25 Years Since Its Reveal, and People Still Search for iPods “Every Two Seconds” on eBay
eBay has revealed that buyers are still searching for "iPods" every two seconds worldwide, a quarter of a century since they were first revealed.
On this day, 25 years ago, Apple unveiled the iPod. It promised 1,000 songs in your pocket and revolutionized the electronics industry, making Apple the most valuable brand in the world. However, the iPod Classic was discontinued in 2014, and the iPod Touch in 2022, as the iPhone became the product focus. Despite its exit from Apple's official stores, the iPod remains popular in the secondhand market, with eBay data indicating someone searches for an iPod every two seconds worldwide.
This resurgence of interest aligns with a larger consumer trend, as 76% of surveyed consumers reported purchasing secondhand items in the past year. This could also indicate a shift in the tech industry, as everything is becoming increasingly expensive. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify have a monthly cost, but the value may no longer justify the expense for some consumers.
With the convenience of these services, older generations who curated MP3 libraries in iTunes and a newer generation who may be weary of digital impermanence, are leaning towards owning physical media. The average price of an iPod on eBay is around £45 for the Classic, £30 for the Touch, and £20 for the Nano, making it a more affordable option than subscription-based streaming services.
Ultimately, the appeal of owning physical media, rather than relying on streaming, may become more attractive in the future.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
