Apple iPod Original 3rd Generation | 2003 | Specs

iPod (Original) – M8976LL/A – A1040

About This iPod

The Apple iPod was an innovative and stand out device in the MP3 player market. It is equipped with features that included FireWire “400” support, and an easy to use operating system. As the device line-up continues on today, the iPod continues to evolve and revolutionize the portable music industry. Many of the features set out in this device has been carried through to the iPhone line-up and briefly into the Apple Watch line-up. It introduced the renowned scroll wheel button which allowed users to easily scroll through and pick songs among other things.

90 MHz Apple PP5002

32 MB

10 – 30 GB

8 Hours

Storage & Memory

The iPod comes with a 32MB RAM and has versions of 10 GB, 15 GB and 30 GB storage taking in up to 2500, 3700 and 7500 songs respectively.

Screen Size and Resolution

The iPod comes with a 2-inch white backlit Monochrome display with 160×128 native resolution.

OS & Processor

The iPod has dual 90 MHz PP5002 processors powering its functions.

Battery

The iPod has an estimated 8 hours of juice from its Lithium battery.

Connectivity

It comes with FireWire connectivity and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

Introduction Date: April 28, 2003					Discontinued Date: September 8, 2003
Processors					Memory
Processors		2			Onboard RAM	32 MB
Processor Speed		90 MHz			Storage
Processor Type		PP5002			Capacity	10GB, 15 GB, 30 GB
Connectivity Details					Song Capacity	2500, 3700, 7500
USB Support				None	Photo Capacity	None
FireWire Support				Sync & Charge	Description
Standard Wireless				N/A	Case Type		Handheld
Standard Bluetooth				N/A	Form Factor		iPod 3rd Gen
Cell Network				N/A	Housing Color		White
Battery Details					Controller		Touch Wheel
Battery Type	Lithium Polymer				Apple Order Number		M8976LL/A
Battery Life	8 hours (Music)				Apple Subfamily		iPod 3rd Gen
Stand by Time	One Month				Apple Model Number		A1040 (EMC 1961)
Operating System and Display					Model ID		N/A
Pre-installed OS			N/A		Camera		None
Maximum OS			N/A		Dimensions		4.1in x 2.4in x 0.62in
Built-in Display			2-inch Monochrome		Average Weight		5.6 oz
Display Resolution			160×128		Mac Support		MacOS X 10.1.5

Identifier reference: M8976LL/A, A1040, EMC 1961. Use these together because one Apple identifier can sometimes cover multiple configurations.

Last reviewed by Techable: August 16, 2024Identifiers checked: order number, A-number, EMC, and model identifier when available.

Model summary

This iPod at a glance

Family: iPod
Order Number: M8976LL/A
Model Number: A1040
EMC: 1961
Year: 2018

Use the order number, A-number, EMC, and model identifier together when comparing, buying, or selling this device.

Look up another Apple model

Search by A-number, EMC, order number, or model identifier.

Next steps

Use the spec table to confirm the exact device, then choose the right lookup, buy, or sell path.

Compare A1040 models Sell this iPod Shop iPod options

View all A1040 models View EMC 1961 matches Look up M8976LL/A Browse iPod specs by year

Common questions

Is M8976LL/A the same as A1040?

Not exactly. M8976LL/A usually points to a specific retail configuration, while A1040 identifies the broader Apple hardware family. Always check the EMC and model identifier too.

What iPod is model A1040?

A1040 is the Apple A-number shown for this iPod family. Use the order number, EMC, and model identifier on this page to narrow the exact configuration.

What does EMC 1961 mean?

The EMC number is another Apple hardware identifier. It helps separate closely related models that may share a similar name, year, or A-number.

Can the RAM or SSD be upgraded?

Check the spec table for the exact configuration. Many newer Apple Silicon Macs have memory and storage integrated into the board, so RAM and SSD upgrades are often not practical after purchase.

What macOS versions work with this model?

Use the model identifier, release year, and processor family from the spec table when checking macOS compatibility. Compatibility can change as Apple releases new macOS versions.

Is this iPod still worth buying used?

It can be, depending on price, battery health, memory, storage, and condition. Compare this exact order number and model identifier against similar Techable listings before buying.

How much is this iPod worth?

Value depends on RAM, storage, battery health, cosmetic condition, accessories, and market demand. Use the SellMac path on this page for a quote or use the identifiers here when comparing resale prices.

What should I search if this page is not the exact configuration?

Search the order number first when available, then compare the A-number, EMC, model identifier, year, chip, RAM, and storage. The same A-number can cover more than one configuration.

Handling multiple devices?

Techable and SellMac can help with business upgrades, school refreshes, and larger Apple lots.

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Related Apple specs

Explore more iPod identifiers

Use these internal lookup paths to compare the family, year, chip, A-number, EMC, order number, and model identifier without relying on one identifier alone.

iPod specs hub 2018 iPod lookup View all A1040 models View EMC 1961 matches Look up M8976LL/A Browse iPod specs by year

Compare A1040 models

Apple A-numbers can cover more than one configuration. Compare the exact order number, EMC number, and model identifier before buying parts, shopping replacements, or quoting a device.

View all A1040 models

Sell this iPod

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Shop replacements

Use this spec page as a reference when comparing tested refurbished options on Techable.

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