IPod car adapters - Hardware

Hardware

Chipsets and Electronics

Chipset or Electronic	Product(s)	Component(s)
Microcontroller	iPod Classic 1st to 3rd generations	Two ARM 7TDMI-derived CPUs running at 90 MHz
	iPod Classic 4th and 5th generations, iPod Mini, iPod Nano 1st generation	Variable-speed ARM 7TDMI CPUs, running at a peak of 80 MHz to save battery life
	iPod Classic 6th generation, iPod Nano 2nd generation onwards, iPod Shuffle 2nd generation onwards	Samsung System-on-a-chip, based around an ARM processor.
	iPod Shuffle 1st generation	SigmaTel D-Major STMP3550 chip running at 75 MHz that handles both the music decoding and the audio circuitry.
	iPod Touch 1st and 2nd generation	ARM 1176JZ(F)-S at 412 MHz for 1st gen, 533 MHz for 2nd gen.
	iPod Touch 3rd and 4th generation	ARM Cortex A8 at 600 MHz for 3rd gen, 800 MHz for 4th gen. (Apple A4)
	iPod Touch 5th generation	ARM Cortex A9 at 800 MHz (Apple A5)
	iPod Touch 6th generation	Apple ARMv8-A "Typhoon" at 1.1 GHz (Apple A8) with Apple M8 Motion coprocessor
Audio Chip	iPod Classic 1st to 5th generation, iPod Touch 1st generation, iPod Nano 1st to 3rd generation, iPod Mini	Audio Codecs developed by Wolfson Microelectronics
	iPod Classic 6th generation, iPod Touch 2nd generation onwards, iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano 4th generation onwards	Cirrus Logic Audio Codec Chip
Storage Medium	iPod Classic	45.7 mm (1.8 in) hard drives (ATA-6, 4200 rpm with ZIF connectors) made by Toshiba
	iPod Mini	25.4 mm (1 in) Microdrive by Hitachi and Seagate
	iPod Nano	Flash Memory from Samsung, Toshiba, and others
	iPod Shuffle and Touch	Flash Memory
Batteries	iPod Classic 1st and 2nd generation	Internal Recyclable Lithium Polymer Batteries
	iPod Classic 3rd generation onwards, iPod Mini, iPod Nano, iPod Touch, iPod Shuffle	Internal Recyclable Lithium-Ion Batteries
Display	iPod Nano 7th generation	2.5-inch (diagonal) Multi-Touch, 432-by-240 resolution at 202 pixels per inch
	iPod Classic 5th and 6th generation	2.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight, 320-by-240 resolution at 163 pixels per inch
	iPod Touch 5th and 6th generation	4-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch, 1136-by-640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch

Audio

The third-generation iPod had a weak bass response, as shown in audio tests. The combination of the undersized DC-blocking capacitors and the typical low-impedance of most consumer headphones form a high-pass filter, which attenuates the low-frequency bass output. Similar capacitors were used in the fourth-generation iPods. The problem is reduced when using high-impedance headphones and is completely masked when driving high-impedance (line level) loads, such as an external headphone amplifier. The first-generation iPod Shuffle uses a dual-transistor output stage, rather than a single capacitor-coupled output, and does not exhibit reduced bass response for any load.

For all iPods released in 2006 and earlier, some equalizer (EQ) sound settings would distort the bass sound far too easily, even on undemanding songs. This would happen for EQ settings like R&B, Rock, Acoustic, and Bass Booster, because the equalizer amplified the digital audio level beyond the software's limit, causing distortion (clipping) on bass instruments.

From the fifth-generation iPod on, Apple introduced a user-configurable volume limit in response to concerns about hearing loss. Users report that in the sixth-generation iPod, the maximum volume output level is limited to 100 dB in EU markets. Apple previously had to remove iPods from shelves in France for exceeding this legal limit. However, users that have bought a new sixth-generation iPod in late 2013 have reported a new option that allowed them to disable the EU volume limit. It has been said that these new iPods came with an updated software that allowed this change. Older sixth-generation iPods, however, are unable to update to this software version.

Connectivity

Four iPod wall chargers for North America, all made by Apple. These have FireWire (left) and USB (right three) connectors, which allow iPods to charge without a computer. The units have been miniaturized over time.

Originally, a FireWire connection to the host computer was used to update songs or recharge the battery. The battery could also be charged with a power adapter that was included with the first four generations.

The third generation began including a 30-pin dock connector, allowing for FireWire or USB connectivity. This provided better compatibility with non-Apple machines, as most of them did not have FireWire ports at the time. Eventually Apple began shipping iPods with USB cables instead of FireWire, although the latter was available separately. As of the first-generation iPod Nano and the fifth-generation iPod Classic, Apple discontinued using FireWire for data transfer (while still allowing for use of FireWire to charge the device) in an attempt to reduce cost and form factor. As of the second-generation iPod Touch and the fourth-generation iPod Nano, FireWire charging ability has been removed. The second-, third-, and fourth-generation iPod Shuffle uses a single 3.5 mm minijack phone connector which acts as both a headphone jack or a USB data and charging port for the dock/cable.

The dock connector also allowed the iPod to connect to accessories, which often supplement the iPod's music, video, and photo playback. Apple sells a few accessories, such as the now-discontinued iPod Hi-Fi, but most are manufactured by third parties such as Belkin and Griffin. Some peripherals use their own interface, while others use the iPod's own screen. Because the dock connector is a proprietary interface, the implementation of the interface requires paying royalties to Apple.

Apple introduced a new 8-pin dock connector, named Lightning, on September 12, 2012 with their announcement of the iPhone 5, the fifth generation iPod Touch, and the seventh generation iPod Nano, which all feature it. The new connector replaces the older 30-pin dock connector used by older iPods, iPhones, and iPads. Apple Lightning cables have pins on both sides of the plug so it can be inserted with either side facing up.

Accessories

iPod earbuds
Two early designs of iPod earphones. They are still used with the 4th generation iPod Shuffle.  Apple EarPods, introduced 2012

The "Made for iPod" logo found on most classic iPod accessories

Many accessories have been made for the iPod line. A large number are made by third party companies, although many, such as the iPod Hi-Fi, are made by Apple. Some accessories add extra features that other music players have, such as sound recorders, FM radio tuners, wired remote controls, and audio/visual cables for TV connections. Other accessories offer unique features like the Nike+iPod pedometer and the iPod Camera Connector. Other notable accessories include external speakers, wireless remote controls, protective case, screen films, and wireless earphones. Among the first accessory manufacturers were Griffin Technology, Belkin, JBL, Bose, Monster Cable, and SendStation.

BMW released the first iPod automobile interface, allowing drivers of newer BMW vehicles to control an iPod using either the built-in steering wheel controls or the radio head-unit buttons. Apple announced in 2005 that similar systems would be available for other vehicle brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Nissan, Toyota, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Acura, Audi, Honda, Renault, Infiniti and Volkswagen. Scion offers standard iPod connectivity on all their cars.

Gecko Gear, founded in 2006, sells 100 accessories ranging from protective covers to cases, screen protectors to armbands.

Some independent stereo manufacturers including JVC, Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, and Harman Kardon also have iPod-specific integration solutions. Alternative connection methods include adapter kits (that use the cassette deck or the CD changer port), audio input jacks, and FM transmitters such as the iTrip?although personal FM transmitters are illegal in some countries. Many car manufacturers have added audio input jacks as standard.

Beginning in mid-2007, four major airlines, United, Continental, Delta, and Emirates, reached agreements to install iPod seat connections. The free service will allow passengers to power and charge an iPod, and view video and music libraries on individual seat-back displays. Originally KLM and Air France were reported to be part of the deal with Apple, but they later released statements explaining that they were only contemplating the possibility of incorporating such systems.