iPod Makes a Surprising Comeback — Driven by Gen Z’s Desire to Disconnec

Apple’s iPod — discontinued in 2022 after more than two decades — is staging a remarkable comeback, and Gen Z is leading the charge. Young music lovers are snapping up vintage models on resale platforms, drawn to the device’s simplicity in an era of constant digital noise.

eBay searches for “iPod” rose over 8% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with listings for some models jumping roughly 30%. Prices have surged too, with certain generations selling for about 60% more than in 2023 — some refurbished units listed near $600, well above their original retail prices.

Owning Music Again

For many young buyers, the appeal is rooted in ownership. Twenty-five-year-old Angeline Richard purchased a third-generation iPod Nano for $40 on eBay with a goal to “own the things” she listens to rather than depend on streaming services. She describes adding music to the device as “like a little meditation.”

A Rebellion Against Optimization

The iPod’s single-purpose design is central to its renewed appeal. Unlike a smartphone, it delivers music without the distraction of notifications, social feeds, or algorithms. Theresa Bertrand of communications firm Zeno describes using an iPod as “a quiet sort of rebellion against the idea that every moment needs to be optimized, shared, or monetized.”

Tony Fadell, the former Apple executive who helped design the original iPod, sees the trend as proof that consumers crave focused digital experiences. Given the choice between 1,000 songs and constant notifications, he believes most people will always choose the former.