iPod A new iPod that does Hi-Res music only

[Harddrive]

I don't think I am the only one that would like to see APPLE make an iPod Hi-Res player no bigger than a classic with 1tb drive with the latest DAC tech that could be used wired or bluetooth.

 

[SnowPenguin]

I am sure there is a niche for that.

For now, your best bet is to get an old iPod classic & mode it to have a large storage. It won't have Bluetooth, but it will be nice to use.

 

[1rottenapple]

Ya. ME too. I wish I had reliable Bluetooth. I have 2 modded iPods with Bluetooth but it’s just not the same.

 

[Diogo FM]

If Apple waits to have Hi Res Headphones (AirPods Max3) that connect via USB-C and allow for that Hi-Res audio (192Khz) and also allows a new version of Bluetooth to acomodate wireless Hi-Res audio through a very capable codec (imagine BT 7.0 with AirPlay 3...) I would buy one!

 

[jasonmil11ler]

I’d be interested in something like that too, but I’m not sure Apple would see enough demand for a dedicated player now. The biggest advantage for me would be having a distraction-free device with proper wired output and long battery life. Would you want it to support streaming services as well, or only locally stored music?

 

[Diogo FM]

I think you're right: demand would be low but probably steadly rising as the dedicated device would be a kind of halo product if done right (great design, great interface, easy of use, quality of video and audio);
I would produce a kind of design with the size between that of an iPod Touch and an iPhone 17 Pro made entirely of glass at the front and metal at the back (or also glass) allowing MagSafe but something akin to the iPod Classic. The front would have and infinite screen (finishing at the extremes) allowing for a full screen video playback. The bottom would have a USB-C port for charging, downloading of music and video and the back could or not have a camera (less cost if without) and the sides could have buttons for volume and power but the device should be IP57 or better.
I would like streaming services also but the device should be devoted to music, video, podcast, etc, like the original iPod, possibly allowing Safari and email but not mandatory in such a device.
The main objective would be to revive an iPod like if it was originally launched today in the spirit of the original! The interface could have some reminiscence of the click wheel and I would love if Apple launched a pair of EarPods Pro selling allongside the device that supported high-res audio in a kind of affordable way (about 99 USD)!

 

[Harddrive]

I would love a device just like the iPod classic except half the thickness since we have SSD now and with maybe an H3 chip for wireless Hi-Res audio and MagSafe charging.
.

 

[crobcary]

I’d be interested in something like that too, but I’m not sure Apple would see enough demand for a dedicated player now. The biggest advantage for me would be having a distraction-free device with proper wired output and long battery life. Would you want it to support streaming services as well, or only locally stored music?

Only locally-stored or downloaded. iTunes implemented DRM successfully two decades ago—while it was low-key gross to lock down files you purchased, using it to ensure you're syncing downloaded Apple Music files to authorized devices only (even with a necessity to sync, say, monthly to check in with continued subscription) would not be difficult. While FairPlay of the past was easily cracked, this one isn't.

As for demand, there are numerous articles and pieces out discussing the rise of physical media (CDs, DVDs, gaming cartridges) and iPods going gangbusters. Innioasis is snatching up new buyers pretty easily with their literal iPod copies selling at sub-$100, despite hi-fidelity music players existing on the market for hundreds of dollars.