Abstract created by Good Solutions AI
In abstract:
- Macworld stories 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 system would have featured a beige end, rainbow Apple brand, 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 thought for being secretive about what goes on inside its places of work, whether or not it’s about upcoming merchandise or issues from the previous. Nonetheless, infrequently, we get a glimpse into inside tasks that had been by no means meant to see the sunshine of day. What if we informed you that Apple as soon as thought of 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 and marketing 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 advertisements, packaging components, and advertising and marketing pictures created whereas working at Apple, Stoa shares a few of the unreleased tasks he labored on at Apple between 2006 and 2008. Essentially the most intriguing is the idea for a restricted version “retro iPod,” which might be designed to seem like it got here straight out of 1984.
The concept was closely primarily based on a rising pattern 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 brand on the again. He writes that the system “would draw from each the current and the previous to make an announcement concerning the function of Apple and the iPod in tradition, each at times.”
Apple proposed a collection of names for its retro “1984” iPod.
Jon Stoa
Steered names included iPod retro, iPod rewind, iPod beta, and iPod backspace, all rendered in Apple Garamond, the typography utilized in Apple’s advertising and marketing supplies on the time.
The idea went far past a classic design. The advertising and marketing materials proposed preloading the iPod with some music movies from the Nineteen Eighties and even traditional arcade video games corresponding to Pac-Man. Distribution would have been restricted, with the retro iPod solely accessible 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 and marketing explorations somewhat than a cancelled product.
Nonetheless, the truth that somebody inside Apple thought of 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 system.
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 individuals are nonetheless calling for the return of the iPod in some type.
Some followers would immediately purchase an iPod traditional, whereas others would really like a reimagined model of the iPod that blends right now’s applied sciences with the essence of the unique iPod.
If Apple had been to revisit the thought right now, it seemingly wouldn’t be a straight reissue. As an alternative, we may think about a compact system the dimensions of the iPod traditional, however constructed with right now’s supplies and elements. 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 assist, and deep integration with Apple Music.
Whether or not Apple would embrace this concept of wanting again at its {hardware} is one other query. The corporate sometimes prefers to maneuver ahead and barely celebrates milestones corresponding to product anniversaries. Nevertheless it’s arduous to think about a limited-edition system 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 mild on Apple’s pre-launch technique for the unique iPhone.
In keeping with the paperwork, Apple had thought of 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 obtained 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 vital updates throughout WWDC 2007 in June. A 3rd occasion could have felt redundant or strategically pointless. Stoa’s website additionally reveals a novel mild projection on Apple’s fifth Avenue dice
The iPhone proably didn’t want any additional promotion in 2007.
Jon Stoa
Nonetheless, because of Stoa, we are able to now check out all of the banners, emails, and different advertising and marketing 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 provide a uncommon have 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 huge and profitable as Apple explores many concepts that 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.
