Refurbished iPod Photo (4th Generation) — inspected, function-tested, and ready to play. Confirm the exact capacity, color, and order number on this listing before you buy.
Product Overview
This refurbished, flash-modded iPod Photo (4th Generation) is a complete working iPod listing; the installed flash capacity and donor color are stated per listing.
Use the identification table below to confirm the exact configuration.
Choose Your Option
Refurbished iPod Photo with iFlash storage mod. Mechanical IDE hard drive replaced with solid-state flash storage up to 256GB.
You're viewing this optionAbout This iPod
The iPod Photo represented Apple's first step toward making the iPod a multimedia device rather than just a music player. Announced October 26, 2004, its 2-inch, 220x176 pixel, 65,536-color LCD was the first color display in the iPod line, capable of showing album art, photo slideshows, and TV output through Apple's AV cable (bundled at retail only with the 2004 launch models; sold separately afterward).
About This Variant
Available with 128GB or 256GB (iFlash-ATA1); pick the capacity from the dropdown at checkout. Every build replaces the original hard drive with solid-state flash — quieter, lower power draw, and no moving parts.
What Changed
- Display: 2-inch 220x176 color LCD with 65,536 colors replacing the 160x128 monochrome LCD — the first color display in the iPod line
- Photo Support: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG photo viewing; TV output through Apple's AV cable (a 2004 launch-box item, later sold separately) for photo slideshows with music
- Interface: Same Click Wheel interface but with color UI elements and album art display during playback
What Refurbished Means
A refurbished iPod is a complete used iPod that has been inspected, cleaned, tested, and prepared for resale; it is not a sealed-new Apple retail unit.
| Area | What this listing means |
|---|---|
| Inspection | Function-tested complete iPod with model, controls, display, sync, and audio checked before sale. |
| Battery | A replacement battery is installed unless the listing states otherwise. |
| Battery Age | These iPods are vintage units. Original batteries are well beyond their design life. |
| Storage | Flash-modded build — the installed card and adapter are disclosed in the listing; capacity depends on the donor build. |
| Cosmetics | Cosmetic condition is listing-specific and may vary by shell, backplate, screen lens, and engraving wear. |
Charging & Connection
This iPod syncs and charges over USB or FireWire through the 30-pin dock connector. For reviving a deeply discharged battery or running a full restore, a FireWire charger or a high-power USB port is the most reliable path.
Battery Safety & Shipping
⚠️ Lithium-Ion / Li-Po Battery Safety. This product contains (or is) a rechargeable lithium-ion/lithium-polymer battery. Charge only with a compatible charger; don't leave it charging unattended or overnight, and unplug once fully charged. Avoid charging or storing in direct sunlight or other high-heat environments. Stop using and stop charging immediately if the battery swells, bulges, gets unusually hot, hisses, smokes, or leaks. Do not puncture, crush, bend, short-circuit, or try to "deflate" a swollen cell, and never press a lifted screen or case back down — it can rupture the cell. If electrolyte contacts your eyes, flush with clean water for 15 minutes without rubbing and seek medical care; on skin, wash with water and soap. Battery service should be done by a trained technician. Recycle through an electronics or universal-waste recycler, not household trash.
Shipping. A refurbished iPod shipped with its battery installed ships as UN3481 (lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment); a loose replacement cell shipped on its own ships as UN3480 (lithium-ion batteries). Cells have passed UN Manual of Tests and Criteria 38.3 testing.
Exact Model Identification
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Apple Model Number | A1099 |
| Capacity | Varies (flash mod) |
| Color | White |
| EMC | EMC 2022 |
Every variant in this generation shares the Apple model number A1099 — the order number engraved on the back is what identifies the exact unit.
All Available Variants
| Order Number | Capacity | Color | Case | Released | Original Price | Refurb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M9585LL/A | 40GB | White | Thick | October 2004 | US$499 | View refurb |
| M9586LL/A | 60GB | White | Thick | October 2004 | US$599 | View refurb |
| M9829LL/A | 30GB | White | Thin | February 2005 | US$349 | View refurb |
| M9830LL/A | 60GB | White | Thick | February 2005 | US$449 (US$399 from June 28, 2005) | View refurb |
| PS492AA | 30GB | White (HP-branded) | Thin | ~April 2005 | ~US$349 | View refurb |
| PS493AA | 60GB | White (HP-branded) | Thick | ~April 2005 | ~US$449 | View refurb |
| MA079LL/A | 20GB | White | Thin | June 2005 | US$299 | View refurb |
| MA127LL/A | 20GB | Black/Red (U2 Special Edition) | Thin | June 2005 | US$329 | View refurb |
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Type | iFlash IDE adapter + SD card (solid state) |
| Max Capacity | Up to 256GB |
| Display | 2" Color TFT 220x176 |
| Audio CODEC | Wolfson WM8975 |
| Battery (Original) | Li-Ion, Apple-rated 15 hours music / 5 hours photo slideshow (616-0206 family) |
| Model Numbers | A1099 |
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Processor | Photo logic platform (dual ARM7TDMI, 80 MHz) |
| Available Capacities | 128GB or 256GB (iFlash-ATA1) |
What's Included
- Refurbished iPod
Ships as the iPod only — no cable or charger is included.
Original Apple accessories (earbuds, dock adapter, etc.) are not included.
Compatibility
Modern Sync Notes
- macOS: macOS Sequoia 15.4 and later can break native iPod recognition for some owners; if Finder or Apple Music does not see the iPod, use Windows iTunes or an older Mac for restore and sync.
- Windows: iTunes 12.6.5 on Windows 10 or Windows 11 is the most reliable restore and sync path for many classic iPods.
- Streaming: These iPods do not provide native Spotify, Apple Music streaming, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
Original System Requirements
- Minimum Mac OS: Mac OS X 10.2.8
- Host Port: High-power USB 2.0 or FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394)
- Windows: Windows 2000 Service Pack 4; Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later
Photo Sync Requirements
- Mac: iPhoto 4.0.3 or later
- Windows: Adobe Photoshop Album 1.0 or later, or Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 or later, or My Pictures folder
Known OS Compatibility Issues
- macOS Sequoia 15.x: Legacy iPod recognition may be unreliable on newer macOS releases; 32-bit iTunes unavailable. Workaround: Use Windows standalone iTunes or an older Mac with a known-good iPod sync path.
Rockbox
Status: Supported
Build: IPOD_COLOR
Stable port. Target name is 'ipodcolor' (not 'ipodphoto').
iTunes Compatibility
- Minimum: iTunes 4.7
- Recommended: iTunes 12.6.5.3 for click-wheel games and Store access
- Note: iTunes 4.7 shipped with the iPod Photo (October 2004). Photo sync required iPhoto 4.0.3+ on Mac. iTunes 12.6.5.3 is the last build for click-wheel games and Store access; newer iTunes builds can still sync music to click-wheel iPods.
- A plastic opening tool alone may not suffice; supplement with a small jeweler's screwdriver or thin putty knife.
- Compatible Toshiba drive models include any ending in 004 or 006, such as: - MK4004GAH - MK2006GAL - MK2006GALC - MK3006GAL - MK4006GAL The 4th Gen hard drive connector is believed to be a DDKLtd MCD-D50SA-3.
Flash Storage Upgrade
A stock refurbished iPod can keep its original storage style, but many buyers choose flash storage when they want a quieter, lower-power player with fewer moving parts.
| Topic | Buyer Guidance |
|---|---|
| Why buyers upgrade | No moving parts, silent operation, lower power draw, improved battery life, and room for higher-capacity libraries. |
| Maximum confirmed capacity | 128GB or 256GB (iFlash-ATA1) offered in our builds confirmed with iFlash-ATA1 with SDXC media |
| Format requirement | SDXC cards (64GB+) must be pre-formatted to FAT32 — default exFAT not supported by original firmware |
| Rockbox | Rockbox is supported (IPOD_COLOR); Stable port. Target name is 'ipodcolor' (not 'ipodphoto'). |
Warranty & Returns
Every iPod and part iMods sells carries a free limited warranty, and domestic returns are handled free of charge.
Warranty period
Every product iMods sells — parts and iPods, in any condition (used, refurbished, or new) — carries a 1-year limited warranty. The warranty period starts on the day of purchase, not the delivery date.
Refund or exchange
Defective items returned under warranty are exchanged by default. A domestic refund is possible only when it is requested within 30 days of placing the order; this window can be extended in very limited circumstances.
What the warranty covers
Defective parts or loss of functionality without liquid or physical damage, problems arising from work iMods performed (for example, display lines after iMods opened the iPod to install storage), and manufacturing defects in parts iMods installed.
What it does not cover
Accidental drops or physical damage, liquid damage that affects function, loss of function from user error or mishandling, damage from improper disassembly or reassembly, and damage caused during your own modifications. iMods reserves the right to decline coverage for customer-caused damage.
Disassembly, RockBox, and compatibility
- Simply disassembling and reassembling the iPod does not void the warranty; improper disassembly or reassembly does.
- Installing RockBox does not void the warranty, but it is done at your own risk, and a board bricked during a RockBox install is not covered. RockBox must be uninstalled before any warranty return; if it is still installed and has not been discussed with sales@imods.com, the iPod is shipped back as-is.
- These vintage iPods are not guaranteed to work with Apple M-series Macs, which Apple no longer supports. iMods will help troubleshoot, but M-series compatibility is not warranty-covered; iMods tests and supports with era-correct hardware.
Returns process
Email sales@imods.com to request a return label or use the iMods return form. For international returns, contact sales@imods.com; the procedure varies by region.
iMods.com is not affiliated with Apple Inc.
Buyer FAQ
What should I check when it arrives?
Confirm the order number, capacity, color, and Apple model number against Exact Model Identification. Then test charging, sync/restore, controls, audio, hold switch, display, and several full tracks before loading your library. This listing is for Varies (flash mod), White.
Does this work with my Mac or PC?
Use the Compatibility section for generation-specific requirements. For current machines, Windows iTunes is often the simplest restore path; on newer macOS versions, use Finder or Apple Music first and fall back to an older Mac or Windows iTunes if the iPod is not recognized.
How long does the battery last on a used one?
Runtime depends on battery age, capacity, storage type, and backlight use.
What is different about this exact variant?
Available with 128GB or 256GB (iFlash-ATA1); pick the capacity from the dropdown at checkout. Every build replaces the original hard drive with solid-state flash — quieter, lower power draw, and no moving parts. Identify it by capacity Varies (flash mod) or color White.
Should I buy stock or iFlash modded?
Choose stock if you want the original hard-drive experience and lower modification complexity. Choose iFlash-modded if you want solid-state storage, lower power draw, and no spinning hard drive. For this generation, known flash-storage data lists iFlash-ATA1 IDE-to-SD adapter, 128GB or 256GB (iFlash-ATA1) offered in our builds.
Common Names & Search Terms
Buyers find this iPod using these names and phrases:
Product Names
ipod photo iflash, ipod photo flash mod for sale, ipod photo sd card mod, best ipod to mod, ipod photo refurbished, ipod photo for sale, ipod with color display, ipod color, ipod classic 4th generation photo, vintage ipod photo a1099, M9585LL/A, M9586LL/A, M9829LL/A, M9830LL/A, MA079LL/A, MA127LL/A, PS492AA, PS493AA
Comparisons People Make
What Buyers Are Looking For
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Collector & Enthusiast Terms
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Compatibility Questions
rockbox ipod color, iflash ipod photo, ipod photo itunes, ipod photo work with modern mac
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