iPod 4th Gen Mid-2015

The iPod shuffle 4th Generation (2015 Edition) models are effectively the same as the previous 4th Gen models from 2012, but they come in a different range of colors: "space gray," gold, silver, hot pink, blue, and red. The gray and silver versions have a black "control ring," while the others have a white one. They also have different OS support requirements for the tethered computer. Notably for users with older machines, the 2015 iPod shuffle is not compatible with Mac OS X 10.6, Windows XP, or Windows Vista. It also has some distinct identifiers, which Everyi.com has meticulously documented.

Similar to earlier 4th Gen iPod shuffle models, the 2015 version includes both "clickable ring buttons" for navigation and a "VoiceOver" button on top. The VoiceOver feature audibly announces song titles, artists, playlists, and "Genius Mixes." All iPod shuffle 4th Gen models contain 2 GB of internal storage, holding approximately 500 songs, and Apple estimates a battery life of "up to" 15 hours.

The mid-2015 iPod shuffle was the final iteration of the product line, and it was a purely cosmetic refresh. Reviewers noted that the new, more vibrant colors like hot pink, gold, and a deeper blue were the only changes from the 2012 models. The hardware and software remained identical, with the same 2GB of storage, 15-hour battery life, and reliance on the VoiceOver feature for navigation. The physical click-wheel and the sturdy aluminum clip continued to be praised as ideal for workouts. By this point, the shuffle was seen as a niche product for those who wanted a simple, screen-free audio player. The lack of Bluetooth and the necessity of using iTunes for music syncing were seen as its primary drawbacks in an increasingly wireless and streaming-focused world. It was a final, colorful bow for a much-loved device, representing the end of an era for dedicated, single-purpose music players.