not able to update past iOS 4.2.1

If you're using a second generation model, you can't; 8GB models initially sold at the same time as the third generation ones are second generation. Otherwise, update it from iTunes on a computer.

(72043)

I bought my 16gb iPod touch about 3 years ago, brand new at walmart. It was labeled as 3rd gen. I was having the same problem about not being able to update past iOS 4.2.1 so I came here. Now I find out that my 3rd gen is actually a 2nd gen! UGH! Is there any way of updating at all? When I bought my iPod I was sure I was buying the newest 3rd gen (at the time). Did Apple mess up on packaging or something? I don't want to have to buy a new device. Mine works great!

eefamily wrote:

Did Apple mess up on packaging or something?

No. Was it the store that told you it was 3rd generation?

so what apple is saying is that all of us with 2nd gen ipod touches cant update new ios or anything??

Correct the 2G can only go to 4.2.1

I thought it said 3rd gen on the packaging or maybe the Apple store display. Can't remember specifically but I do remember being all excited about buying the "newest iPod touch". I didn't speak to any sales reps other than to have them unlock the case to get me one. I don't think I have the box anymore but I think I do have my receipt filed away somewhere. After doing a search on the web, I am finding many, many posts where people thought their iPod Touch 8gb or 16gb were 3rd gens. I'm not the only one who was led to believe that what we bought was the newest generation at the time. 😟

eefamily wrote:

I thought it said 3rd gen on the packaging or maybe the Apple store display.

Not in an Apple Store. Since you bought it from a Walmart store, perhaps that's where you saw what you thought was identification of a 3rd gen Touch.

eefamily wrote:

I'm not the only one who was led to believe that what we bought was the newest generation at the time.

We know, believe me, we know!

However, you did buy the newest generation - of the 8Gb iPod Touch. There was no newer generation of the 8GB Touch. If the store you bought it from claimed it was 3rd generation, that still doesn't mean it was Apple who claimed it. They did not. A receipt is from the store you purchased it from. So even if the receipt claims it to be 3rd gen, it still isn't. Take it up with the store you purchased from.

At the time you bought your iPod, Apple were selling a 3rd generation iPod Touch, in 32 & 64GB capacities. They continued to sell the 2nd generation in 8GB capacity.