Apple Introduces New iPods

Apple today introduced its thirdgeneration iPods, which hold up to 7,500 songs in a stunning enclosure thatis lighter and thinner than two CDs. The new ultra-portable iPods featurecompletely solid-state “no moving parts” navigation wheel and buttons; anelegant new dock with audio out for fast and easy connection to yourcomputer or stereo; an “On-The-Go” playlist so users can build a playlist right on their iPod; a customisable main menu so users can promote thefeatures they use most often to their top level menu; and Apple's unique,patent pending Auto-Sync for automatically syncing your computer's musiclibrary with iPod. The new ultra-portable iPods are available in threemodels: a 10GB model for just £249 (inc VAT), a 15GB model for £299 (inc VAT) and a 30GB model for £399 (inc VAT).

“The competition hasn't even caught up with our first generation iPod, and we're introducing our third generation”, said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. “With the new iTunes Music Store*, customers can now buy music online and transfer it right onto your iPod for listening wherever you want”.

The new 15GB and 30GB models come with an elegant dock for effortlessconnecting to a Mac or Windows PC. The dock provides a stylish home base forthe iPod and includes an audio line-out for easy connection to a home stereoor powered speakers, making it easy to sync, charge and go. iPod plays morethan eight hours of continuous music and recharges automatically wheneveriPod is in the dock or connected to a Mac or Windows PC.

iPod is the only portable music player with Apple's patent pendingAuto-Sync, an innovative feature that automatically downloads an entiredigital music library into iPod and keeps it up-to-date whenever the iPod isplugged into a Mac or Windows PC. With Apple's new fast disk mode switching, iPod switches from Auto-Sync mode to music-player mode faster than everbefore.

Building on the success of the original touch wheel, the new iPod isdesigned with a solid-state “no moving parts” navigation wheel and all touch buttons for enhanced sensitivity and precision over mechanical buttons. The buttons are backlit for easy operation in low light and continue to enableeasy, one-handed operation.

In addition to MP3, iPod now supports the industry-standard AAC audioformat, providing higher quality sound in the same disk space. Whether atthe gym, at work, in the car or at the airport, iPod puts up to 7,500 songsin your pocket — the equivalent of three weeks of continuous music withoutrepeating a single song.

iPod features new customisation options including the ability to movefrequently used menu items to the main menu. Users also have the power tocreate an “On-The-Go” playlist and rate their music collection directly on their iPod, offering a new level of control whenever they're away from their computer.

Pricing & Availability:

The new iPod for Mac and Windows PCs will be available in the UK from thesecond week of May, for a suggested selling price of £249 (inc VAT) for the 10GB iPod, £299 (inc VAT) for the 15GB iPod, and £399 (inc VAT) for the 30GB iPod through the Apple Store and AppleAuthorised Resellers. Laser engraving is available for £16 (inc VAT) and can include two lines of text with up to 27 characters per line. The new iPod will also support high-speed syncing via USB 2.0 with Windows PCs startingin June via a free software download. A separate USB 2.0 cable will beavailable in June for £15 (inc VAT).

All iPod models include earbud headphones, an Apple iPod power adaptor, aFireWire cable and a 4-pin-to-6-pin iPod FireWire adaptor. 15GB and 30GBiPod models also include the iPod Dock, carrying case and wired remote;these optional accessories can be ordered for 10GB iPod models through theApple Store. iPod requires a Mac with FireWire port, Mac OS X version 10.1.5or later (Mac OS X v10.2 or later recommended) or a Windows PC with FireWireor USB 2.0 port, or Windows-certified FireWire or USB 2.0 card, Windows Me,Windows 2000, or Windows XP Home or Professional. A CD containing iTunes**for Mac OS X and MUSICMATCH Jukebox Plus 7.5 software is included with iPodpurchases.

Press Contacts:
Apple UK and Ireland Public Relations
Email: media.uk@apple.com
Phone: (020) 8218 1440