Abstract created by Good Solutions AI
In abstract:
- Macworld reviews on former Apple designer Jon Stoa’s revelation of an unreleased ‘retro iPod’ idea from 2006-2008, impressed by the 1984 Macintosh design.
- The proposed machine would have featured a beige end, rainbow Apple emblem, preloaded 80s music movies, and traditional arcade video games like Pac-Man.
- Regardless of Apple discontinuing iPods in 2022, followers proceed requesting their return, suggesting a contemporary model with OLED show and Apple Music integration may succeed commercially.
Apple is understood for being secretive about what goes on inside its workplaces, whether or not it’s about upcoming merchandise or issues from the previous. Nonetheless, sometimes, we get a glimpse into inner initiatives that have been by no means meant to see the sunshine of day. What if we advised you that Apple as soon as thought-about launching a “retro iPod”?
Because of newly revealed materials by former Apple designer Jon Stoa, we now have an enchanting glimpse into never-before-seen advertising ideas. They not solely present scrapped plans for the 2007 iPhone launch, but additionally ideas for what would have been a particular version iPod traditional.
An iPod impressed by the 1984 Macintosh
On his resume webpage, which incorporates a number of pictures for adverts, packaging parts, and advertising pictures created whereas working at Apple, Stoa shares a few of the unreleased initiatives he labored on at Apple between 2006 and 2008. Probably the most intriguing is the idea for a restricted version “retro iPod,” which might be designed to appear like it got here straight out of 1984.
The concept was closely primarily based on a rising development of nostalgia, even 20 years in the past. The fabric imagines an iPod primarily based on the design of the unique Macintosh with a beige end, traditional typography, and the rainbow Apple emblem on the again. He writes that the machine “would draw from each the current and the previous to make a press release in regards to the position of Apple and the iPod in tradition, each at times.”
Apple proposed a collection of names for its retro “1984” iPod.
Jon Stoa
Advised names included iPod retro, iPod rewind, iPod beta, and iPod backspace, all rendered in Apple Garamond, the typography utilized in Apple’s advertising supplies on the time.
The idea went far past a classic design. The advertising materials proposed preloading the iPod with some music movies from the Eighties and even traditional arcade video games reminiscent of Pac-Man. Distribution would have been restricted, with the retro iPod solely out there at Apple Shops and chosen boutique companions.
There’s no proof Apple ever developed prototypes for the retro iPod. The supplies look like unused design and advertising explorations quite than a cancelled product.
Nonetheless, the truth that somebody inside Apple thought-about making a classic version of the iPod (which was at its peak in 2006) is fascinating.
A retro iPod is unlikely to occur now, however it could make an intriguing machine.
Jon Stoa
Might a retro iPod occur in 2026?
Apple formally killed the iPod model in 2022 when it discontinued the iPod contact, however the extra traditional iPod nano and iPod shuffle disappeared years earlier. Even so, some persons are nonetheless calling for the return of the iPod in some type.
Some followers would immediately purchase an iPod traditional, whereas others would love a reimagined model of the iPod that blends right now’s applied sciences with the essence of the unique iPod.
If Apple have been to revisit the concept right now, it possible wouldn’t be a straight reissue. As an alternative, we may think about a compact machine the dimensions of the iPod traditional, however constructed with right now’s supplies and parts. A contemporary OLED or mini-LED show, haptic suggestions to simulate the tactile really feel of the Click on Wheel, expanded storage choices, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth help, and deep integration with Apple Music.
Whether or not Apple would embrace this concept of trying again at its {hardware} is one other query. The corporate sometimes prefers to maneuver ahead and infrequently celebrates milestones reminiscent of product anniversaries. But it surely’s onerous to think about a limited-edition machine like this not promoting out immediately.
The Apple Retailer dice on fifth Avenue in New York Metropolis may have had a lightweight projection present forward of the iPhone’s launch.
Jon Stoa
The canceled iPhone occasion
Stoa’s materials additionally sheds gentle on Apple’s pre-launch technique for the unique iPhone.
In line with the paperwork, Apple had thought-about internet hosting one other press occasion on June 26, 2007, simply three days earlier than the iPhone formally went on sale. The occasion was to be held at The California Theatre in San Jose. Attendees would have acquired an iPhone-shaped reward card to spend on the iTunes Retailer.
Nevertheless, the occasion by no means occurred.
By that time, Apple had already revealed the iPhone in January and supplied important updates throughout WWDC 2007 in June. A 3rd occasion could have felt redundant or strategically pointless. Stoa’s web site additionally reveals a novel gentle projection on Apple’s fifth Avenue dice
The iPhone proably didn’t want any additional promotion in 2007.
Jon Stoa
Nonetheless, due to Stoa, we are able to now check out all of the banners, emails, and different advertising supplies created for this iPhone pre-launch.
The theater foyer would have a number of posters highlighting key iPhone applied sciences such because the multi-touch show, accelerometer, wi-fi connectivity, Visible Voicemail, proximity sensor, and OS X. (Sure, Apple used to name the iPhone’s working system OS X earlier than naming it iPhone OS after which iOS.)
Taken collectively, these supplies supply a uncommon take a look at Apple’s parallel universe with merchandise and occasions that just about occurred. Additionally they function a reminder that even an organization as massive and profitable as Apple explores many concepts which will by no means attain the general public.
And typically, these unseen concepts are simply as fascinating because the merchandise that made it to retailer cabinets.
