iPod Late 2008

The "Late 2008" colored iPod shuffle (Second Generation) models were identical to the "Late 2007" series they succeeded, but featured a new set of housing colors. These new colors were more similar to, yet not exact duplicates of, the shades from the "Early 2007/Colors" 2nd Gen models.

The Late 2008 lineup was offered in blue, green, pink, and silver, plus a "Special Edition (PRODUCT) RED", whereas the models they replaced came in light blue, light green, and purple, in addition to silver and red. Beyond the color change, these iPod shuffle models were physically identical.

All iPod shuffle (Second Generation) models share a tiny 1.07-inch tall, 0.98-inch wide, and 0.33-inch deep case with an integrated clip for easy attachment to clothing. The iPod shuffle 2nd Gen (Late 2008) models were equipped with either 1 GB or 2 GB of flash memory (the 2 GB option was discontinued on March 11, 2009), capable of holding 240 or 500 songs, respectively. Apple's estimated battery life was 12 hours.

In 2008 reviewers treated the refreshed 2 G shuffle as a palette-swap encore. The softer anodized blues, greens and pinks impressed style-seekers, while the stainless clip kept its reputation as a gym-proof badge you could forget was there. Bench tests confirmed Apple’s 12-hour claim, and the new 2 GB ceiling doubled workout capacity without changing size or weight. Sound remained clean but unchanged; critics again grumbled about dock-only syncing and the eternal absence of a screen, yet at under $50 it still ranked as the most affordable gateway to iTunes.