Apple Unveils New iPods

Apple today extended its lead in the portable digital music market with the introduction of the next-generation iPod, available in three configurations: a 5GB model that now starts at just £259 (inc VAT); a 10GB model that is 10 percent thinner for just £329 (inc VAT); and a new 20GB model that can hold 4,000 songs for just £399 (inc VAT). Both the 10GB and the 20GB models feature the industry's first solid-state touch wheel for incredible precision, accuracy and durability, and include a new Apple carrying case and wired remote. The new iPods will be available for the first time to both Mac and Windows customers.

“The award-winning iPod now comes in models that are more affordable,thinner and hold up to 4,000 songs in your pocket”, said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. “But the biggest news is that we're bringing the iPod to Windows users, so they can join this amazing portable digital music revolution”.

iPod is the only portable digital music player with Auto-sync, an innovativefeature that automatically downloads an entire digital music library into aniPod and keeps it up-to-date whenever the iPod is plugged back into a Mac.With iPod's built-in FireWire port, a massive 4,000 song library can bedownloaded in just over 30 minutes verses the more than 13 hours it wouldtake to transfer 4,000 songs with USB-based devices. The iPod's batteryprovides up to 10 hours of continuous music and recharges automaticallywhenever iPod is connected, using power supplied over the FireWire cable.

For Mac users, the new iPod will include the new iTunes 3, Apple'saward-winning digital music software.* iTunes 3 adds dozens of new featuresincluding Smart Playlists that automatically and dynamically updateplaylists based on simple rules set by the user, Sound Check for consistentvolume playback and support for audio programming from Audible.com. Withthese new features, Mac users can easily transfer audio programming andsound quality adjustments to their iPod to use wherever they go. Users cannow sync information back to iTunes to bookmark where they left offlistening to Audible programming, or to update song play-counts orlast-played dates for iTunes' Smart Playlists. iPod's new digital clock adds the necessary time and date stamp to individual songs.

For Windows users, the iPod now works seamlessly with MUSICMATCH Jukebox,the number one selling music software for PCs. iPod is the only MP3 playerto provide Windows customers with Apple's exclusive Auto-sync technology, to keep their iPod automatically updated every time it is plugged into theirPC. Users also have the option to manually transfer individual songs orplaylists from their MUSICMATCH library to their iPod. iPod for Windows willship with MUSICMATCH Jukebox.

iPod for Mac or Windows comes with improved headphones that offer enhancedbass response, smoother transitions and more accurate high-end soundreproduction. iPod also features a redesigned and more portable thinFireWire cable; 20GB and 10GB iPod models include a built-in protectivecover for the FireWire port.

Pricing & Availability:

The new iPod will be available for a suggested selling price of £259 (incVAT) for the 5GB iPod, £329 (inc VAT) for the 10GB iPod and £399 (inc VAT) for the 20GB iPod through the Apple Store,and Apple Authorised Resellers. iPod for Mac will be available in early August and iPod for Windows will be available in late August. Laserengraving is available for £40 (inc VAT) and can include two lines of textwith up to 27 characters per line.

All iPod models include earbud headphones, Apple iPod Power Adaptor andFireWire cable. 10GB and 20GB iPod models include carrying case and wiredremote; optional remote and carrying case are available for 5GB iPod models.iPod for Windows also includes a 4-pin-to-6-pin FireWire adaptor. iPod forMac includes iTunes 3; iPod for Windows includes MUSICMATCH Jukeboxsoftware.

iPod for Mac requires Mac OS X version 10.1 or Mac OS 9.2, iTunes 2.0.4 anda Macintosh with built-in FireWire port. iPod for Windows requires a PC withbuilt-in FireWire or a Windows-certified FireWire card and Windows Me,Windows 2000, or Windows XP Home or Professional.

* Some iPod features require a Mac and iTunes 3. iTunes software may be used to reproduce materials. It is licensed to users only for reproduction ofnon-copyrighted materials, materials in which you own the copyright, ormaterials you are authorised or legally permitted to reproduce.

Press Contacts:
Apple UK and Ireland Public Relations
Email: media.uk@apple.com
Phone: +44 (0)20 8218 1440