Steven Levy Reflects on the iPod's 25th Anniversary and Its Legacy
In October 2001, journalist Steven Levy from Newsweek reflects on the iPod's introduction on October 23, shortly after the September 11 attacks. He received the device from Apple couriers, with Steve Jobs describing it as a 'landmark product.' In 2004, Levy authored a cover story and later wrote a book titled The Perfect Thing. Although Apple ceased production of the iPod Touch on May 10, 2022, Levy contends it wasn't a genuine iPod, asserting that the true conclusion occurred on July 27, 2017, when the Nano and Shuffle were discontinued. He emphasizes the iPod's joy and simplicity in contrast to the iPhone. Tony Fadell, the hardware lead for the iPod, acknowledged its decline due to the iPhone's triumph, asserting the iPod's legacy remains crucial for Apple.
Key facts
- The iPod was launched 25 years ago this month, in October 2001.
- Steve Jobs told Steven Levy the iPod 'will be a landmark product.'
- Apple officially discontinued the iPod Touch on May 10, 2022.
- Apple killed the iPod Nano and Shuffle on July 27, 2017.
- The classic iPod was quietly discontinued in 2014.
- Steve Jobs announced the iPhone on January 11, 2007, integrating a phone, internet device, and 'the best iPod ever.'
- Tony Fadell, often called the father of the iPod, headed its hardware team and later cofounded Nest.
- Fadell resigned from Apple in 2008 and consulted for two years.
- Fadell says the iPod's lack of internet connectivity prevented distractions.
- New Apple CEO John Ternus has no incentive to revive the iPod.
Entities
Artists
- Steven Levy
- Steve Jobs
- Tony Fadell
- Tim Cook
- John Ternus
- Lauren Goode
Institutions
- Apple
- Newsweek
- Nest
- Wired
- Backchannel
Locations
- Cupertino
- New York
- United States