iPod 5th Gen 2013

Quietly introduced without a press release, the iPod touch (5th Gen, No iSight Camera, 2013) is very similar to the previously released iPod touch (5th Gen). However, this version only has 16 GB of storage, features a black front with a silver aluminum back, and lacks both the rear-mounted 5-megapixel "iSight" camera and the attachment point for the "iPod touch loop" wrist strap. Apart from minor cosmetic differences and identifiers, this entry-level model is effectively the same as the earlier, higher-end 5th Gen models and the subsequently introduced 16 GB 5th Gen from 2014 (which did have the rear camera and loop support).

All iPod touch (5th Gen) models have a 4" widescreen multi-touch IPS "retina" display (1136x640, 326 ppi) and a front-facing 1.2-megapixel "FaceTime HD" 720p camera. They support Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11n Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Siri, and AirPlay, along with standard music, photo, video, and iOS app functionality.

All 5th Gen iPod touch models are powered by a 1 GHz dual-core A5 processor with 512 MB of RAM. Battery life for all configurations is estimated by Apple at 40 hours of music or 8 hours of video playback.

This particular 2013 model was viewed as a strategic, cost-cutting measure by Apple, reintroducing a 16GB option to the 5th generation lineup. The most significant compromise was the removal of the rear-facing iSight camera, a feature that had been a notable upgrade in the initial 5th-gen release. While it retained the celebrated 4-inch Retina display and the thin, lightweight aluminum design, the absence of a primary camera was a distinct step back. [4] For users who prioritized music and app usage over photography, it represented a more affordable entry point into the iOS ecosystem. However, for many, the omission of the camera and the wrist loop anchor point made it feel like a stripped-down version, prompting them to either seek out the more capable models or wait for a more complete offering.