Back to retro music devices

A generation raised on smartphones, Gen Z are showing increased interest in devices like the iPod

- SUGANDHA MUKHERJEE

TWO DECADES AFTER it revolutionised portable music, the iPod is experiencing an unlikely revival, this time among Gen Z. For a generation raised on smartphones, streaming platforms and algorithm-driven playlists, the appeal of a discontinued music device might seem surprising.

Yet young listeners are increasingly rediscovering the joy of dedicated music players such as the Apple iPod Classic and Apple iPod Nano, seeking a simpler and more focused listening experience. Discontinued by Apple in 2022, the iPod has quietly returned as a cultural artifact, and for some, a lifestyle choice.

The biggest driver behind the resurgence is a growing desire among Gen Z to disconnect from the constant distractions of smartphones. Modern music listening largely happens through apps like Spotify or Apple Music, where songs are embedded in a broader ecosystem of notifications, social feeds and algorithmically recommended content. For many young users, the experience can feel overwhelming.

Devices like the iPod offer the opposite. They do one thing, that is, play music. There are no popup notifications, no social media alerts and no temptation to scroll endlessly. Instead, listeners engage directly with the songs they have intentionally chosen to store on the device.