The iPod is dead, but its spirit is thriving in the hands of Gen Z.
Four years after Apple discontinued the last iPod Touch in 2022, sales of used and refurbished models are surging across resale platforms, driven not by nostalgia alone but by a deliberate effort among younger users to escape the constant pull of smartphones. What began as a personal hobby for tech enthusiasts modding vintage players has evolved into a broader cultural shift — one where a single-function device is seen not as outdated, but as a tool for digital wellbeing.
Gen Z is buying iPods to reduce smartphone dependence
Reports from USA Today and the Associated Press, cited by the Laredo Morning Times, show that Gen Z buyers are turning to iPods as a way to listen to music without the distractions of social media, notifications, or endless scrolling. Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, told the AP that having a dedicated music device helps users mitigate the ease with which smartphones draw them into other activities, particularly doomscrolling. This trend is especially pronounced among younger users concerned about mental health and screen time.
The resurgence is fueled by modding communities and Y2K aesthetics
Beyond offline listening, a growing number of users are drawn to the iPod for its tinkering potential. As detailed in Creative Bloq’s first-person account, what started with a single eBay purchase of an iPod mini in 2024 has snowballed into a collection of modded Nanos, Classics, and second units for family members. The process — replacing batteries, upgrading hard drives, swapping LCD screens — is not without risk. the author admits to accidentally killing a seventh-generation Classic during a repair. Yet the satisfaction of getting it right, they say, is “extremely satisfying.”
YouTube tutorials have made modding accessible, with the fifth-generation Classic cited as the easiest to open and work on. Online communities like the iPod subreddit showcase elaborate collections, turning what was once a disposable gadget into a hobbyist’s project. This aligns with wider Gen Z fascination with Y2K technology and the rising popularity of “dumbphones” — devices that intentionally limit functionality.
Secondhand markets are meeting demand, but prices are climbing
While Apple shows no sign of reviving the iPod line, the secondary market is filling the gap. Shuffles, Nanos, Classics, and Touch models are selling strongly on sites like Backmarket, where prices remain accessible for now — though the Creative Bloq author notes they are “definitely rising.” The original iPod launched with 5 gigabytes of storage; by the time the Touch was discontinued, capacities had reached 256 gigabytes, offering ample space for music libraries without relying on streaming or cloud services.
Analysts question the longevity of the trend
Despite the current momentum, experts caution that the iPod’s revival may not last. The Laredo Morning Times notes that the trend “may or may not have longevity,” reflecting skepticism about whether this is a sustained cultural shift or a fleeting fad. Unlike smartphones, iPods lack app ecosystems, software updates, and modern connectivity — limitations that could deter broader adoption beyond niche users.
The iPod’s return highlights a contradiction in modern tech
What makes this resurgence striking is its irony: a device once celebrated for putting “1,000 songs in your pocket” is now valued precisely for what it cannot do. In an era of multifunctional smartphones that promise to do everything, the iPod’s appeal lies in its refusal to do anything but play music. It has become, as the Creative Bloq piece observes, “a symbol of resistance” — not against technology itself, but against its overwhelming presence.
Why are Gen Z users choosing iPods over smartphones for music?
They view iPods as a way to listen to music without the distractions of social media, notifications, or algorithm-driven feeds, helping reduce smartphone dependence and support mental health goals.
Is it possible to buy a brand-new iPod today?
No, Apple discontinued the iPod line in 2022; available devices are used or refurbished models sold through resale platforms.
Which iPod model is easiest to mod for beginners?
The fifth-generation iPod Classic is widely regarded as the easiest to open and modify, according to modding guides and user tutorials.