iPod touch (3rd generation)
Our verdict
Repurpose it.
Its update days are over. Its useful days aren’t.
I
Give it a job
A distraction-free music player — load it up and leave the phone behind.
II
Keep it off the open web
Without security updates, treat it as a single-purpose appliance rather than a daily browser.
III
Or let it go
Apple no longer services this model, but Apple Stores still take it for free recycling. Working units are worth more sold than scrapped.
ObsoleteTops out at iOS 5.1.1.
Where to sell it
The record
Introduced
2009
Model identifier
iPod3,1
Chip
Samsung 32-bit ARM
Architecture
32-bit ARM
Latest official release
iOS 5.1.1
With OpenCore Patcher
Not applicable
Security updates
Security update history unavailable for this OS.
Apple hardware status
Obsolete — no longer serviced
Data confidence
high
Common questions
What is the newest iOS for the iPod touch (3rd generation)?
The iPod touch (3rd generation) officially tops out at iOS 5.1.1.
Is the iPod touch (3rd generation) still getting security updates?
No. Security update history unavailable for this OS.
Is the iPod touch (3rd generation) vintage or obsolete?
Apple classifies it as obsolete: no more parts, no more service. Apple Stores will still recycle it for free.
Same shelf