In 2006, Apple unveiled a special treat for both music enthusiasts and devoted fans of the iconic Irish rock band U2—the Apple iPod U2 Special Edition with Video (iPod U2 3rd Generation). This limited edition portable MP3 player marked a unique collaboration between Apple, U2, and Universal Music Group, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology and artistic flair.
The iPod U2 Special Edition was introduced alongside much anticipation, as Apple enthusiasts awaited the latest innovation from the tech giant. Built upon the foundation of the fifth-generation 30 GB iPod, this special edition device boasted impressive storage capacity, capable of holding up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 photos, or over 75 hours of video content.
What truly set the iPod U2 Special Edition apart was its striking design. Encased in a sleek, all-black stainless steel enclosure, adorned with a vibrant red Click Wheel, and graced with custom engravings of U2 band member signatures, this device exuded elegance and sophistication. It was more than just a music player; it was a statement piece for U2 enthusiasts.
To sweeten the deal for fans, Apple included 30 minutes of exclusive U2 video content, available for download from the iTunes Music Store. Moreover, the iPod seamlessly integrated with the iTunes Music Store and iTunes digital music jukebox, offering unparalleled convenience for users to access their favorite music, podcasts, videos, and more.
The iPod U2 Special Edition made its grand debut on June 6, 2006, garnering significant attention from both music lovers and tech aficionados alike. Priced at $329, it promised not only a premium listening experience but also a piece of music history, packaged in an exclusive U2 box set complete with a poster and a $50-off coupon for the iTunes Store.
Despite its initial popularity, the iPod U2 Special Edition with Video was short-lived, with Apple discontinuing it on September 12, 2006. Nevertheless, its impact resonates to this day, serving as a nostalgic relic of an era when music met technology in perfect harmony.
While the iPod U2 Special Edition may no longer be available for purchase, its memory lives on in the hearts of fans and collectors. For those fortunate enough to own one, it remains a cherished keepsake—an emblem of an unforgettable collaboration between two cultural icons, Apple and U2.
In the annals of music and technology history, the Apple iPod U2 Special Edition with Video occupies a special place—a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and artistic expression. Though it may have been discontinued 17 years ago, its legacy endures, reminding us of a time when music transcended boundaries and brought joy to millions around the world.
As we reflect on the journey of the iPod U2 Special Edition, let us celebrate its enduring impact and cherish the memories it has given us. In the realm of music and technology, some creations are not just gadgets; they are timeless artifacts that shape our cultural landscape for years to come.
iPod U2 Special Edition with Video Details
| Introduced | June 6, 2006 – 18 years ago |
| Discontinued | September 12, 2006 – 17 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 98 days (3 months) |
| Model Number | A1136 |
| EMC | 2065 |
| Order Number | MA452LL/A |
| Original Price | $329 |
| Colors | Black with Red Click Wheel |
| Weight | 4.8 oz. – 136 Grams |
| Dimensions | 4.1” H x 2.4” W x 0.43″ D 10.41 cm H x 6.09 cm W x 1.09 cm D |
iPod U2 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PortalPlayer PP5021C (Dual ARM 7TDMI) |
| Processor Speed | Up to 80 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| Cache | 8 KB per processor |
Storage
| Storage | 30 GB |
Display
| Built-in Display | 2.5″ 260,000-color QVGA LCD Display with white LED-backlit |
| Resolutions | 320 x 240 pixels |
Media
| Audio Formats | AAC MP3 MP3 (VBR) Audible WAV AIFF Apple Lossless |
| Photo Formats | JPEG BMP GIF TIFF PNG PSD (Mac only) |
| Video Formats | H.264 video: up to 768 Kbps, 320 x 240, 30 frames per sec., Baseline Profile up to Level 1.3 with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov file formats. MPEG-4 video: up to 2.5 Mbps, 480 x 480, 30 frames per sec., Simple Profile with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov file formats |
Connections
| Ports | 1 – 30-pin Dock Connector 1 – 3.5-mm stereo jack |
| Camera | None |
Controls
| Controls | Play/Pause Next title Previous title Menu Hold Click wheel |
Software
| Maximum OS | 1.3 |
| iTunes | iTunes 7.0 or later |
| System Requirements | Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later |
Accessories
| Accessories | Earbud headphones Case USB cable Dock Adapter |
Power
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | Unknown |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 hours of music (30 GB) Up to 3 hours of slideshows with music (30 GB) Up to 2 hours of video (30 GB) |
| Charge Time | Up to 4 hours 2 hour to 80% capacity |
| Power | Charging via FireWire, USB 2, or power adapter |
Further Reading and References
- Fifth Generation iPod (iPod with video): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces the New U2 iPod – Apple Newsroom
- 5th Generation iPod (U2 Special Edition) – Low End Mac
- iPod Classic – Wikipedia
- iPod (with video, U2 SE) – Apple History
- Apple iPod U2 Special Edition (30GB) review – CNET
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
