In late 2012, Apple introduced its new line up of iPod devices, including the new 7th generation iPod nano. Having recently moved from a 1st generation nano to a 6th generation nano, I did not think I would have the opportunity or need for the new nano. But when one of my other portable music devices failed, the 7th generation iPod nano was my first choice for its replacement. Although the nano has been around since 2005, it has gone through many design changes, mainly in color choices and size. But the 6th generation underwent a major technology update with the addition of a touch-screen interface, and it’s present in the 7th generation nano, too. Let’s see how the newest generation nano stacks up.
Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.
The nano comes in a minimal, plastic package designed to show off the product, not hide it.
When you open the package, you will see that you get the new Lightning syncing/charging cable and the new EarPod headphones with the nano. You will also receive the obligatory user guides, safety manuals, and one of my favorite items, the Apple stickers.
Before I go any further, let me bring up my biggest complaint with the new 7th generation nano. Although this is a personal issue, I have seen it mirrored by many reviewers; I don’t like the color design. While I like the color choices for the back of the nano, the white front does turns me off. In my opinion, it makes the new nano look feminine at best, and childish at worst. I imagine that the nano and the new iPod touch are being marketed more to a kid/teen crowd. That being said, I don’t think that would stop anyone from buying one, not even me.
The only color I do like is the slate color nano that is dark gray/slate on the back and black on the front. The slate nano is the one I decided to purchase.
Besides the color design, the most obvious change from the 6th to the 7th generation nano is the size. The new nano is 3.01″ tall, 1.56″ wide, 0.21″ thick and 1.1 ounces and has a 2.5″ Multi -Touch display. By comparison, the 6th generation was 1.48″ tall, 1.61″ wide, 0.35″ thick and 0.74 ounces and has a 1.54″ diagonal TFT display. One other difference in the latest nano is the lack of storage options. In previous models, there have always been at least two size options, giving the consumer two price options. The latest nano only comes in a 16GB model.
The new 7th-generation nano still retains the three external buttons (on/off and volume), but the on/off button has moved to the top of the new nano. The new nano also picked up a home button similar to those on the iPod touch and the iPhone.
Looking at the back of both nanos, you will also see that the new nano does not have a built-in clip like the older 6th generation does. The clip is one of the features I like on the 6th gen nano, and the clip, believe it or not, is a big selling point for me.
Another change that might not be evident to a new iPod device user is the new Lightning connector and the Lightning-to-USB charging/syncing cable. Older 30-pin cables and accessories cannot be used with the new nano without the use of an adapter.
One of the nice surprises with the new nano is the included Apple EarPods. The original earphones for the first through 6th generations were simple in design and did not fit a large number of users comfortably. In my case, they started to hurt my ears after about 10 minutes of use. The newly designed EarPods seem to fit a lot better and are designed to fit a wider range of ear sizes. Although they are still not the most comfortable headphones I have used, they are great to throw in a bag for backup purposes.
The pre-loaded software on the 7th generation nano includes Radio, Clock, Fitness, Music, Videos, Photos and Podcast.
While the operating systems for the 6th and 7th generation nanos are the same, the 7th did pick up Bluetooth and the ability to play videos. The Bluetooth integration, for me, is the most exciting aspect of the new 7th generation nano. With so many Bluetooth-compatible devices being made (headphones, speakers and even cars), you now have many more options and versatility for your music playback. As for the video playback feature, I tried it out and found it is nice to have, but with such a small screen size, I would not utilize this feature much. The resolution is nice for a small screen, and in a pinch, it is usable.
For you Nike+ fans, you can still use the Nike+ iPod Sensor without the need for the plug-in receiver. The Nike+ app also allows you to download the latest information from your nano to your Nike+ webpage. You will be asked if you want to download the information when you sync your nano.
Overall, the 7th generation nano has some nice upgrades and features. If you are in the market for a versatile portable music player, you won’t go wrong with this one. But for my taste, even with all the new nanos upgrades, I am still partial to the 6th generation nano.
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice write up…. I purchased one expressly for running. I found that the battery life is really poor- like after two 5 mile runs I’m out of juice. I also found that if you live in a cold climate and wear gloves, you can’t easily operate it. I know you can buy ones that can work with touch-screens, but it’s nice not to have to buy them especially to use this device. The touch-screen/glove criticism I can overlook, the batter life I couldn’t.
@ Reggie If you want a simple MP3 player that can be used with gloves the iPod shuffle may be a better choice for you. As to the battery issue you are having I know my 6th and 7th generation nanos can go at least a week without needing a charge, they get played for about 45 minutes a day.
@Larry- thanks- I actually moved to a Shuffle for that exact reason. Still not sure about my poor battery performance. The shuffle ended up being a better purchase for me- cheaper, use with gloves and easier to operate while running.
With continuing talk about the impending death of the Classic, I keep hoping for a 128+GB Nano so I will still be able to carry my whole collection with me. The other thing I’d miss is the touch wheel, so I can control it without looking while driving.
this is my first one, the 16GB 7th gen. I cant seen to get the shuffle to work. A song ends, and instead of changing to a new one it continues to replay the same song?? Any ideas how to correct this?
please respond to the g-mail adderss. thanks
@Jim Q Off the top of my head, I can think of two things that may be causing your issue. First, you are using a playlist that only has one song in it. Second, you have the song set to repeat. Without actually seeing your nano, and not being a Apple service technician that is the best I can do.
i listen to recorded books on my ipod. the only problem with the 7th generation ipod nano is that there is no way to lock the device, so that when i pause listening, even with a minor accidental touch it often loses its location and moves to another part of the book, and then i spend some time seeking the exact place where i stopped.any idea on how to solve this annoying problem?
@psyp axy I don’t think I have an answer for you but you may try the iPod nano support community https://discussions.apple.com/community/ipod/ipod_nano
and see if anyone there can help you.
@psyp azy You can completely turn the device off by pressing and holding the power button on top of the nano for a few seconds until it starts to shut down (screen dims and a twirly wheel appears). To turn it back on, just press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the apple shows up on the screen. It takes a little longer to get started again, but it prevents the nano from being turned on accidentally and it saves battery, too.
Excellent review and I heartily agree with you about the deletion of a clip. I’ve owned my new nano only 4 days and have already dropped it 7 times due to a lack of an efficient way to carry it and–very irritating! The only case I’ve seen with a clip is all plastic and guaranteed that will break in no time at all. If I had to do it over again, I would buy a different mp3 player. Sorry Apple–you goofed this time.
@Linda Scully Thanks, The only issue with me switching from apple is my investment into apps and music…
how to syncing with your iPod Nano 7th Gen in your car with bluetooth
In relation to short battery life. I believe that extremes in temperature can decrease battery life. U mentioned wearing gloves. Might be the cold weather that is actually using up the battery.
I’ve recently bought an ipod 7G in substitution of a 3G (8 Mb) which was stolen. The 3G didn’t have a clip nor does this. On the 3G I found a cver with a clip… I’ll try to find a cover with a clip for this new Ipod, that’s not a problem..
I’ve bougt this Ipod to listen to music during sport activity, I’ve tested it and it sounds great. The only negative issue is on apple earpods (it has always given the same problem): to hear the music You need to adjust the volume in a high position… I have a couple of Philips earpods and these work definitely better (less than half).
I tested also the videos and for me there’s a great improvement from 3G. Using Itunes, for me is a little tricky, but once You understand how to upload and download to Ipod Your music, videos and whatsoever, not much of an issue.
The 3G had a switch to prevent the ipod to start working when stocked inside Your pocket, this instead is missing this feature…
Concerning battery charge, I still have to test it, but it doesn’t seem that short….
Excellent the touch screen althogh I will be missing the round command of the ipod 3G.
I am having problems using the bluetooth feature of the IPOD Nano 7th generation. Tried to pair it up in my 2012 Hyundai Genesis using the phone pairing optiion. I saw no other way to do it. I can add and connect like a phone but it drops the connections after a few seconds. Any suggestions anyone?