Apple Music (alongside iPads and Macs) is a streaming platform that provides recurring revenue for Apple. However, Gen Z users are now exploring the charm of a device that can solely play music that has been downloaded to it. Although Apple has ceased production of iPods, the resale of secondhand units is booming online, as reported by Axios, The New York Times, and Associated Press.
Many individuals in Gen Z were not yet born when Apple launched the first-generation iPod, or the many versions that came after it, such as the iPod Classic, iPod Mini, iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, and iPod Touch. The iPod Touch resembled the iPhone closely, supporting apps but lacking the ability to make phone calls. Yet, younger users have stumbled upon the older iPods and have begun to cherish them. For instance, AP’s Kelvin Chan mentions that his 16-year-old daughter discovered an iPod Nano that used to belong to her grandmother. Other young individuals are either receiving pre-owned iPods as presents or are actively on the lookout for secondhand iPods in online marketplaces.
Using an iPod to enjoy music is not merely about engaging with a vintage gadget that younger generations might find trendy. Some users are realizing that the iPod provides an interruption-free music experience. One young iPod owner, for example, shared with The Times that listening to music on a phone can be disrupted by notifications and app interactions. The iPod is dedicated solely to music playback.