The successor to the 4th-generation iPod Touch, it was unveiled at Apple's media event alongside the iPhone 5 on September 12, 2012, and was released on October 11, 2012.

[6] On June 26, 2014, it was replaced with a new 16 GB model that no longer omits the rear camera and full range of color options.

Initially shipped with iOS 6, which was released on September 19, 2012, it can play music, movies, television shows, eBooks, audiobooks, and podcasts and can sort its media library by songs, artists, albums, videos, playlists, genres, composers, podcasts, audiobooks, and compilations.

The software was improved in iOS 6 to include the ability to make restaurant reservations, launch apps, dictate Facebook or Twitter (now X) updates, retrieve movie reviews and detailed sports statistics.

[9] Some newer applications and features that came with iOS 6 included Apple Maps, Passbook and screen mirroring.

The new iSight camera has 5 megapixels and is capable of 1080p video recording with an illuminated sensor and a LED flash.

Other changes to the iPod Touch include the addition of colors and the return of the black Wi-Fi antenna.

[19] According to technology commentators, the redesign of the earphones is aimed to improve sound quality by allowing air to travel in and out more freely.

[20][21] Apple states that the redesign of their earphones allows it to "rival high-end headphones that cost hundreds of dollars more".

)[13] Andrew Williams from TrustedReviews noted the 5th generation iPod touch's common features with the iPhone 5, while praising the design and the respectable connectivity.

[23] Graham Barlow of TechRadar commended the improved screen, more color variants, greater quality earphones and the iPod's light weight while criticizing the "reset" of the lightning port.

[24] Scott Stein of CNET praised the enhanced camera quality and design, but remarked that the iPod touch is still weaker and outclassed compared to other iOS devices.