iPod 4th Gen Late 2012

The iPod shuffle 4th Generation (2012 Edition) models are identical to the preceding iPod shuffle 4th Generation models, with the only differences being the color choices and operating system support.

Like its predecessor, it features both "clickable ring buttons" for navigation and a "VoiceOver" button on top. The VoiceOver function reads aloud the names of songs, artists, playlists, and "Genius Mixes."

The housing was initially offered in eight colors: dark gray "slate" and silver (both with a black "control ring"), as well as purple, pink, yellow, green, blue, and red (which have white control rings). On September 10, 2013, Apple replaced the "slate" color with a gunmetal "space gray," which also featured a black "control ring."

All color variants have 2 GB of internal storage, capable of holding about 500 songs. Apple estimates the battery life to be "up to" 15 hours.

The 2012 refresh of the 4th generation iPod shuffle was seen by critics as a subtle but welcome cosmetic update. The new anodized finish, available in a refreshed palette of colors including purple and yellow, was praised for aligning the tiny player's aesthetic with the contemporary iPhone 5 and new iPod touch models. Reviewers confirmed its 15-hour battery life, often finding it exceeded in real-world tests. The core functionality remained: the physical click-wheel, the VoiceOver feature for navigating songs and playlists without a screen, and the signature built-in clip that made it a favorite for workouts. While the 2GB capacity was considered adequate for its intended use, the reliance on a proprietary headphone jack-to-USB cable for syncing and charging was a minor but persistent complaint. Ultimately, it was considered the most refined version of the shuffle, perfecting the screen-less music player concept for users who valued simplicity and portability above all else.