Back in 2001, when Apple was still known as just a computer company with fruit logos on its computers, it released the first iPod. Unlike other media players before it, this white block used a touch-based scroll wheel to play songs, skip tracks, and scroll through menus. This may seem old hat by today’s standards, but back then, the idea of using a machine with such intuitive controls was revolutionary.
It helped shape the tech industry as it is today: no more hard-to-press buttons, just functional, reliable touch-based interaction. Of course with the times being ever-changing, the iPod adapted as well; eventually getting rid of the scroll wheel and incorporating a touchscreen for a more natural interface.
Still, the first generation iPod holds a special place in people’s hearts; whether for its physical appearance or because it’s where they stored all their Linkin Park albums.
Designer Joyce Kang of Caseology knows clearn and well how much people love the original iPod, so she designed a case which makes the Series 4 Apple Watch look like a bonafide retro music player (because something released in 2001 now counts as “retro”).
There are a few differences, however. Unlike the original iPod, the case has more rounded edges for the newer Apple Watch to slip in easily. It also isn’t as big as the traditional media player, since lugging around the original iPod felt like storing a brick inside your pocket.
But possibly the saddest differentiation from the original iPod is that the case is purely cosmetic, which means the scroll wheels and buttons don’t work and are just for show. While you can still use the Apple Watch touchscreen as you usually would, it would have been cool to navigate through menus the same way you did a decade ago.
Still, the concept behind the design is pretty cool, especially for those who are fans of tech nostalgia. The case isn’t for sale (at least for now), but more design images can be found on Behance.
