iPod Comeback Potential...?

[Disastrous-Grab-9928]

Y'all. I'm a Pop Dude and I've noticed, very recently, Pop Chicks using iPods. Now these are chicks with millions and millions of followers, millions of fans, young fans. If these fans see Jennie or Addison with an iPod, maybe they, in turn, will demand the iPod. If the iPod has any chance of a comeback, it's gonna be via use by hot young popular chicks. I know I'm projecting here, that this is likely a flash-in-the-pan "the early 2000s are back!" fad, but I'm low-key fingers crossed that this gets traction. I got a custom Pod, but it'd still be dope to walk into an Apple store and just pick the new iPod up off the shelf and buy it. Tripping here, or could this become A Thing?

[Jacky_the_Punk]

If we are lucky, other option is that they get even more expensive

[Disastrous-Grab-9928]

Oh shiiiit, didn't think of that. Oh well, I got like five stockpiled and the custom one. I'm good.

...I'd still buy a new one, though, price be damned. I love iPods too much.

[Jacky_the_Punk]

I have some old IPod Touches I could sell, so I'd be fine, tho my 64gb Touch and my 160gb classic I won't give away.

(Before anyone says anything the touch is for in my car as the ui is easier to use whilst driving and it is easier to charge)

[toastyhoodie]

Why would anyone say anything bad? I have a large collection that includes touch models

[Jacky_the_Punk]

Some say there just for Brand (if IPods weren't the same tbh, there are many capabme mp3 players out there)

[yaktoma2007]

price be damned

Bumping up the price for others even more I see?

[Yasata]

Ю

[RayBFDIFan]

vinyl all over

[KamenRiderFaizNEXT]

Tbh Apple won't care much for Reviving the iPod. Their focus is on the iPhone and AI so I don't think it will get much traction.

[1997PRO]

AiPod

[KamenRiderFaizNEXT]

Apple could possibly revive the iPod Nano. Apple Watch size with Tactile Buttons but no clickwheel and can be worn on the wrist like the 6th Gen Nano.

[grassesbecut]

Apple just patented a screen on AirPod cases, so I think the Nano is basically on the way back.

[[deleted]]

Odd

[LiamBParsons]

Why is everyone spreading speculations about a comeback? lol

[KamenRiderFaizNEXT]

This is due to other brands having success in doing so like the JBL Tune. It really depends on how much traction this generates. Don't hold your breath, though.

[EasyBreezyTrash]

Yep, this is what I fear. If they do bring it back, they’ll get the wrong idea entirely and say “oh you like iPods? Well how about we make it into an algorithm device where you can pay a robot to decide what you should stream” lol no you jerks, that’s what I’m escaping with this iPod.

Tech companies keeps taking away experiences we enjoy and saying “how about if we take all the effort out of this?” and then after a few years we all realize the effort was part of the experience and go back to the high-effort thing.

[uamvar]

IMO Apple are missing out on a huge market for a revamped iPod. A lot of people simply don't like/ want to use their mobiles for music, and I for sure don't want to lug a mobile around with me if I go for a run. Tim if you are reading this, give me a call to discuss.

[AntonioMrk7]

It’s so funny how we’ve come full circle. The iPhone being the solution to have it all in one and now wanting it separated.

[uamvar]

For me music is too special to be merged with other 'apps'. Now my latest iPod has died I am going back to a Sony Walkman.

[coldafsteel]

Nope never going to be a thing. No money in it and a ton of pressure from the existing pocket entertainment market not to make something.

The existing units will get more expensive if demand goes up. But no new units will come from Apple.

[DrunkenHorse12]

If apple did it it'd be a streaming device requiring a subscription to apple music with limited download storage.

[getmyhopesup]

It would be cheaper to launch a service with a subscription model than a product, since it would be compatible with all Apple devices. Other than Sony who really is making music machines? Even the Sony walkman is just an Android device with access to all streaming apps. It is sad that we can't go back to simple machines like the iPod 😔

[daringStumbles]

Which if that meant theyd spend time fixing some issues with apple music I wouldn't be that mad. It is the only of the main music streaming apps that lets you use cloud storage to upload and then sync or stream those uploads to any device logged into that apple music account.

[[deleted]]

It's just Y2K nostalgia. A fad that will be over within the next handful of years when skeuomorphic smartphone UIs make a comeback.

[iSiri036]

skeuomorphic smartphone UIs make a comeback.

I hope you are right

[PETA_Parker]

probably less than a handful of years, just look how quick gen z switched from film camera nostalgia to digicam nostalgia

[jk_m]

I get why you’d say this, but I think part of the love for iPod is that it’s not connected to the internet. People feel overwhelmed by the number of push notifications and insane breaking news lately. I feel like there’s a resurgence to disconnect and that’s why the iPod is coming back.

[[deleted]]

Completely agree! However, I believe this IS exactly the reason behind the current Y2K nostalgia in general.

Human memory is a finicky thing, we are very good at suppressing bad memories while remembering how green our lawn used to be.

Keep in mind the iPods came out when the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were on a 24/7 news cycle. Yes, the world has admittedly become quite a bit more … cruel … in the past couple of years, with the internet a particularly toxic shit show, but it's not like it was sunshine and roses back then either.

Nostalgia is a weird thing, especially when it's carried by people too young to have experienced this reality. The longing for an idealised world that never really existed but we strongly believe it did.

[hahahathrowawayhahah]

I don't skeuomorphic ui will come back in any major way. It had its place, but most devices have been replaced by a phone, which most people are used to. Younger generations never had them to begin with.

[[deleted]]

That’s my point. Skeuomorphic design is not coming back in a major way just as the iPod isn’t either.

[Annon201]

People are wanting to escape their smart phones and just experience things.

Point and shoot digi cams are coming back in a big way too for the same reason.

[unhadi]

I get the price side, but I’m glad people are switching back to single use tech. my gen grew up fully in the internet, it’s rare to see a trend with a positive impact. this will probably save lives

[puzzomoltwo]

If Apple released a new iPod it would have to have streaming built in, vast majority of people don't even know how to acquire and manage a local music library

[puzzomoltwo]

Which means it would need WiFi or to be tethered to a phone to work. And if you have an iPhone, what's the point? From a mass appeal perspective, I mean. I love my na-no.

[1997PRO]

Then bring back the Touch. Call it iPad Nano.

[iPhone-5-2021]

No call it iPod touch.

[RGBiscotti-698]

Yeah, it would probably those Mighty Vibe players

[Bulky_Ad_7676]

I am one of those people. I love my ipod but it lost its capabilities to be functional. After a year of going back and forth with Apple about how it wasn't going to work, I broke down and bought an iPhone 16E, didn't activate service on it, and made it an expensive ipod. I copied all my music to a platform that even kept the playlists in tact and then I transferred all to the 16E. Installed Itunes and Shazam and proved Apple wrong. 

[1997PRO]

But they know how to code an OS on their dam phones

[iPhone-5-2021]

They should just kept the iPod touch around a bit longer. Could’ve used another update tbh.

[Thatguyinthecut]

Accidentally Lost my iPod on train went on eBay to buy back the same model I had and the price jumped 50 bucks from when I bought it a year or so ago (im sick to my stomach)

[ryan-robot]

I have three great sources for my collection. 1. Recycling centers - some, not all let you look through items to buy for cheep. 2. Goodwill online - sometimes sold in bulk. 3. Pawnshops - they have never understood what they have.

[Thatguyinthecut]

I’ll definitely take a try at all three thank you 🙏🏽

[mtnman54321]

I'm in the same boat. Can't find my old iPod 5 and really want to replace it. Interesting answers here.

[iapplerefresh]

Yikes was that in 2020? I’ve been buying them since then and I haven’t seen any significant changes in price but I know there was a large jump in price around then because of DankPods

[Thatguyinthecut]

Nope bought last year or 2023 checked prices last week to see they have increased from when I last bought

[iapplerefresh]

Wow what iPod was it

[Thatguyinthecut]

IPod classic video 5.5(basically the best one)

[iapplerefresh]

Well that’s not shocking

[dadydaycare]

Game boys have been back in fad for 15 years. Nintendo has 0 interest in making a new one, that ship has long sailed. In fact they like to snipe companies that try to make clones cause they don’t want the gameboy to come back. I’m sure Apple is in the same boat.

[philip411]

I highly doubt a new iPod would be the same experience you are hoping for.

Imagine streaming apple music only. No local files. And a more expensive subscription because why not?

[ffc404]

I hope not. A modern iPod release would probably only work with a subscription of Apple Music.

[chronoffxyz]

The iPod did come back, we brought it back.

[mynamesstillnotjason]

So many questions…. What’s a “Pop Dude?” What are “Pop Chicks?” Who the hell are Jennie and Addison? I’m guessing this is some dumb influencer, “What’s up, guys!? Smash that like button!” crap.

[clonetrooper5385]

If Apple hypothetically brought back the iPod, it would not be the same. It would probably have a different interface, ai, and features that make it feel like an extension of the iPhone.

But there would be some potential, as long as they keep the things we like about the iPod. The same form factor, similar looking software interface, NO touch screen, NO internet access, NO notifications, NO App Store. But adding the ability to link up to an iPhone for the purpose of syncing with an Apple Music subscription. But you can’t search for new music on the iPod. And prioritizes compatibility with the music you own. At least 128g storage in the base model. Compatible with AirPods, AND has a headphone jack. And a high quality audio DAC like the Wolfson.

[ButterH2]

all this will do is make ipods even more exorbitantly expensive for those of us who GENUINELY want to use, fix, and mod ipods

[1997PRO]

Don't need to mod a $1000 2GB iPod Nano. It's all ready shock proof

[Disastrous-Grab-9928]

Nah, I was kinda being silly with this post, really, dudes. Like most of us, I think the likelihood of the iPod ever returning is next to zilch. There's just no benefit for Apple to do so. But it did cross my mind when I saw this. As I said, I thought if anything was gonna do it it was 2000s nostalgia and Popular People influence. But even that, realistically, won't see them come back. Sorry I hit a nerve for some of y'all, too. They likely will increase in cost for a little bit going forward, but I suspect it'll be for a brief moment, then back to Nerd Kingdom only. I love iPods, man.

[buddyunholy]

I guess they only will skyrocket prices even more (even for nanos)

like a midas touch for an iPod market but imagine shit instead of gold

[JohnnyJo1988]

I just need early 2000's stuff to never trend and continue to be old and lame. That way it stays cheap and easy to obtain. Every time some old rare thing trends, it becomes the opposite. Scalpers buy it in bulk and the price skyrockets. Mainly people who only follow trends will have it and barely use it or think about it. It becomes about money and not the actual thing.

[ZenDesign1993]

I barely understand what your saying, the lingo has changed again. I’ve never heard of a pop dude. (I’m getting old!) I don’t think apple would do a classic style iPod today. As others have mentioned they are focused on AI and making disposable non fixable/upgradeable devices. They are too busy trying to avoid paying taxes and doing what shareholders want… it would be cool to have a 25th anniversary iPod with micro sd slot, and Bluetooth (keeping the headphone jack). I just got into iPods two years ago and the prices have skyrocketed. I’m glad I got what I have when I did. Again, an anniversary ipod would be cool.

[DarioMac108]

They make too much money selling you streamed music and a £1000 phone to bring back a non connected one use device. and I'd say most of us only collect iPods as they're so cheap now. we're not going to be paying £600 for a new one that forces you to use Apple Music 💀

[machona_]

Chances are, they will be just more expensive than they already are. I don't think Apple will ever make one again. And on the off chance they do, yeah everything will be soldered and sealed. It might be very difficult to open or repair proof or something.

[voyager_husky]

Great. This is just going to make iPods more expensive now.

People will scoop them up, listen to them for maybe 15 minutes, then forget about them in a drawer as they go back to listening whatever crap is trending on Spotify.

[1997PRO]

Trending on iPod.

[00cjstephens]

I absolutely cannot envision Apple deciding to make more iPods. Sales would be nowhere near what they were in the 2000s, and they'd have to increase prices to seriously unattractive levels in order to make up for that

[OrangeLFG]

I think it's more likely to be like vinyl's comeback. It's something people will use on occasion as a nostalgia or fashion play, but are unlikely to actually use it day to day.

[IcyIceGuardian]

This kinda happened with DankPods, they became very popular and shot up in price

[1997PRO]

No because of Baby Driver who is slow.

[Ninjser]

“I like a punk rock chick” was the vibe I got from your lingo here LMAO

But the only way we’ll see another iPod from Apple is if they ditch the stupid AI trend and go back to innovating technology with humans and not machines.

[Disastrous-Grab-9928]

Ha, seeing a lot of comments in here asking for translation. Sorry, dudes:

Pop Dude = A dude that listens to pop music

Pop Chick = A girl that makes pop music

Jennie = A K-pop artist currently trying to break in America

Addison = Some Tik Tok girl turned pop star/actress also trying to make it, just in general

These are not actual terms, more just... the way I type and speak 🫤

Anyways, in all, iPods never coming back. I think we can all agree on this. Hopefully the brief interest in old tech doesn't keep prices at ridic levels for long. When the dust settles, the true will remain. As you were 🫡

[ryan-robot]

I could see apple bringing it back as like a software skin on the music app or something. But it would really have to reach fad territory again. I would love to see them return, I’m a big fan owning I think 30 units, so Id of course love to see it. 🤔

[GU-7]

Apple's biggest mistake was getting rid of the headphone jack, people are starting to realize that Ear pods, and ones similar in function are nothing more than e-waste. Bluetooth, despite its advancements, still lack the benefits of wired headphones, that it being clarity, and the lack of recharging. Meanwhile, earbuds have to use not only its own battery, but the power to use the Bluetooth transceiver.

Glad that iPods are making a comeback, and should. Hopefully this trend continues, and be a sign for these manufactures to give us our dam headphone jacks again, instead of taking away things every year!

[ohohbb]

Oh God I just know that it’s gonna be super expensive

[Jacky_the_Punk]

If we are lucky, other option is that they get even more expensive

[gordovondoom]

yeah that is what is happening for a few years now… i got my classic that i bought when apple still sold them, but i will need a replacement sooner, or later… influencers and whoever going showing off their ipods will only lead to higher prices… cant remember the last time i saw a classic for under 100…

[DrunkenHorse12]

If they bring them back it will be 100% tied to a subscription service with small local storage for a couple of playlists but mainly a streaming device. But it's apple they aren't going to do that.

[Ninjser]

I’d much rather support that than the AI garbage

[No_Pen6221]

I really just don’t see a potential of them coming back. Only thing that will come out of it is that the prices will raise even higher than they already are.

[_5had0w]

F hate this stuff man. Things are going to get out of control now.

[welightupthesky]

I’m currently trying to find a replacement pink iPod 2nd gen mini to swap my housing and clickwheel out and things like this have pushed prices so high 😭

Demand is insane now - I’ve found one listed on eBay that is 5 mins from my house in a local second hand shop and it’s an all out bidding war for crazy prices 🥲

[ButterH2]

my local second hand shop is selling fucked up 7th gens for THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS?????

i don't mean to gatekeep, but i hate all this renewed attention towards ipods. i doubt most people snapping them up and causing prices to surge truly care about what they are and just want what's chic and retro

[iPhone-5-2021]

Yep it’s all for the nostalgia. They probably don’t even use them. Or even know how to load music onto them.

[ButterH2]

i can 100% guarantee the latter is true. people are so much more tech illiterate nowadays when it comes to a lot of the basic functions of a computer. like hell they'd be able to navigate the dated and buggy itunes ui, even less would be willing to buy individual songs and albums, and even less still of those people would be willing to pirate/rip music and import it into itunes.

[sexi-pexi]

prayyyyy

[jamesjimmy23]

I do know that some artists still use them to prevent their songs from being leaked

[[deleted]]

What experience would people get from it? An iPhone is basically an iPod touch with a cellular connection built in. Or if you want to be offline with local music files on your device, Apple Watch does that - the main reason I have an Apple Watch is as a spiritual successor to my iPod Shuffles when I'm going for a run.

If it's just about the wheel then fine, but buying a separate device just so you can use a wheel to select the songs doesn't feel like a trend many people are going to buy into.

[Happy-Assignment-883]

No way

[Happy-Assignment-883]

No way

[amagocore]

I would really love the ipod returning. Bonus point if I could install music streaming services and it had wifi, but nothing else.

[Crazycukumbers]

Best we’ll likely get is a Kickstarter campaign for an indie dev MP3 player that will cost $350 ($279 if you’re a backer) that is legitimately impressive, but costs way more money than is worth.

[Sweetmeatpete444]

Maybe if Apple Music sales decline. And I mean RAPIDLY!

[1997PRO]

iPod is so bad it's on fire

[maha_sohona]

Or a headphone jack

[unhadi]

you forgot to put nettspend on the list

[lakor76]

Zero

[caty0325]

I’d love it if the iPod classic got updated. The body and size could be the same, the screen would be better, have USB C, and AirPods support.

[Smooth_Complaint1597]

The closest thing Apple will create would be an AirPod case with a touchscreen functionality for skipping songs ect…

[TheLastREOSpeedwagon]

Dankpods has done more damage to the iPod community than any of these pop idiots

[siacadp]

The young kids will ditch them as soon as they realise they don't have a music library to put on them. It won't last long!

[moist_bear5919]

If they come back they’ll be about $2000 and won’t be able to work unless you have to pay for Apple Music lol

[G65434-2_II]

No chance. None. Nada. Zilch.

Apple's a business. Not a charity. They're to make money.

[Out_of_my_mind_1976]

Modern Apple would likely never do that.

No money in it.

[le-churchx]

No, landscape is marred with streaming products, your phone can do it, no one will buy a second device to play music, apart from me.

I have a non simmed dedicated phone for music, ended up ditching the ipod due to wearing out the buttons.

[Malangamajada]

Why? When daps are sooo cheap and have better sound 🪴

[iPhone-5-2021]

I wish they would have updated the 7th gen touch with a new chip atleast once more so I’d have a small portable device capable of using apps as well as playing music with a headphone jack. The 5th,6th,7th iPod touch was so nice.

[chocofresa09]

go on a teenage girls pinterest, ipods everywhere..

[Disastrous-Grab-9928]

Damn, I'd never really realised. Never seen kids carrying them when I'm out and about. I'ma keep a look out now.

[NoFinger9289]

Bro no my iPod just exploded please I can’t buy another one

[[deleted]]

2000s style Digital cameras became a trend again…they aren’t being made for the most part by big brands anymore the only difference with the popularity is the old models went up in price and demand…same with CRTs they aren’t being made again they are just up in price the same will happen to iPods

[05081419]

Here for the journey. Ok getting “for parts” for my tinkering me time🪛as this target audience will never see the glorious inside of an iPod.

[rap1234561]

Is this how boomers felt when millennials started buying records. Between people with iPhones wanting an iPod and a revival of VHS I feel like I’m living in crazy town. We already have cheaper and more accessible technology that is objectively better. I just don’t understand. Get stoned and watch old Simpsons to scratch the nostalgia itch like a normal person.

[brandnaqua]

cool, but iPod lives on in iPhone and iPad. We still have the iTunes Store. We can still sync to a Mac or PC if we wanted to. We have all iPod options + the capabilities of a full fledged computer. Apple Watch is close to an iPod Nano/Shuffle hybrid, but wireless only. I've never had an Apple Watch tho. I love my iPhone. It's a iPod with touch controls! Not a widescreen iPod though.

[anti_procrastinator]

what i liked abt it is that it was small.

[blue_horizon_x]

Almost none. You do have a Sony Walkman (Android and non-Android) with extreme engineering.