Sales of used iPod Classic and iPod Nano have unexpectedly increased by 25%. Although Apple Inc. discontinued them in 2022, young people and Generation Z have begun actively buying these “outdated” gadgets. Data from eBay and Google Trends confirm that music players have once again become scarce items.

The main reason is smartphone fatigue. Unlike the iPhone, the old player does not send notifications, contain social media apps, or distract users with advertising. Experts call this trend “digital minimalism.” The iPod allows people to simply listen to music without falling into endless news feeds or work messages.

Young people have started to value what is known as “intentional choice.” Instead of streaming algorithms automatically selecting tracks, player owners prefer to search for and upload their favorite songs manually. This provides a sense of control over their time and taste, turning music listening into a personal ritual.

For many, the iPod has become a tool for coping with anxiety. It evokes calmer times and allows legal music listening in schools and universities where smartphones are banned. This is not just a retro trend, but an accessible way to practice digital detox.

Although online streaming continues to break records, the iPod’s success proves that people miss silence. The right to listen to music without notifications or algorithmic tracking is becoming a new luxury in the digital world.

ORIENT