Every now and then, I come across posts filled with nostalgia about the era when iPods were ubiquitous. For me, the iPod played a significant role in my appreciation for Apple products. However, even after its discontinuation, I believe the desire for a relaunch of the iPod is more nostalgic than practical – here’s my perspective on that.
The iPod officially met its end in 2022 when Apple announced the discontinuation of the iPod touch, declaring that “music lives on.” Still, I feel the iPod truly began its decline earlier, particularly in 2017 with the discontinuation of the beloved iPod nano and shuffle.
With the iPod now a relic of the past, nostalgic fans often argue for its revival. While I can relate to that sentiment, I also believe the concept of an iPod is no longer relevant.
A Glimpse into the iPod’s Legacy
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the iPod’s journey. Launched in 2001, the original iPod emerged when computers were cumbersome, sound systems were bulky, and smartphones were still in their infancy. The promise of a compact device that could hold “a thousand songs in your pocket” was revolutionary. I still vividly remember the thrill of using an iPod for the first time.
As technology advanced, Apple kept innovating. Eventually, they released the ultra-compact iPod nano and the tiny iPod shuffle, leading to exponential sales growth. By 2006, iPod sales comprised 40% of Apple’s revenue – but change was just around the corner, and Apple was keenly aware.
Smartphones began to gain sophisticated features, making standalone music devices less of a necessity. When Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone in 2007, he proclaimed it would be the ultimate iPod. It effectively merged everything users loved about the iPod with smartphone capabilities. As history has shown, Jobs was correct.
In the early iPhone days, I often carried both an iPhone and an iPod. At that time, the iPhone’s storage was relatively limited, making it advantageous to keep a separate device solely for music. But as the iPhone improved and streaming services took off, the necessity for an exclusive music player diminished.
iPod sales peaked in 2008, with nearly 60 million units sold, and began to decline in 2009, shortly after the iPhone’s introduction. By 2014, when Apple last reported iPod sales separately, they managed to sell only 14 million units. Year after year, consumer interest waned until iPods virtually vanished from the market.
Do People Truly Want the iPod Back? I Doubt It
Those yearning for the iPod’s return often claim that Apple is “missing out on revenue” by not revitalizing such an iconic product. However, I believe Apple understands that a relaunch would likely not yield significant sales.
Consider the iPhone mini – many expressed a desire for smaller phones, leading Apple to cater to those vocal requests. Yet, sales figures revealed that most consumers were uninterested, leading to its eventual discontinuation.
Initially, a new iPod would likely experience a robust launch thanks to nostalgia, but I suspect it wouldn’t have staying power as a viable product.
While I completely understand the nostalgia factor – I personally keep my 3rd generation iPod nano on my desk as a reminder of cherished times – I also recognize the reasons behind the iPod’s departure. Today, we seek multifunctional devices that meet various needs.
As Apple emphasized, the spirit of the iPod lives on in other products, not just the iPhone but also in iPads, HomePods, and the Apple Watch. In many ways, the Apple Watch can be seen as a contemporary iPod nano, allowing you to listen to music independently of your iPhone. Personally, even with cellular capabilities on my Apple Watch, I never leave home without my iPhone.
What about you? What are your views on the iPod? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Related Articles
FTC: We utilize revenue-generating affiliate links. More.
