iPod classic, 3rd Gen iPod nano Review Roundup - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iPod classic, 3rd Gen iPod nano Review Roundup

Reviews are emerging for Apple's newly released 3rd generation iPod nano and iPod classic.

iPod nano
Reviewers seem to be generally impressed with Apple's new nano. The update provided popular features such as video and games to the nano but keeps reasonable price points. Playlist and CNet didn't seem to mind the smallish 2" screen for watching video, however iLounge notes that the even the largest capacity offered (8 GB) doesn't do much for video storage. All 3 reviews were once again impressed that Apple is under-estimating battery life.

For more, read the sites' in-depth reviews:
- iLounge Review
- CNet Review
- Playlist Review

iPod classic
Reviews for the latest revision in the standard iPod line, now "iPod classic", were mixed. Perhaps the most critical review was that of Playlist, which noted a "sluggish interface" and "unresponsive controls" when album artwork was synched. All 3 reviews noted that previous 5th generation iPod games are incompatible with the iPod classic as are some iPod accessories, namely video-out accessories. While Apple has chosen to provide higher-resolution component video out, it has rendered previous video output accessories useless with this iPod.

This is not to say that all is dim with the classic. iLounge notes that the games offered for the classic are of better quality, and the increased storage sizes are industry-leading. Also, Apple is once again conservative on its battery life numbers (Playlist got 11 more hours of audio playback than Apple had promised).

For more, read the sites' in-depth reviews:
- iLounge Review
- CNet Review
- Playlist Review

Related Forum: iPod touch and iPod

Popular Stories

Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro: Pre-Orders and Release Date

Sunday August 16, 2026 8:24 pm PDT by
Apple has yet to reveal when the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra will be announced and released, but the dates usually follow a familiar pattern. As usual, the event is expected to take place in the first half of September. Labor Day falls on September 7 this year. The last time the holiday was on that day was in 2020, but the iPhone event that year was delayed until October due to the...
iPhone 17 One Year Later Thumb 1

Should You Buy an iPhone 17 Now or Wait for iPhone 18?

Friday August 14, 2026 12:15 pm PDT by
For the first time since Apple started selling standard and "Pro" iPhones, we're not going to get an entry-level iPhone model this fall. Apple doesn't plan to release an iPhone 18 in September, and will only launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra. The lower-cost iPhone 18 won't come out until spring 2027. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more ...
iPhone 18 Pro Rumored Colors

What's Coming in September: New iPhones, Apple Watches and More

Thursday August 13, 2026 4:20 pm PDT by
Apple will introduce at least five new devices at its iPhone-centric event next month, and it's also possible we'll get devices waiting on Siri AI like the Apple TV. iPhone 18 Pro The iPhone 18 Pro is going to look like the iPhone 17 Pro, but with a smaller Dynamic Island. It's getting some internal updates, including a new Wide camera with a variable aperture for more control over lighting ...