Apple provides a single updater for all iPod models. The updater installs the latest software appropriate for your iPod. For example, the "iPod Updater 2006-01-10" will install the lastest iPod software available as of January 10th, 2006. The latest iPod Updater can be downloaded from http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/.
To verify which software version the updater installs, first open iPod updater, then:
On a Mac:
- From the iPod Updater menu, choose About iPod Updater.
In Microsoft Windows:
- Right-click on the iPod Updater window's title bar.
Note: The Universal iPod Updater does not necessarily enable the same features on all iPod models; some features such as voice recording and photo importing are model-specific.
Note: In Mac OS X, the Software Update version of the iPod updater may have a different version number than software that is installed. In the picture below, version 3.0.2 is the version of the automatic updater which includes several different versions of iPod software. See above for information on what version of iPod software is installed on different iPod models.
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Frequently Asked Questions about iPod Updater
Starting with iPod Updater 2006-01-10, iPod Updater has some new changes and improvements.
How can I tell if I am using the latest iPod Updater?
The date is in the name of the application. For Macintosh, iPod Updater 2006-01-10 and later has:
- A Help menu that links to the iPod Support page and Register iPod page. If you don't see this menu, you are not using the latest version.
- An improved user interface that tells you more about the iPod you're using.
- Better integration with iTunes.
- A Preferences menu to quickly quit the Updater and open iTunes.
Is iPod Updater supported on Macs with Intel Core Processors?
Yes, iPod Updater 2006-01-10 (and later) is a Universal Binary and is supported on Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later on Macs with a PowerPC or Intel Core Processor. Like previous iPod Updaters, it can be used to update all iPod models, dating back to the original iPod.
Known issues
- Updating or restoring the original iPod (dock connector) via USB is not supported. Use FireWire to update this iPod. (The updater reminds you of this.)
- After you update or restore an iPod and quit to launch iTunes, there may be a delay before the iPod appears in iTunes. If it doesn't show up in iTunes, check the iPod's screen to see if it is still updating its firmware or just wait a few minutes.
- The new Updater requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later. If you are using an older version of Mac OS X, check the support downloads area to download the iPod Updater 2005-11-17, which is supported on Mac OS X 10.1.5.
- With older iPod models that require you to connect your iPod to power to complete the Update or Restore:
- If you select the preference to always quit after update/restore, you may not see the message that explains to connect your older iPod to power to complete the restore.
- After you restore, you may see a message that your iPod was updated. It is in fact restored.
- In rare instances, if you update or restore but ignore the quit dialog and wait until your iPod has appeared in the Finder, when you do quit, iTunes won't recognize iPod. If this happens, simply quit iTunes and open iTunes again.