Is There a Genuine Desire for the Return of the iPod? Unlikely.

I frequently come across nostalgic posts reminiscing about the era when iPods were ubiquitous. Personally, my appreciation for Apple products began with the iPod. However, even after the iPod’s discontinuation, I believe that the public’s desire for its return is more sentimental than practical – let me explain.

The iPod brand was effectively phased out in 2022, when Apple officially announced the discontinuation of the iPod touch, stating that “music lives on.” Yet, I believe the iPod’s decline started much earlier, specifically in 2017 with the discontinuation of the beloved iPod nano and shuffle.

In the absence of the iPod, some individuals naturally express nostalgia and suggest that Apple should revive it. While I appreciate this sentiment, I contend that the concept of an iPod no longer holds genuine relevance.

A Brief Overview of the iPod’s Journey

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the history of the iPod. The original iPod debuted in 2001, at a time when computers were bulky, sound systems were not portable, and mobile phones were far from smart. The notion of having a highly portable device that could store “a thousand songs in your pocket” was revolutionary. The thrill of using an iPod for the first time is a memory I cherish.

As technology progressed, Apple introduced various iterations of the iPod. Notably, they launched the compact iPod nano and the diminutive iPod shuffle. During this peak, iPod sales surged, contributing to 40% of Apple’s revenue in 2006 – but the landscape was about to change, and Apple recognized it.

Smartphones began to evolve, integrating more features that rendered standalone iPods less essential. When Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone in 2007, he claimed it was essentially the ultimate iPod. It combined everything users loved about the iPod with smartphone capabilities, and history has validated Jobs’ foresight.

In the early days, I was one of those who carried both an iPhone and an iPod. At that time, the iPhone’s storage capacity was limited, making it reasonable to have a dedicated device for music. However, the iPhone evolved, and with the rise of streaming services, the need for a separate music device diminished.

iPod sales peaked in 2008, with nearly 60 million units sold, but subsequently declined in 2009, two years after the launch of the first iPhone. In 2014, the final year Apple reported iPod sales as a distinct category, they shifted only 14 million units. The following years saw a continuous decline in iPod purchases until they eventually vanished.

Do People Truly Want the iPod Back? I Doubt It

Some advocates for the iPod’s return argue that Apple is “missing out” by not reviving such an iconic product. However, I believe Apple understands that the demand for a relaunched iPod would likely be minimal.

Consider the iPhone mini – many people voiced their desire for smaller phones, and Apple responded with the iPhone mini. Yet, sales were disappointing compared to other models, leading to its eventual discontinuation.

A newly released iPod would definitely see strong initial sales, as many would purchase it out of nostalgia. However, that wouldn’t translate into sustainable demand.

While I understand the nostalgia surrounding the iPod—my 3rd generation iPod nano still sits on my desk as a reminder of fond memories—each time I use it, I come to realize why the iPod is no longer relevant. In today’s context, we seek devices that are multifunctional.

As Apple has indicated, the essence of the iPod endures in their other devices, not solely in the iPhone but also in our iPads, HomePods, and Apple Watches. When you think about it, the Apple Watch functions as a contemporary version of the iPod nano, allowing users to manage their music without needing their iPhone. Personally, even with a cellular Apple Watch, I always carry my iPhone with me.

What’s your take on the iPod’s legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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