Haven't you heard? The iPod classic is back. Well, not officially. Apple hasn't produced one since 2014. But the nostalgic tech is all the rage right now, with Gen Z users in particular snapping up second hand and refurbished models in an attempt to disconnect from the smartphone.
Which, naturally, has led to increased calls for Apple to give us a contemporary iPod model. Let's be honest, it's probably never going to happen. Apple isn't a company known for looking backwards. A new iPod is about as likely as Apple reinstating the headphone port on the iPhone. But that hasn't stopped fans imagining what a modern day iPod might look like. And here's one that's a beauty.
iPod neo pic.twitter.com/Iyligobu4BJune 22, 2026
Inspired by the MacBook Neo (is it green or is it yellow?), this concept shared by Elite Obsolete Electronics, one of the most beloved vendors of parts for iPod modding, features a delightful curved aluminium unibody design. And, of course, the iconic clickwheel is present and correct.
The design is already proving a hit on Reddit's r/iPod page, home to the nostalgic MP3 player's most die-hard fans. "I would definitely buy this," one user comments. Meanwhile, fans are salivating over the design under EOE's original X post. "This. Please, Apple, make us millennials happy." one user begs, while another adds, somewhat optimistically, "A trillion dollar product if released today."
There are some drawbacks to the concept. The lack of 3.5mm port is offending some purists, as is the presence of Apple Music. But ironically, it's probably these touches that make the design somewhat believable. If Apple were to release an iPod in 2026, do we really think it wouldn't lock us into its own streaming service and AirPods?
But, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, it ain't gonna happen. So we might as well make do with some of the best modern iPod alternatives that actually exist.
