cant update to 4.3

as far as I understand the problem there was NEVER a 3G 8GB model. This one is technically a 2G and thus makes 4.2.1 the maximum OS which can run on this device.
The "real" 3G (=better hardware) were only published as 16 or 32GB models.

I hope I am wrong but I have exactly the same problem ... Even my model is identified as MC086FD (which should be a 3G) it seems that it is technically a 2G 😟

best greetings
Gerry

Gerry is correct; there never was an 8GB 3rd-generation iPod touch. Some dealers erroneously referred to the iPod touch when shipped with iOS 3.x as "3rd-generation" but that was not a designation from Apple. I don't know what box you have, but I've never seen any Apple-printed iPod touch box that ever referred to "generation" at all, much less calling an 8GB iPod touch "3rd generation".

Sorry, but you have a 2nd-generation iPod touch and iOS 4.2.1 is the last version, most likely, that will run on it.

Regards.

EDIT: Apple recently did start referring to "third generation", but that only applies to the 32GB and 64GB models.

Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer

The best way to determine which model a person has is to look directly on the back of the iPod Touch itself. Don't look at the box it came in......

Here are the numbers you will find on the back of the iPod Touch...

iPod Touch 1st generation - A1213

iPod Touch 2nd generation - A1288

iPod Touch 3rd generation - A1318

iPod Touch 4th generation - A1367

The above posters are correct.
The 3rd Generation models came in 32GB and 64GB and nothing else.
See this Apple document on iPod Touches.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1353#iPodtouchlate2009

then why when I type in the model # under settings it comes up as a 3rg generation

iPod touch (3rd generation) - Technical Specifications at http://support.apple.com/kb/SP570 mentions only 32GB and 64GB models.

i am trying to upgrade to 4.3 but while it is downloading the ios it stops half way through and says error download could not be complete and i using itunes 10.2 and i have a 4 generation ipod.So i restore it and everytime I restore it all my apps wont sync i have to sync it again so do you guys think that it is my ipod or just my computer cause it runs slow. also on my sister laptop it wouldnt let her download IOS 4.3 to or is it my internet connection.

I would say that it's most likely your Internet connection, but I can't be certain. You can try the direct download:

http://appldnld.apple.com/iPhone4/061-9588.20110311.GtP7y/iPod4,14.3_8F190Restore.ipsw

If you get a successful download, you can install it by Option-clicking the Update button in iTunes and choosing the downloaded file.

Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer

If the error is during the download process, it could be a firewall or anti-virus issue. You can temporarily disable those and try again if the problem persists.

woodgear wrote:
then why when I type in the model # under settings it comes up as a 3rg generation

How about telling us where you are typing this in?

How about looking on the back of your iPod Touch.
What number do you have?

The above numbers come directly from Apple.
If you have an 8GB model then it can't be a 3rd generation model.

There is some justified confusion regarding the 8gb Touch 2nd and 3rd gen. There is a small difference in the printing on the back of the case so there was some changes made to the 8gb touch for the third gen release, but internally it uses the same hardware as a 2nd gen. I have both here so I can see the differences for myself.

I agree, it is frustrating, 4.3 really should be made available to the 2nd and 8gb 3rd gen touches, there are some significant patches made to Safari as well as some other security upgrades. I get the feeling that Apple wants us to migrate to the 4th gen, but I am not happy with the idea that a replacement digitizer is about $100.00 for the 4th gen versus $15.00 for 2nd and 3rd gen Touches, drop a 4th gen and you might as well buy a new one.

Enough ranting, Apple should have been clearer on what touches are supported and this confusion would have been avoided

Message was edited by: Chronos56

*What is the number on the back of your case?*
You didn't give us that information.

That should tell you what generation it is.

I have never seen any document from Apple that says there is a 3rd generation 8GB iPod Touch model.
All their documents only mention a 32GB or 64GB 3rd generation model.

If anyone can show us any Apple documents, please list them here.

Otherwise, there is no such thing as a 3rd generation 8GB model.....
The Apple numbers listed above tell everyone what generation it is...

I have one of the last 2nd generation 8GB iPod Touches sold.
I bought it in August of 2010...
The next month, they came out with the 4th generation models...
The number on the back of this model is A1288................. 2nd generation............

I think Apple was very clear on what models the new iOS 4.3 would run on...
Only 3rd and 4th generation iPod Touches.......
I knew I couldn't update 2 of my 2nd generation models and wasn't confused at all.

hi your "3 gen" ipod touch is 2 gen ipod touch because of the minorchanges in hardware most people refer as it to 3 gen because it is a very small difference.
a fact that there was no 8gb ipod touch 3 gen is that apple has removed certain gb ipod like the ipod touch 4 gen has 8,32 and 64gb but no 16.there used to 16 but a discontiue occured as with the 3 gen ipod touch in 8gb.
hoped this helped.

Okay, I'm sorry to tell you, but Apple has made a 8GB 3rd Generation iPod Touch. I have one, and I have about 15 friends that have the same thing as I do. I am experiencing the same problems as you. I have the latest iTunes, 10.2.1, and I am currently running iOS 4.2.1, on my 8GB 3rd Gen. Ipod touch. I am very frustrated right now because I have a friend that also has the 3rd Generation 32GB touch, and she recieved the 4.3 update. And I have looked at all Apples information and they have competly erased all of the info that they have ever made a 8GB 3rd generation ipod touch. Apple is trying to get you to buy the new 4th Generation ipod touch. My 8gb is very slow and I have 2.2gbs left available. I have tried to talk to apple over the phone and by email, but they charge you for it ($30) just to even speak to a person, or email someone. It is a complete rip off and I am not happy about it. I think it is pathedic how APple thinks they can screw you out of a FREE software update when you purchase the ipod, you buy the music, you buy the apps, you download their software, and you remain loyal to them especialy when I have been with apple since 2007 with a previous nano, and I wish they would allow the update for the ipod. Even when you go onto apples home page, you scroll down and you click the update. and scroll to the bottom of the update page and it shows that it is compatable with the 3rd Generation ipod touch.