pascher9:
I'm sure that by now you are rather confused. I apologise for that on behalf of all of us here.
Let me hopefully clarify things for you (and anyone else hoping to understand the position):
In my first post I deliberately avoided asking which model of iPod you have, although I did assume that it was an iPod Touch when I mentioned the iOS version. I was then hoping you would post back to let us know which model and I would then have tailored my response to your answer.
However, this discussion now has far more information than anyone could need and some of it is incorrect to the point where it is misleading.
If you own an iPod Touch, the following applies:
- The 2nd generation iPod Touch cannot update beyond iOS 4.2.1
- The 3rd generation iPod Touch cannot update beyond iOS 5.1.1
To the best of my knowledge, neither of the above products will receive any further updates, due to their age. Neither the 4th nor & 5th generation models are likely to receive any further updates for the same reason.
The 6th generation iPod Touch model has received more than one update since discontinuation:
- the 16GB & 64GB models were discontinued in July 2017. At that time, I think the iOS version in use was iOS10. Since then, iOS 11 and iOS 12 have been released. These iPods can currently install (on the day of writing), iOS 12.5.7. Versions since iOS 12.4.2 have been bug or security fixes, but not feature updates
- 32GB & 128GB models were discontinued in May 2019. At that time, I think the iOS version in use was iOS 12.3.1. Since then, there have been several updates and these models can also run iOS 12.5.7. Once again, updates since iOS 12.4.2 have been bug or security fixes, but not feature updates
Apple have stated that the 6th generation iPod Touch models cannot install iOS 13 or later.
The 7th generation iPod Touch could run iOS 12.5.6 when it was discontinued in May 2022 and has since been able to install up to iOS 15.7.9. Regarding the 7th gen model, Apple have announced that it cannot install iOS 16 or later.
Apple do not like speculation about their future intentions, but I think it is acceptable to point out that it is incorrect to state that the 6th & 7th gen models cannot be updated further, because if there were to be a bug or security need, Apple can release a further update in the existing range number: i.e. iOS 12 for the 6th gen and iOS 15 for the 7th gen. Note that this does not mean that there will be any further updates.
For any other iPod model, as mentioned by apple_mac_user_01, it is more than likely that those iPods are already using the latest firmware. Using iTunes to check will confirm this.
