Apple discontinued the iPod line in 2022, but the device recently marked its 25th anniversary in October 2026. While the company did not issue a major public celebration, it placed an interactive virtual model on the Apple Music 404 error page. This subtle nod highlighted the enduring loyalty of fans who continue to keep the hardware alive through community-driven restorations and modifications.
A London-based studio is now pushing these efforts further with a project called Sprout Pi Mainboard. The initiative seeks to replace the entire internal logic board of older iPod models with a modern circuit board. The goal is to retain the original external design, including the screen and click wheel, while integrating contemporary connectivity standards. The project has already generated significant attention, with its launch video surpassing one million views on YouTube.
Replacing the Logic Board
Most iPod modifications involve swapping the original hard drive for faster flash storage and installing a larger battery. These upgrades preserve the original software and hardware architecture, which limits the device to local file playback. Users are still restricted to wired headphones and face difficulties syncing music with modern computers.
The Sprout Pi approach is more invasive. It removes the original logic board entirely. The new board is designed to fit into the existing casing, allowing the device to look identical to its vintage counterpart. However, the internal capabilities are completely updated. The new hardware supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also includes a high-fidelity digital-to-analog converter for lossless audio and a microSD slot capable of holding up to 2TB of data.
Perhaps the most significant addition is support for music streaming services. The new interface mimics the look of the classic iPod software but allows users to access Apple Music and Spotify. This capability was previously limited to the iPod Touch models, which ran a full version of iOS.
Compatibility and Availability
The Sprout Pi Mainboard is not compatible with all iPod models. The project creators have confirmed support for the first and second-generation iPod mini, as well as the third and fourth-generation iPods. The iPod Classic, iPod Nano, and original color-screen iPods are not included in the initial compatibility list.
Two versions of the logic board are planned. One version will support only local audio playback. The other will include Wi-Fi capabilities to enable streaming applications and AirPlay functionality. The creators note that these features are still under development. They advise potential backers to treat the current specifications as preliminary.
The project is currently hosted on Crowd Supply, but the campaign has not yet launched. There are no confirmed details regarding pricing or a release date. Interested parties can subscribe to the project page for updates. Users will need to provide their own iPod unit for the modification, which could be costly depending on the model and condition.
While some later iPod models like the iPod Touch and the final iPod Nano included Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, they lack the ability to run modern streaming apps due to outdated operating systems. The seventh-generation iPod Touch, the last model sold by Apple, can only update to iOS 15. The Sprout Pi project attempts to bridge this gap by retrofitting older hardware with modern software support.
The project page remains open for updates as development continues.
Source: Engadget
