Home / Technology / Retro Tech Surges: Why People Want Their iPods Back
Retro Tech Surges: Why People Want Their iPods Back
9 Apr
Summary
- Secondhand iPod sales are surging, especially among young people.
- Dedicated music devices like iPods offer a break from smartphone distractions.
- Refurbished iPod sales jumped 48% last year on platforms like Back Market.
Four years after Apple discontinued the iPod, the iconic digital music player is making a comeback, driven by a surge in secondhand sales. Younger generations are increasingly drawn to the device, not only for its retro appeal but also for a more focused music listening experience, free from algorithmic playlists and smartphone distractions.
Analysts note a growing trend among young users to reduce smartphone dependence for mental health and well-being. A dedicated device like the iPod offers a way to avoid the constant allure of social media and other digital diversions, allowing for an undisturbed music experience.
Finding a used iPod is feasible, given Apple's historical sales of 450 million units. Thriving secondhand markets on platforms such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, and Back Market offer numerous listings. Back Market, operating internationally, reported a 48% increase in iPod sales last year compared to the previous year.
Several iPod models exist, including the original with its scroll wheel, the smaller Mini and Nano, the screenless Shuffle, and the iPod Touch with its iOS capabilities. Maintaining these devices may require specific charging cables, as newer Lightning cables are incompatible with older 30-pin models. Battery replacement or repairs for issues like damaged displays might be necessary.
Software on older iPod Touch models is limited to older iOS versions, unlike other variants that do not run iOS. Users can perform factory resets to restore original settings, often requiring a computer for the process. Managing music libraries involves using iTunes on Windows or Apple Music on macOS, with options to add music files via drag-and-drop.
The appeal of iPods extends to hobbyists who modify them for modern use. Popular modifications include replacing the firmware with open-source software like RockBox, which can enhance control, add features, and support high-resolution lossless audio files. This allows users to manage music without iTunes and track listening habits for platforms like Last.fm.
