Apple's Watch-Sized iPod Nano is Officially Obsolete - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple's Watch-Sized iPod Nano is Officially Obsolete

by

The sixth-generation iPod nano is officially obsolete, meaning Apple will no longer repair or service the portable media player.

ipod nano 6g 6th sixth gen
Apple added the sixth-generation iPod nano to its internal vintage and obsolete products list on August 30, according to a memo distributed to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers seen by MacRumors.

Apple repairs and services products for up to five years after they are no longer manufactured. The sixth-generation iPod nano was released in September 2010 and discontinued in September 2012.

As required by statute, sixth-generation iPod nano owners in California may still obtain service from Apple Stores or by contacting AppleCare at 1-800-APL-CARE. The extended coverage period will likely end in September 2019.

The sixth-generation iPod nano was notable for its square-shaped design. A number of third-party straps and accessories were released that essentially turned the device into a very early version of the Apple Watch.

ipod nano 6th gen watch strap
Unlike the fifth-generation iPod nano, the sixth-generation model lacked a click wheel, video camera, and speaker. Instead, it had a touchscreen and adopted the iPod shuffle's clip to make it wearable on the go.

Apple returned to a rectangular design for the seventh-generation iPod nano, and added a Home button to the device. The design remained the same until Apple discontinued the entire iPod nano and iPod shuffle lineups in July.

Apple has yet to list the sixth-generation iPod nano on its public vintage and obsolete products list, but the device will likely be added soon.

Related Forum: iPod touch and iPod

Top Rated Comments

Superhappytree Avatar
118 months ago
I actually think this made for a better watch than the Apple Watch itself and looked much better at that. The clock faces were better and looked more realistic (you know, like watch faces are supposed to rather than flat?). A big example of why skeumorphism is superior:







The gears actually moved in the background with the black and green one on the far right (top pic). We’re missing small touches and attention to detail like that.

Attachment Image

Attachment Image

Attachment Image
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Slix Avatar
118 months ago
Mine is still seeing pretty consistent use. I still think it's one of the best iPods to use while on the go; just clip it on and forget about it.

I used mine for a walk just about an hour ago!



Attachment Image
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
118 months ago
Sad to see it go. This was as an excellent little device that was compact and perfect for running.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
118 months ago
Such a great little device!! I loved the two finger twist screen to turn it any direction. And I used to remember wearing it on wrist! It's kinda weird seeing the Apple Watch now when that was out so many years ago - truely a device way ahead of its time! Classic Jobs era stuff..
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
118 months ago
If it still functions, it is not obsolete.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pakaku Avatar
118 months ago
The only Apple Watch with a headphone jack.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

MacBook Air family 10302018

Apple Adds Three More Macs to Obsolete Products List

Monday August 31, 2026 11:37 am PDT by
Apple today added three Macs to its list of obsolete products. The 2018 Retina MacBook Air, the 13-inch 2018 MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, and the 13-inch 2017 MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt 3 ports are now considered obsolete. The three products were previously part of the vintage list, but have been moved. Apple adds a product to the vintage list when it's been five years...
iMac Blue Isolated

Apple's Last Intel 21.5-Inch iMac is Now Vintage

Tuesday September 15, 2026 12:53 pm PDT by
Apple today added the 2019 4K iMac to its list of vintage products, which means repairs can only be done if Apple has the parts available. Products are added to the vintage list five years after they were last distributed for sale, and they're moved to the obsolete list at the seven-year mark. Vintage products can be repaired at Apple Stores and by Apple Authorized Service Providers if the...
iOS 27 Next to iPhone

Here's When iOS 27 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone [Update: It's Out]

Sunday September 13, 2026 3:00 am PDT by
Update 10:04 a.m.: iOS 27 is rolling out now, though it may take a bit for all users to see it, so keep checking! Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event...