Tony Fadell says the iPod is back as users start using it again
Tony Fadell says the iPod is quietly making a comeback as users rediscover the distraction-free music player. Instead of streaming apps, many people are turning to older iPods for a more focused listening experience.
The iPod may have been discontinued a few years ago, but according to Tony Fadell, its story is not over yet. The former Apple executive who was instrumental in creating the original iPod has said that the iconic music player is quietly making a comeback, not through a relaunch, but through people rediscovering it on their own.
Responding to a recent New York Times story about young users returning to the iPod, Fadell wrote on His post suggests that the renewed interest is being driven by users rather than the company.
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In the same thread he explained why this device is still connected to people. “No notifications. No feed. No one deciding what you should listen to. iPod = 1,000 songs in your pocket (then and now!) One thing. Nice.” He said that the big deal is not about the hardware. “Whether or not Apple ever revives the iPod as a new product, the lesson is not about a device, it’s about why focus matters. We need to remember why the iPod worked and was so loved and is still loved.”
The New York Times reports he was reacting to how many young users are moving away from streaming platforms and returning to dedicated music players. In one example, a 25-year-old woman purchased a third-generation iPod nano from an online resale platform earlier this year after becoming frustrated with streaming services. She had noticed that some of the tracks on her playlist were no longer accessible in her region. Instead of relying on apps, he decided to buy CDs and transfer the music directly to his iPod.
For him, the experience went beyond simply listening to the songs. Manually adding albums and curating playlists felt intentional. More importantly, using an iPod means she can listen without being interrupted by alerts or jumping into other apps. He described it as grounding, a way to be present rather than constantly switching between information.
Report shows that teenagers and university students are still using iPods
The article suggests that this is not an isolated case. Many younger users, including teenagers and university students, are choosing older iPod models like the Nano and Classic. Some people say they like the design and colors, while others appreciate that the device has a single purpose. It plays music and nothing else.
Resale data indicates that this renewed interest is having a measurable impact. Searches for iPods on eBay have increased over the past year, and some models are being listed at significantly higher prices than a few years ago. Refurbished units, especially well-maintained classics and Nanos, are sometimes worth far more than their original cost in the resale market.
When Apple first introduced the iPod in 2001, it promised users the ability to carry a thousand songs in their pocket. Over the next two decades, the company released several versions, ranging from the compact Nano to the larger Classic with expanded storage. Ultimately, as smartphones became more central to daily life, Apple shifted its focus to the iPhone and phased out the iPod lineup, ending production in 2022 after selling hundreds of millions of units globally.
At the moment, there is no indication that Apple plans to bring back the iPod as a new product. The company has not commented on the recent discussion. Still, as Fadell’s post makes clear, the device’s appeal isn’t tied to official announcements.
“#iPod is back!” He has written. And if current user behavior is any indication, the comeback is being driven not by marketing campaigns, but by people who just want to listen to music without distractions.