Hands-On Tech 245: The Return of the iPod Classic?

Host: Micah Sargent
Date: December 7, 2025

Overview

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, host Micah Sargent tackles a thought experiment from a listener: Should—or could—Apple bring back an updated iPod Classic? Micah explores the feasibility, purpose, and market fit for such a device in 2025, drawing connections to Apple’s current ecosystem, potential for upcycling tech, and his own Apple product wish list. The conversation evolves beyond nostalgia to questions of sustainability, tech evolution, and what consumers really want from Apple today.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Listener Question: The iPod Classic, Reimagined (01:48–02:57)

• Listener Michael’s Proposal:
  • Could Apple take an old iPhone, remove the telephone component, update Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, and make it a stripped-down "iPod Classic" with a price far below a new iPhone?
• Micah’s Clarification:
  • “Are you getting it? You're describing an iPad, Michael.” (03:12)

2. Form Factors: iPod Classic, iPod Touch, and Home Hubs (03:12–05:50)

• Micah reminisces about the iPod Touch, explaining its sunsetting was due to poor sales and the overlap with other Apple devices.
• Apple’s product focus is on bigger screens, better cameras, and battery life.
• Micah agrees with the appeal of a high-storage, music-centric device, especially as a potential home hub.
• Home Ecosystem Comparison:
  • Such a device would function closer to a modern iPad or HomePod than a pure iPod Classic.

Memorable Quote

"That part when you said the home hub, that's especially where I said what you're describing is an iPad."
—Micah Sargent (04:11)

3. Will Apple Ever Revive the iPod Classic? (05:50–06:48)

• Micah is skeptical, noting Apple has moved on to more lucrative categories.
• iPod Touch’s end marked a shift from kid-friendly entry devices to iPads and, reluctantly, iPhones.
• The ecosystem strategy encourages progression through Apple’s device lineup.

Quote

“I don't think we'll see a return of an iPod classic style device. I think its time has come and gone...”
—Micah Sargent (05:50)

4. DIY Alternatives and Upcycling Tech (06:48–10:12)

• Micah highlights how an old iPhone without a SIM card effectively functions as the requested device.
• Third-party apps (like Controller for HomeKit) can repurpose these devices as smart home hubs.
• Other tech companies, like Samsung or possibly Google, have invited users to repurpose old smartphones as baby monitors and more.
• Upcycling is a greener, more Apple-aligned initiative vs. releasing a new, limited-purpose device.

Notable Quote

“You probably have old Android devices rolling around at home and you aren't using them anymore so how can you recycle them?...one of them was like a baby monitor.”
—Micah Sargent (08:50)

5. Green Initiatives and Product Philosophy (09:41–09:57)

• Apple’s increasing commitment to sustainability means a near-iPhone without phone functions is unlikely.
• Environmental responsibility and customer retention now shape product decisions.

“At this point in this, the year of 2025 leading into 2026, having a device that is sort of on the cusp of being an iPhone, but is not quite an iPhone is perhaps a little bit not entirely green minded...”
—Micah Sargent (09:41)

6. If You Could Wish for an Apple Product... (10:42–11:20)

• Micah’s personal pick: He wishes Apple would return to making routers, especially praising the Airport Extreme.
• The unique streaming and storage features are nostalgic and still unmatched, in Micah’s view.

“I do wish that Apple would get back into the router game. I loved my...Airport Extreme.”
—Micah Sargent (11:20)

• Micah prompts listeners: What would YOU want Apple to make or bring back?

7. Listener Feedback Highlight: Linux on Older Hardware (15:43–)

• Charles, a listener, shares his positive experience repurposing an older laptop with Linux (Debian), highlighting technical challenges and eventual success.
• The segment reinforces the value and practicality of upcycling for older hardware.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the spirit of the iPod Classic era:
  “That felt like sort of a passion project by the time the iPod Touch went the way of the dodo.” (05:50)
• On adapting old tech:
  "If you hold onto an old iPhone, that's kind of what this is, right? ...Take an older iPhone and I don't have a SIM card in it and this becomes this kind of device that you're talking about." (06:48)
• Encouraging interaction:
  "Write me [at] HOT TV with your feedback on what would be yours." (11:20)

Notable Timestamps

• 01:31–02:57: Introduction and listener question setup
• 03:12: Micah defines how the proposed device overlaps with iPad and iPod Touch
• 04:11: Relates the idea to home hubs and the current Apple device ecosystem
• 05:50: Direct answer: unlikely for an iPod Classic comeback
• 06:48–08:50: Repurposing old iPhones and Androids for smart homes
• 09:41–09:57: Sustainability concerns with new single-use devices
• 11:20: Micah's Apple product wish and question to listeners
• 15:43: Listener Charles’ feedback about Linux on aging hardware

Conclusion

Micah concludes that a true iPod Classic revival isn’t in the cards for Apple, but acknowledges the nostalgia and utility behind the idea. He highlights creative ways to repurpose existing devices for similar functionality, aligning with both ecological responsibility and the evolving Apple ecosystem. As always, he invites listener participation around desired products and tech experiences.