In the ever-evolving landscape of digital music, some moments etch themselves into the annals of history, marking a profound shift in the way we experience and interact with music. One such moment occurred on October 26th, 2004, when Apple, in collaboration with the legendary rock band U2 and Universal Music Group, introduced the world to the iPod U2 Special Edition.
The iPod U2 Special Edition wasn’t just another MP3 player; it was a symbol of a groundbreaking partnership between Apple and U2, aimed at reshaping the music industry in the digital era. Designed to hold up to 5,000 songs, this portable marvel boasted a sleek black enclosure adorned with a striking red Click Wheel and the engraved signatures of U2 band members, adding a touch of exclusivity to its allure.
Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of UMG’s Interscope Geffen A&M Records, captured the essence of this collaboration, stating, “U2 and Apple have a special relationship where they can start to redefine the music business.” It wasn’t merely a device; it was a testament to the convergence of art, commerce, and technology.
The visionary minds behind this venture, including Bono, U2’s lead singer, and Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO at the time, shared their enthusiasm for the project. Bono expressed his excitement, stating, “With iPod and iTunes, Apple has created a crossroads of art, commerce, and technology which feels good for both musicians and fans,” echoing the sentiment of innovation and connectivity that defined the partnership.
Steve Jobs echoed this sentiment, expressing Apple’s delight in collaborating with one of the greatest bands in the world, emphasizing their shared commitment to innovation and the creation of extraordinary products.
The iPod U2 Special Edition wasn’t just a visually striking device; it boasted an array of features that set it apart from its counterparts. With a 2-inch white LED-backlit LCD screen, a 12-hour battery life, and a 20 GB hard drive capacity, it offered both style and substance to music enthusiasts.
The inclusion of Apple’s patent-pending Click Wheel and Auto-Sync technology ensured seamless navigation and synchronization of music libraries, making it a joy to use for both Mac and Windows users. Additionally, the Shuffle Songs feature provided users with instant access to a personalized music experience, adding an element of spontaneity to their listening sessions.
Central to the allure of the iPod U2 Special Edition was its iconic color scheme, inspired by the essence of U2’s music. The distinctive black and red casing, coupled with the autographs of U2 band members adorning the device, elevated it beyond a mere gadget to a coveted collector’s item, resonating with fans on a deeply personal level.
Though its time on the market was relatively short-lived, the impact of the iPod U2 Special Edition continues to reverberate through the realms of music and technology. Its pioneering spirit paved the way for future special edition devices, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural zeitgeist.
Even today, 19 years after its debut, the iPod U2 Special Edition remains a cherished relic among collectors and fans alike, a testament to the enduring legacy of Apple, U2, and their shared vision of innovation and creativity.
iPod U2 Special Edition Details
| Introduced | October 26, 2004 – 19 years ago |
| Discontinued | June 28, 2005 – 19 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 245 days (8 months) |
| Model Number | A1059 |
| EMC | 1995 |
| Order Number | M9787LL/A |
| Original Price | $349 |
| Colors | Black with Red Click Wheel |
| Weight | 5.6 oz. – 158 Grams |
| Dimensions | 4.1” H x 2.4” W x 0.57″ D 10.41 cm H x 6.09 cm W x 1.44 cm D |
iPod U2 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PortalPlayer PP5002 (Dual ARM 7TDMI) |
| Processor Speed | Up to 80 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| Cache | 8 KB per processor |
Storage
| Storage | 20 GB |
Display
| Built-in Display | 2″ white LED-backlit LCD Display |
| Resolutions | 160 x 128 pixels |
Media
| Audio Formats | AAC MP3 MP3 (VBR) Audible WAV AIFF Apple Lossless |
| Photo Formats | None |
| Video Formats | None |
Connections
| Ports | 1 – 30-pin Dock Connector 1 – 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack |
| Camera | None |
Controls
| Controls | Play/Pause Next title Previous title Menu Hold Click wheel |
Software
| Maximum OS | 3.1.1 |
| iTunes | iTunes 4.6 or later |
| System Requirements | Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later USB 2.0 requires Mac OS X 10.3.4 Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 Windows XP Home or Professional |
Accessories
| Accessories | Earbud headphones AC adapter FireWire cable USB 2.0 cable |
Power
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | Unknown |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Charge Time | Up to 4 hours 2 hours to 80% capacity |
| Power | Charging via FireWire, USB 2, or power adapter |
iPod U2 Special Edition Introduction Video
Further Reading and References
- iPod with Click Wheel: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces the U2 iPod – Apple Newsroom
- iPod (U2 Special Edition) – Apple History
- iPod U2 Special Edition – Low End Mac
- The U2 iPod – 512 Pixels
- Apple iPod U2 Special Edition (2004, Sealed – 20GB) – RRAuction
- iPod U2 Special Edition Generation 4 (20 GB, 2004) – MattJFuller (Image 2 Source)
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.
