iPod 4th Gen 2010

In a tacit acknowledgment that the iPod shuffle 3rd Generation may have been less popular than its predecessors, the iPod shuffle 4th Generation closely resembled a smaller version of the already tiny iPod shuffle 2nd Generation. It brought back the "clickable ring buttons" of the 2nd Gen model but also incorporated the "VoiceOver" button from the 3rd Gen on its top edge. The VoiceOver feature audibly announces song titles, artists, playlists, and "Genius Mixes."

The housing was available in five colors: silver (with a black "ring") and blue, green, orange, and pink (all with white "rings"). Regardless of the color, every model came with 2 GB of internal storage, sufficient for approximately 500 songs. Apple's estimated battery life was "up to" 15 hours.

Macworld hailed the 2010 shuffle as “Apple’s mea culpa made metal.” The click-ring’s return fixed the prior model’s biggest usability sin, while VoiceOver now supported playlists in 25 languages. Battery life stretched to 15 hours and reviewers found the clip sturdier despite the 17 gram weight. Audio quality equalled the 3 G, but some lamented Apple’s continued refusal to add Bluetooth or on-device display. For under US$60 it was widely judged the best workout-friendly player of its day.