |
| Details: |
The Geekbench 5 benchmark does not support this iPod touch model. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for devices with the iPod5,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
1.0 GHz* |
Processor Type: |
Apple A5* |
| Details: |
*Apple reports that this model has a "dual-core A5 chip." It uses the same 32 nm 1 GHz dual-core Apple A5 (S5L8942, APL2498) "system on a chip" as the iPad2,4 model. Geekbench software analysis reports that it runs at 800 MHz, likely downclocked from its maximum clockspeed of 1 GHz. |
| Onboard RAM: |
512 MB* |
Storage Capacity: |
32 GB, 64 GB* |
| Details: |
*Apple provides no information regarding the RAM used in the iPod touch models, but software analysis and physical inspection has determined this model has 512 MB of RAM onboard.
Also see: Is it possible to add external storage to the iPod touch? How? |
| Song Capacity: |
7000, 14,000 |
Photo Capacity: |
40,000, 90,000 |
| Details: |
Apple long ago stopped providing an estimated song or photo capacity for the iPod models, however, these 32 GB and 64 GB configurations can hold up to 7000 and 14,000 songs, respectively, using Apple's former criteria "based on 4 minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding." |
| USB Support: |
Sync & Charge |
Firewire Support: |
None |
| Details: |
The iPod touch 5th Gen models are capable of charging and syncing by USB via the Lightning connector. It does not offer a "disk mode" for file transfer. |
| Connectivity: |
USB, Audio |
Ports: |
Lightning, Headphone |
| Details: |
The iPod touch (5th Gen) models have a "Lightning" port that connects to a computer via USB. |
| Case Type: |
Handheld |
Form Factor: |
iPod touch 5th Gen |
| Housing Color: |
Colors |
Controller: |
Multi-touch |
| Details: |
Aluminum "unibody" cases with a glass front originally offered in six different color choices. The dark gray "slate" color -- and the gunmetal "space gray" color that replaced it on September 10, 2013 -- have a black front whereas all other color options -- silver, pink, yellow, blue, and red -- have white fronts.
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: |
4" Color |
Display Resolution: |
1136x640 (326 ppi) |
| Details: |
The iPod touch (5th Gen) models have a 4" (diagonal) widescreen multi-touch IPS display with a 1136x640 native resolution at 326 ppi. Apple also reports a 800:1 typical contrast ratio and a 500 cd/m2 typical brightness. |
| Standard Wireless: |
802.11a/b/g/n* |
Standard Bluetooth: |
4.0 |
| Details: |
*Apple notes that this model supports both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency of 802.11n Wi-Fi. |
| Cell Network: |
None |
Camera: |
5 Megapixels* |
| Details: |
*These iPod touch 5th Gen models have dual cameras. The rear 5 megapixel "iSight" camera supports HD video recording (1080p up to 30 FPS with audio), and also has autofocus, backside illumination, a hybrid HR filter, a five-element lens, and an LED flash as well as Panorama and HDR support. The front "FaceTime HD" camera takes 1.2 megapixel photos and HD video (720p up to 30 FPS). |
| Battery Type: |
Lithium Ion |
Battery Life (Music): |
40 Hours |
| Details: |
The iPod touch 5th Gen models officially provide an Apple-estimated 40 hours of battery life for music playback and 8 hours for video playback.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells replacement batteries (as well as displays) for this iPod. |
| Battery Life (Photos): |
N/A |
Battery Life (Video): |
8 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple does not provide estimated battery life for photo playback or web browsing, but does estimate "up to" 8 hours of video playback.
|
| Apple Order No: |
MD723LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
5th Gen |
| Details: |
*MD723LL/A refers to the 32 GB configuration of the iPod touch (5th Gen) in dark gray "slate". The 32 GB configuration in "space gray" is ME978LL/A, sliver is MD720LL/A, pink is MC903LL/A, yellow is MD714LL/A, blue is MD717LL/A, and (PRODUCT) RED is MD749LL/A.
The 64 GB configuration in slate is MD724LL/A, space gray is ME979LL/A, sliver is MD721LL/A, pink is MC904LL/A, yellow is MD715LL/A, blue is MD718LL/A, and (PRODUCT) RED is MD750LL/A. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1421 (EMC 2600*) |
Model ID: |
iPod5,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers can refer to more than one model. Specifically, in this case, the model number collectively identifies the dual camera equipped configurations of the iPod touch 5th Gen regardless of capacity (this model as well as the subsequently introduced 16 GB option).
*Please also note that the EMC number is not externally listed on the device, but it is accessible in software.
Also see: All iPod touch models with the A1421 Model Number, the 2600* EMC Number, and the iPod5,1 Model Identifier. |
| Pre-Installed OS: |
iOS 6.0 (10A406)* |
Maximum OS: |
iOS 9.3.5 |
| Details: |
*The 32 GB and 64 GB configurations originally shipped with iOS 6 whereas the 16 GB configuration originally shipped with iOS 7. All capacities are fully supported by iOS 8 and iOS 9 with the exception of "Transit" for iOS 9. It does not support iOS 10 or subsequent versions of the iOS at all.
Also see: Which iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad models fully support iOS 9? For models that "partially" support iOS 9, which features are and are not supported? |
| Dimensions: |
4.86 x 2.31 x 0.24 |
Avg. Weight: |
3.10 oz. (88 g) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth (123.4 mm x 58.6 mm x 6.1 mm). |
| Mac Support: |
Mac OS X 10.6.8 |
Windows Support: |
Windows XP SP3/Vista |
| Details: |
Apple reports that these iPod touch models are compatible with a Mac running "OS X 10.6.8 or later, and iTunes 10.7 or later."
It is compatible with a "PC with USB 2.0, Windows 7, Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional (SP3) or later, and iTunes 10.7 or later." |
| Audio Support: |
Apple reports that the iPod touch 5th Gen 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." |
| Photo Support: |
Apple 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 5th Gen supports "H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 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 per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats, [and] Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format." |
| Incl. Accessories: |
The iPod touch 5th Gen models all shipped with "Earpods" (headphones, A1471) and a Lightning to USB cable. These 32 GB and 64 GB configurations also shipped with an "iPod touch loop" that connects to a small "pop out" connector on the rear of the device whereas the subsequently introduced 16 GB configuration did not ship with the loop by default, but it could be purchased separately for an extra US$9.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells accessories like cables, headphones, speakers and more for this iPod touch.
Also see: What is the best external keyboard for the iPod touch? |
| Original Price: |
US$299, US$399* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$50-US$100 |
| Details: |
*Originally, the 32 GB configurations were US$299 and the 64 GB configurations were US$399. On June 26, 2014, Apple introduced a 16 GB configuration for US$199 (with the wrist strap an optional purchase for an additional US$9), and lowered the price of the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations to US$249 and US$299, respectively (wrist strap included).
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. |
Global original prices for the iPod touch 5th Gen 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 touch, please share. Thank you.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$299, C$399 |
Brazil: |
R$1.199, R$1.599 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $4799, $6399 |
United States: |
US$299, US$399* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€329, €429 |
Belgium: |
€329, €429 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 2,499, 3,299 |
Finland: |
€339, €449 |
| France: |
€329, €439 |
Germany: |
€319, €419 |
| Ireland: |
€329, €429 |
Italy: |
€329, €439 |
| Luxembourg: |
€312,69, €407,73 |
Netherlands: |
€319, €419 |
| Norway: |
NOK 2.390, 3.190 |
Portugal: |
€329, €429 |
| Spain: |
€319, €429 |
Sweden: |
SEK 2.895, 3.895 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 349, 479 |
United Kingdom: |
£249, £329 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 2,298, 2,998 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$2,288, HK$3,088 |
| India: |
Rs 22,900, 29,900 |
Indonesia: |
Rp 3,099,000, 4,199,000 |
| Japan: |
¥24,800, ¥33,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 399,000, 549,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 1049, 1399 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 16,490, 21,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$398, S$548 |
Taiwan: |
NT$11,290, NT$14,790 |
| Thailand: |
THB 9,900, 13,500 |
Vietnam: |
VND 8,699,000, 11,699,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$329, A$439 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$459, NZ$599 |
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPod touch line follow.
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