Apple updated the compact iPod mini in February 2005, dropping the gold color and adding a 6 GB model. Visually the 2G iPod mini is distinguished by colored printing on the clickwheel.

Apple introduced the compact iPod mini at Macworld Expo in January 2004. The iPod mini incorporates a click wheel, which eliminated the need for 4 separate control buttons and allowed Apple to make a more compact music player.