Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products Lists
  • Developer
  • 5G
  • Security
  • Cloud
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Tech & Work
  • Mobility
  • Big Data
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • CES
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Top Products Lists
  • Developer
  • 5G
  • Security
  • Cloud
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Tech & Work
  • Mobility
  • Big Data
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • CES
  • See All Topics
  • Sponsored
  • Newsletters
  • Forums
  • Resource Library
TechRepublic Premium
Join / Sign In
After Hours

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

By Bill Detwiler September 7, 2010, 8:16 AM PDT on Twitter billdetwiler

Image
1
of 28

DSC_0121.jpg
DSC_0121.jpg
Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Cracking open the iPod Shuffle (4th generation)

Cracking open the iPod Shuffle (4th generation)

In September 2010, Apple unveiled the 4th generation iPod Shuffle. The music player has the basic design of the 2nd generation iPod Shuffle, with the large control pad and postage stamp shape.

Unlike most of the computers, smartphones, and gadgets I disassemble, the iPod Shuffle isn’t designed to be taken apart and put back together. And with a price of just $49 (US), most people will opt to simply replace a damaged Shuffle instead of repairing it. But, that doesn’t mean it can’t, or shouldn’t be done.

If you do decide to disassemble the iPod Shuffle, you’ll need a Phillips #00 or #000 screwdriver and a thin metal blade or plastic spudger.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Still in the box

Still in the box

According to Apple, the 4th generation iPod Shuffle’s packaging is 60 percent smaller and 53 percent lighter than the packaging using on previous models.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

2GB only

2GB only

As the packing indicates, this is a 2GB iPod Shuffle–the only size Apple offers.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Headphones and USB cable

Headphones and USB cable

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Removing the rear case panel

Removing the rear case panel

With one side of the panel free, you should be able to separate it from the front case enclosure. A very thin rubber gasket sits under the rear panel. Take care not to rip the gasket when removing the panel.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Rear panel removed

Rear panel removed

With the rear panel removed, we get our first look inside the 4th generation iPod Shuffle.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Rear panel - External

Rear panel - External

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Rear panel - Internal

Rear panel - Internal

The iPod Shuffle’s clip and hinge are attached to the rear panel with four screws.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Rear panel removed - rubber gasket in place

Rear panel removed - rubber gasket in place

Taking up roughly half the space inside the 4th generation iPod Shuffle is the 3.7V, 0.19Whr Li-ion battery. The black, rubber gasket still covers the back of the logic board.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Removing the rubber gasket

Removing the rubber gasket

You should be able to lift the gasket away from the iPod Shuffle without tearing it. With the gasket removed, we can see the underside of the logic board.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Non-replaceable battery

Non-replaceable battery

Unfortunately, Apple soldered the iPod Shuffle’s battery to the logic board. You won’t be replacing this battery without getting out your soldering iron.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Removing the first control button assembly screw

Removing the first control button assembly screw

Removing the battery reveals a portion of the metal plate that serves as a backing for the control pad’s internal contacts. One of the screws that holds this plate in place is also visible. You can remove the screw now or leave it in place and remove it later. I choose to remove it now.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

White, plastic spacer

White, plastic spacer

A small, plastic spacer holds the logic board against the top of the front case enclosure. You should be able to pop it free with a small pointed instrument, such as the metal blade shown here.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Slide the logic board down

Slide the logic board down

With the spacer removed, you can slide the logic board and attached headphone jack down past the top lip of the case.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Removing the logic board and battery

Removing the logic board and battery

You should now be able to gently lift the logic board away from the case.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

With the logic board and battery removed

With the logic board and battery removed

With the logic board and battery removed, we can see a metal plate, which serves as a base for the Control pad contacts. It’s held in place with four Phillips #00 screws–one of which I removed earlier.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Removing the control pad contact plate screws

Removing the control pad contact plate screws

We’ll need to remove the three remaining screws before lifting the control pad contact plate away from the case.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Removing the control pad contact plate

Removing the control pad contact plate

With all four screws removed, we can lift the control pad contact plate away from the case.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Control pad contact plate removed

Control pad contact plate removed

With the control pad contact plate removed, we can see the back of the control pad.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Control pad contact plate - Back

Control pad contact plate - Back

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Control pad contact plate - Front

Control pad contact plate - Front

The actual contacts for the iPod Shuffle’s control pad are attached to this metal plate.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Front case enclosure and Control pad

Front case enclosure and Control pad

The iPod Shuffle’s control pad should pop free with a gentle push.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Front case enclosure - Internal

Front case enclosure - Internal

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Front case enclosure - External

Front case enclosure - External

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Play-order/Power switch

Play-order/Power switch

At this point, there’s nothing left in the iPod Suffle’s case but the play-order/power switch.

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Control pad - Internal

Control pad - Internal

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Control pad - External

Control pad - External

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

Main chip

Main chip

The iPod Shuffle’s main chip has the following markings:

339S0128
K9GA608U0E-BCB0 / FDEG21QV 1028
8443 ARM
N2N3XNP2 1031

Photo credit: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

  • After Hours
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

    Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown

    Your email has been sent

Share: Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Teardown
Image of Bill Detwiler
By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.
  • Account Information

    Contact Bill Detwiler

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of Bill's content

TechRepublic Premium

  • TechRepublic Premium

    Shadow IT policy

    Shadow IT is a concept whereby an organization’s employees use technology, services or systems without the knowledge of or approval from the IT department. It has arisen due to several reasons: Advances in cloud computing, which involve the usage of applications or sharing of data in public environments previously owned by IT. The evolution of ...

    Published:  February 2, 2023, 11:00 AM EST Modified:  February 3, 2023, 2:00 PM EST Read More See more TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Auditing and logging policy

    Auditing and logging are essential measures for protecting mission-critical systems and troubleshooting problems. This policy outlines the appropriate auditing and logging procedures for computer systems, networks and devices that store or transport critical data. From the policy: Many computer systems, network devices and other technological hardware used in the enterprise can audit and log various ...

    Published:  February 2, 2023, 11:00 AM EST Modified:  February 3, 2023, 3:00 PM EST Read More See more TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Vendor contract renewal planner

    Determining how and when to renew support contracts can be tedious and time-consuming. Our vendor contract renewal planner will help you schedule support renewals and budget the related costs. From the planner: Some companies schedule their support contract renewals to take effect all at once, such as on January 1. This provides a convenient renewal ...

    Published:  February 1, 2023, 11:00 AM EST Modified:  February 2, 2023, 12:00 PM EST Read More See more TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Access management policy

    Without appropriate access management controls, businesses are at significant risk from the loss or theft of both physical and digital assets. Access management controls establish who is allowed the appropriate level of access in order to do their jobs, while reducing the potential for damage or harm to the company. The purpose of this policy ...

    Downloads
    Published:  February 1, 2023, 11:00 AM EST Modified:  February 2, 2023, 4:00 PM EST Read More See more TechRepublic Premium

Services

  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information

Explore

  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Twitter
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on Flipboard
© 2023 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Property of TechnologyAdvice