Salsa Gadgets

Apple has marked the 25th anniversary of the original iPod by adding an interactive digital recreation of the music player to the Apple Music website. The hidden feature appeared on October 23, the anniversary of the iPod’s announcement in 2001.

The virtual iPod appears on certain Apple Music web pages that would normally display a page not found error. Instead of leaving visitors with an error message, Apple presents a playable recreation of its first generation music player, complete with the familiar monochrome screen and iconic click wheel.

Users can navigate the virtual device using its classic controls and browse music from a selection of artists. The experience includes 90 second song previews, recreating the way people interacted with early iPods before smartphones became the primary way to listen to music.

The digital recreation also includes a hidden game. By navigating to the Settings and About sections and interacting with the centre button, users can access the classic Breakout game.

Apple originally announced the iPod on October 23, 2001. The first model offered 5GB of storage, with a 10GB version following later, and used FireWire 400 to transfer music from a computer. Its ability to carry a large music collection in a portable device helped transform digital music listening.

The iPod became an important part of Apple’s product history before the company eventually discontinued the entire iPod line in 2022. This anniversary Easter egg gives users a chance to revisit the original device through a browser rather than the Apple Music app.