IPod Classic

 ( Classic ) 

On February 23, 2005, both 40 GB models (photo and regular) were replaced with a slimmer and lower-priced () 30GB photo model leaving only a 20 GB black-and-white iPod left. The price for the 60 GB model was dropped to with fewer bundled accessories, making the dock, FireWire cable, and television cable extra-cost options. On the same day, Apple announced the iPod Camera Connector which allowed instant transfer of images from a USB-compatible digital camera to the iPod Photo. The main difference between this and Belkin's Digital Camera Link was that Apple's unit supported instant image viewing on the iPod Photo after transfer without having to connect the iPod Photo to a computer first.

The fifth-generation iPod, sometimes known as the "iPod with video", is the first iPod to be available in an alternative color scheme in a non-special-edition form, as a black option was added alongside "Signature iPod White", and marked the second full redesign of the iPod's aesthetic with its re-arranged proportions, its return to a fully flat front plate, and its more rounded rear casing. The 4-pin remote port was removed as well, causing backwards compatibility issues with certain accessories. A 30 GB model was offered for and a 60 GB model was offered for . The fifth-generation iPod was also offered in the U2 special edition for with 30 GB. The fifth-generation iPod was the last model to have a plastic face.

The fifth-generation iPod was updated on September 12, 2006; this model is officially known as "iPod (Late 2006)", and is unofficially referred to as "5th generation enhanced" and "5.5th generation". This update included a brighter screen, longer video playback time, improved video decoding hardware, newly designed earphones and a search feature. An iTunes installation CD was also no longer bundled, requiring users to download iTunes from Apple's website. The 60GB model was replaced with an 80 GB model, and prices were cut by for both the 30 GB () and the 80 GB () models. Gapless playback and support for iPod games was enabled on all fifth-generation iPods through a firmware update released at the same time.

The fifth-generation iPod has a Broadcom BCM2722 VideoCore 2 graphics processor which provides acceleration to play video in MPEG-4 (up to 480p 2.5 Mbit/s) and H.264 (up to 240p, 768 kbit/s, baseline profile level 1.3 only) formats. The enhanced fifth-generation iPod, as well as firmware 1.2 for its predecessor, upgrade H.264 support to 480p 1.5 Mbit/s. As is the case for music, video content such as TV shows, podcasts, music videos, and movies may be purchased from the iTunes Store (with DRM, with rental options launched later), or sourced externally and imported via iTunes.

Videos or photo slideshows may be played from the fifth-generation iPod on a television set, projector or monitor with the use of the Apple Composite AV cable or via an older dock providing an S-Video output. It is also possible to obtain composite video from the headphone jack, using an iPod AV Cable or generic equivalent (appropriately wired TRRS minijack), a feature removed from the following generation.

The 160 GB hard drive is not fully ATA compatible, not supporting 48-bit LBA in favor of a proprietary addressing method; neither is LBA48 supported by the Apple-supplied operating system, inconveniencing people interested in upgrading the internal storage. Video playback specifications also received an upgrade over the previous generation, with further improvements to H.264 decoding (advertised up to 640x480p, baseline profile level 3.0, 2.5 Mbit/s bitrate; actual capabilities up to 720x576 at 5 Mbit/s with caveats) as well as supporting the Apple YPbPr AV Cable with progressive scan, but removes support for cables without an authentication chip and those connecting to the headphone port.

Prior to the 'It's Only Rock and Roll' event on September 9, 2009, the price of the 120 GB version was dropped to . During the event, Apple replaced the 120 GB version with a 160 GB model, featuring the same slim profile of the 80 GB and 120 GB models. It retailed at . This model is sometimes incorrectly labelled as the "7th generation", despite it offering only a few new features, such as Genius Mixes, as well as supporting 48-bit sector numbers.

On September 9, 2014, Apple officially discontinued the iPod Classic. The sixth-generation 160 GB iPod Classic was the last Apple product in the iPod line to use the original 30-pin iPod connector and the Click Wheel. According to Tim Cook speaking at WSJD Live, the iPod Classic was discontinued because the parts were unavailable and a redesign was unwarranted given the small amount of consumer interest in the product.

Modding of the iPod Classic is made possible by its modular design, making it easier for enthusiasts to disassemble. One of the most common mods is to replace the hard drive with solid-state memory, reducing the iPod's weight while increasing battery life, decreasing read time, and making it silent and less prone to damage from wear and tear or sudden shocks. Furthermore, this frees up space for additional hardware. Replacing the battery with a higher-capacity one and swapping the case is also common. While the mods are sometimes performed by individuals, businesses such as Elite Obsolete Electronics have also sprung up to purchase old iPods in bulk, upgrade and resell them at a profit.

iPod Classics cannot be used with modern wireless headphones without an adapter, leading to attempts to add Bluetooth to them. Amir Rees, an iPod modder, developed and began selling a self-contained iPod Bluetooth kit. Other more uncommon additions to the iPod enabled with modding include haptic feedback via the Taptic Engine, including a simulation of hard drive operation in an iPod equipped with solid-state memory, as well as adding custom firmware and an M.2 SSD.