Apple has revived the original iPod as a hidden easter egg on its Apple Music website, just in time for the device's 25th anniversary. Discovered by users on social media, the easter egg appears on any non-existent Apple Music page, such as music.apple.com/ipod, and presents a fully interactive virtual recreation of the first-generation iPod.
The virtual iPod features the iconic click wheel and a library of 1,029 playable songs, mostly hits from the early 2000s. It is likely a tribute to the iPod's legacy, which began when Apple announced the device on October 23, 2001, and ended when the line was discontinued in 2022.
iPod 25th anniversary easter egg details
The easter egg was first spotted by users on social media on Friday and later reported by The Verge, Engadget, 9to5Mac, and GSMArena. It appears when you visit a non-existent Apple Music URL, replacing the standard 'Page Not Found' message with a playable iPod. The interface includes sections for Playlists, Artists, Songs, and Settings, just like the original.
The click wheel and buttons are interactive, though some users report minor bugs, especially on desktop. Engadget notes that it works best on a phone or tablet, where you can use the touch screen to drag the wheel. The included music features artists like Coldplay, Gorillaz, Baha Men, blink-182, and Eminem, but each track is limited to a 90-second preview. You can also play the Brick game by holding the center button on the About screen.
- Announced on October 23, 2001, at $399.
- Originally available in 5GB and 10GB storage trims.
- Connected to Macs via a 6-pin FireWire 400 connector.
