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iPod Nano 6th Generation 2011 Teardown

Teardown

Teardowns provide a look inside a device and should not be used as disassembly instructions.

October 4th, 2011. Let's talk iPhone. Yesterday's press release brought us some fun new information about the upcoming iPhone 4S (check back on October 14th for the teardown) as well as the next generation of iPod Nano. As we wait in anticipation for this year's phone call-making piece of fruit, we take a bite into the newest addition to the iPod Nano line.

Fun fact: this newly released Nano is NOT any cooler than the last Nano. Actually, it's pretty much exactly the same. See why below.

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Edit Step 1 — iPod Nano 6th Generation 2011 Teardown ¶

Our favorite nanoscopic slice of Apple is back and has some fun features packed inside.
- 1.54-inch multi-touch display
- 240 x 240 pixel resolution
- Built-in Accelerometer
- Stock Nike+ Compatibility
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery with up to 24 hours of music playback
- 8 GB or 16 GB internal storage

Edit Step 2 ¶

Not much has changed in terms of packaging. The Nano is still encased in its own cube of self-indulgence.
A quick glance at the model number shows us that much like its sibling before it, it still carries the identification of Model A1366.
A little sleuthing shows that any difference in part numbers is only a matter of different Nano colors. This one, MC689, is blue; MC688 is silver, yadda yadda...

Edit Step 3 ¶

"Bill, they're so cute! Can we get one??" - "You know, Mary, those things will grow up some day—and they require a lot of responsibility."
Like most siamese twins, the 6th and 7th Generation share the same physical qualities but differ in personalities.
Can you guess which is which? We'll give you a hint: The 7th Generation Nano is not red....

Edit Step 4 ¶

United they shall stand. Oh joy! iPod Nano family reunion (from left to right):
- Nano 1st Generation
- Nano 2nd Generation
- Nano 3rd Generation
- Nano 4th Generation
- Nano 5th Generation
- Nano 6th Generation
- Nano 7th Generation

Edit Step 5 ¶

No screws? Have no fear! *trumpet sound* Our trusty heat gun is here to save the day!
BLAMO! WHAMMO! Take that you malicious front glass! Your days of providing high quality entertainment to the citizens of Earth are numbered! Surrender now or taste defeat at the hands of our sidekick, Plastic Opening tool!

Edit Step 6 ¶

Screws? Ha! So you thought we would be unprepared? Guess again 7th Generation Nano...feel the mighty torque of our Phillips screwdriver!
The EMI shield that protects the Nano's logic board is easily removed.

Edit Step 7 ¶

Removing the display requires disconnecting a few additional connectors.
You have displayed your last day, oh dear Nano display! (At least until we put you back together. We'll be gentle; we promise.)

Edit Step 8 ¶

To the front, to the back, to the front, to the back. Nn ss, nn ss, nn ss.
Just like last year, The 1.54" LCD screen is equipped with multi-touch, and we are still perplexed as to why you would need two fingers for this device.
The display is still the same 240x240 pixel display and remains inseparably bonded to the front glass.