With Apple retiring the iPod from its lineup, we thought we’d take a look back (and through) this iconic product.  While not the first digital music player, nor even the first MP3 player, the iPod almost instantaneously revolutionized digital music and portable players.

iPod Touch 6

Introduced in 2001, the 5GB iPod was smaller and lighter than any MP3 player on the market and boasted “a thousand songs in your pocket.”  Its revolutionary jog wheel control also made it remarkably easy to use.  Not until 2002, when the new model was compatible with Windows, did it become widely adopted.  Successive models increased storage capacity (up to 16,000 songs in your pocket), added color screens, video capabilities, web surfing, and eventually aps.  The iPod touch pictured above was essentially an iPhone that just didn’t include a phone.  Sales of the iPod peaked at over 50 million per year, and Apple became Americas leading music retailer.  Talk about revolutionizing an industry.

iPod Touch in original packaging with cable and earbuds

Speaking of the iPhone, perhaps nothing contributed more to the downfall of the iPod than Apple’s smart phone.  iPod sales dipped steadily after the introduction of the iPhone.  The advent of streaming music services did the rest, making it unnecessary to store our own music.  While the iPod will be gone, it will not soon be forgotten.  Goodbye little fella, we’ll miss seeing through you!

What do you want to see through?  At Creative Electron we want to X-ray everything.  Reach out if you do too.