{
  "id": 16196640,
  "title": "Apple Music has hidden a classic & interactive iPod online",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/apple-music-has-hidden-a-classic-interactive-ipod-online",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-23T14:11:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "AppleInsider",
    "slug": "appleinsider",
    "url": "https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/10/23/apple-music-has-hidden-a-classic-interactive-ipod-online"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 23, 2026, Apple Music paid tribute to its origins by unveiling a virtual iPod on its online platform for subscribers who use PCs at work. This hidden iPod is not accessible through the app, but rather through a specially crafted URL. Upon clicking the link, a typical web 404 error page appears, accompanied by a message suggesting an alternative. In Garamond font, reminiscent of the original iPod, an image of a classic iPod is displayed alongside the message, \"Give this a spin instead.\" The interface mimics that of an iPod, featuring a click wheel, scroll functionality, and a clickable center button to select and play tracks from a library of approximately 1,000 tracks. However, the audio playback functionality remains elusive, possibly due to licensing restrictions. The virtual iPod's existence is not widely known, as it requires specific knowledge or intervention from Apple Music support. The revelation comes in the wake of Apple's decision to discontinue the iPod, which was met with criticism for seemingly downplaying the device's significance. Despite this, the virtual iPod serves as a nostalgic reminder of the iPod's 25-year legacy, offering users a glimpse of its iconic interface long after the hardware has ceased production.",
  "summary": "Apple Music is still celebrating the iPod, although only if you know exactly where to look. Here's where to find it. It's incredibly well done. Even the click wheel makes the right sound - image credit: Apple. On October 23, 2026, the iPhone Duo shipped, but 25 years earlier, to the day, Steve Jobs announced the iPod. It's been a remarkable road from one device to the other, but even as the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Verge",
        "title": "Apple revives the original iPod as an Apple Music easter egg",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/apple-revives-the-original-ipod-as-an-apple-music-easter-egg",
        "published": "2026-10-23T13:58:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "9to5Mac",
        "title": "Apple’s website has fun new easter egg: a fully interactive iPod",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/apples-website-has-fun-new-easter-egg-a-fully-interactive-ipod",
        "published": "2026-10-23T14:50:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Mashable",
        "title": "Apple Music has a fully functional iPod Easter Egg",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/apple-music-has-a-fully-functional-ipod-easter-egg",
        "published": "2026-10-23T17:35:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}