• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
TechEngage

TechEngage®

Hands-on reviews, research-backed buying guides and technology news.

  • News
    • Internet & Social
    • Gadgets
    • Car Tech
    • Business
    • Science & Health
  • Reviews
  • Buying Guides
  • How-to
  • AI
  • Computing
    • Apps
    • Security
    • Gaming
  • More
    • Tools
    • Puzzles
    • Mobile
  • Launchpad
  • Sign in
TechEngage » Consumer Tech & Gadgets

Apple Officially Discontinues iPod After Two Decades

Avatar for Syed Hassan Zaman Syed Hassan Zaman Connect with Syed Hassan Zaman on LinkedIn Published: May 11, 2022 · 5:23 AM ET

NewsNews report. Not a buying guide or hands-on product test.
Apple Officially Discontinues iPod After Two Decades
Credit: Design by Muhammad Umair Islam / TechEngage
Shares9FacebookTweetPinLinkedInPrint

Apple is officially discontinuing the iPod after 20 years. The iPod had attracted the masses insanely towards its music thrills, and it was quite a remarkable experience for music lovers all around the world. However, one era ends here, and new devices take on the iPod. When the iPod first launched in 2001, it could store and play only 1,000 CD-quality songs in an ultra-portable design.

Alternatives: Best AirPods alternatives on Amazon

At that time, it was only a magical privilege for music lovers. The gradual passing of time had brought technology to the forefront of everyday life, so Apple integrated the features of the iPod into other Apple devices. Now, it is unsurprising for music-lovers to listen to many songs on iPhone, Apple TV, Mac, iPad, and almost all Apple devices. Unfortunately, the insanity of integration demanded a halt in further iPod production.

Also Read: How to use AirDrop on Apple’s iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad?

So, despite having entertained too many people for too long, it is time for the iPod to stop coming. In this article, we’ll examine critically why Apple is halting the production of the iPod and what significant contributions the iPod made toward entertaining music lovers.

Old iPod VS the new iPod

The iPod has had a long life of 20 years. When it was launched in 2001, it could store and play 1,000 CD-quality songs. Its hard drive was super-thin with a 5GB capacity. Moreover, the battery time was almost 10 hours. Such features attracted the undivided attention of music lovers of that time and had enticed them permanently under the iPod’s spell.

Old And New |
                Music lovers now can enjoy a vast number of songs| Credit: Muhammad Umair Islam

However, today’s modern iPod surpassed the original iPod of 2001. Such as today’s iPod has access to over 90 million songs and over 30,000 playlists via Apple Music. Moreover, there is an astonishing improvement in battery timing and the capacity to run pieces from a colossal playlist. It has connected a community of music lovers worldwide and provided the customers with much-needed music entertainment.

The rising technology and innovative advancement across Apple devices left the iPod behind the competition as now almost every device can play music.

Why is Apple discontinuing the iPod after 20 years?

The most prominent feature of the iPod was music, and it remained popular as long as this feature was missing on other mobiles. Then, after the boom in the mobile industry, the music surfaced on simple Android phones, and Apple also launched the iPhone with the stunning music feature.

It was expected that the iPhone would surpass the iPod in music as the features of the iPhone were more advanced and stimulating. In an exclusive interview, Tony Fadell is the leading developer of the original iPod and said, “It became very clear to us that there was a genuine threat from mobile phones, feature phones. They were adding music, MP3 playing, to the cell phones they were shipping.”

Moreover, one more substantial reason is that Apple is discontinuing the iPod after too long. It’s not only the iPhone the customers can enjoy the music; there are tons of Apple devices offering enticing and mesmerizing music, such as the iPhone SE, Apple TV, MacBook, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. So, from the oldest iPhone to the latest iPhone, customers have the privilege of enjoying the refreshing beats of music.

What is the reaction of music lovers to Apple’s decision to discontinue the iPod?

Whether an iPod or other Apple devices, the music will live on because it lives on. However, there is general nostalgia among music lovers, and some even have shared their thoughts on Twitter about Apple’s decision to discontinue the iPod after 20 years. However, despite all the sadness, the customer won’t face much melancholy as they have tons of other options such as Apple’s iPhone, MacBook, TV, and many other devices. So they will have the same musically equipped life as before the iPod.

Iphone 13 And Apple Watch |
Music once enjoyed on iPod can be streamed on iPhone and Apple Watch| Credit: Muhammad Umair Islam

Even the music-lovers can access the 90 million songs through the Apple Watch and AirPods. This is all thanks to Apple Music and micro-technology. The customers love the decision-making power and the freedom to decide from an extensive array of options.

Now the customers can enjoy the music starting from Apple Watch SE at $279, the iPad at $329, and can even enjoy the music at home, starting from just $99. When we compare it with the iPod, we get an idea why exactly Apple will discontinue the music icon, which mesmerized the audience for over two long decades.

Bottom line

One era is ending; however, according to Apple, “Music lives on.” It is expected that the iPod will soon disappear from the market. However, it will keep resonating in the minds of music lovers with a nostalgic breeze. 

Moreover, we would likely see some iPod modifications from enthusiasts who will evoke wistful thoughts about an era of music with the iPod. Apple’s iPod will take some time to disappear as it will last as long as the supplies last. So, if you want to buy an iPod touch, you can do so through Apple.com and Apple Store locations while supplies last.


Related reading

  • AirPods 3 leaks: New design, improved battery, release date
  • Best AirPods Case
Something incorrect? Report an error in this article. Include a source if you have one; your name and email are optional.

Filed Under: Consumer Tech & Gadgets, Tech News & Analysis Tagged With: Apple

Related Stories

  • Best wireless CarPlay adapters buying guide graphic with a car icon

    Best Wireless CarPlay Adapters in 2026: 6 Picks for Wired-CarPlay Cars

    Mobility & Car TechSep 14, 2026

  • Steve Jobs’ Legacy: Memorials, Statues & Tributes Worldwide

    Steve Jobs’ Legacy: Memorials, Statues & Tributes Worldwide

    Business & FintechApr 9, 2026

  • The Biggest Apple Leaks And How Secrecy Shaped The Company

    The Biggest Apple Leaks and How Secrecy Shaped the Company

    Security & PrivacyApr 9, 2026

Stay on top of technology

Get TechEngage reviews, buying guides and news in your feed.

Follow on Google News
Shares9FacebookTweetPinLinkedInPrint
Avatar for Syed Hassan Zaman

Syed Hassan Zaman

Gadgets & Social Media Writer

Syed Hassan Zaman is a Gadgets and Social Media Writer at TechEngage who covers social platforms, smartphones, apps, and consumer gadgets. Across more than 80 articles he tracks the products and platforms shaping how people connect and communicate.

Joined TechEngage January 2022First article on TechEngage January 2022

Reader Interactions

Share Your Thoughts Cancel reply

Please read our comment policy before submitting your comment. Your email address will not be used or published anywhere. You will only receive comment notifications if you opt to subscribe below.

Primary Sidebar

Google News

Get TechEngage in your feed

Reviews, news, and buying guides as they publish.

Follow on Google News

Recent Stories

  • Diagram showing a clip-on microphone, receiver and phone or camera recording setup.
    Reviews & Buying GuidesBest AI Voice Recorders for Calls and InterviewsOct 19, 2026
  • Meta Logo Facebook New Name |
    AIMeta Muse Review: What Its AI Agent Can Do and Where to Be CarefulOct 19, 2026
  • Nscale Anthropic Second Compute Deal |
    Tech News & AnalysisAnthropic and Nscale in Talks on Second $45B Compute Deal, Report SaysOct 19, 2026
  • Stellar Pst Repair Desktop Vs Online Techengage |
    Reviews & Buying GuidesStellar Repair for Outlook Review: Desktop vs. Online PST RepairOct 19, 2026
  • Health Conscious Home Cleaning Fana Anwar |
    Culture & LifestyleHow to Build a More Effective, Health-Conscious Home Cleaning RoutineOct 19, 2026

More in Consumer Tech & Gadgets

  • Diagram showing a clip-on microphone, receiver and phone or camera recording setup.
    Best AI Voice Recorders for Calls and InterviewsOct 19, 2026
  • Health Conscious Home Cleaning Fana Anwar |
    How to Build a More Effective, Health-Conscious Home Cleaning RoutineOct 19, 2026
  • Google Home Local Matter Hue |
    Google Home update brings local Matter control to Hue lightsOct 15, 2026
  • Diagram showing a clip-on microphone, receiver and phone or camera recording setup.
    Best Wireless Lavalier Microphones for Phones and CamerasOct 10, 2026
More Consumer Tech & Gadgets stories →

Footer

Discover

  • About TechEngage
  • Company News & Updates
  • Our Team
  • Advertise
  • Send us a tip
  • Submit your company to TechEngage Launchpad Hot
  • TechEngage Brand Kit
  • Contact us
  • Tools & Calculators

Legal pages

  • Editorial Standards
  • Reviews Policy
  • Our Ethics
  • Corrections Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • GDPR Compliance
  • Copyright & DMCA

Must reads

  • Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100
  • Best USB-C Hubs
  • Best Portable SSDs
  • Best Gaming Graphics Cards (GPUs)
  • Best Long-Range Outdoor WiFi Extenders
  • Best Wireless CarPlay Adapters
  • Best Slack Alternatives
  • Best Long-Range Walkie-Talkies

Download our apps

TechEngage app coming soon on the App Store Available onChrome

© 2026 TechEngage®. All Rights Reserved. TechEngage® is a project of TechAbout LLC.

TechEngage® is a registered trademark in the United States under Trademark Number 6823709 and in the United Kingdom under Trademark Number UK00003417167. It is also ISSN protected under ISSN 2690-3776 and has OCLC Number 1139335774.

Contact team@techengage.com · WhatsApp +1-307-381-8801

Your analytics choice
Allow Google Analytics to help us understand readership? You can use the site without it and change this choice anytime.

Privacy details