Apple Music Unveils a Hidden Gem to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the iPod
Get ready to reminisce with the classic click wheel.
In a nostalgic reminder for many, it has been 25 years since the introduction of the original iPod, a significant milestone not only for Apple but for the tech industry as a whole. This iconic MP3 player promised users 1,000 songs in their pocket, and Apple is celebrating this achievement with a fun Easter egg to honor the anniversary.
Visiting a non-existent page on the Apple Music website reveals a fully interactive version of the original iPod. Instead of a typical error message, users will see “give this a spin instead,” and those familiar with the classic device can explore a library of 1,029 songs.
The click wheel and controls provide an interactive experience, albeit with some minor glitches. For the best nostalgia, it’s recommended to try this on a mobile device to enhance the experience with a touchscreen. Some users have experienced challenges accessing it on desktop.
Apple
The interface mirrors the classic design, featuring sections for Playlists, Artists, Songs, and Settings. The song selection is reminiscent of the early 2000s and includes artists like Baha Men, blink-182, and Eminem. However, browsing from different regions may yield varied artist appearances, such as Daniel Bedingfield or The Fratellis in the UK, though they may not be as recognized elsewhere. Note that only snippets of up to 90 seconds from each track are available for listening.
A special mention goes to a game called Brick that can be found in the virtual iPod. This game was an Easter egg on the original iPod and can be accessed by holding the center button on the About screen for a few moments. Thankfully, this virtual replica does not require an active Apple Music subscription to function. While it’s a mystery why Apple invested effort into a feature that many might not discover, its existence is certainly appreciated.
