Apple Music error pages host playable virtual iPod

Apple released a hidden interactive tribute to its first portable music player on its streaming service website. The virtual device appears on error pages to mark the 25th anniversary of the original iPod launch.

Visitors who encounter a broken link on Apple Music see a prompt below the standard message that reads give this a spin instead. Clicking the prompt opens a fully functional simulation of the classic hardware. The interface includes a click wheel and standard controls for navigating menus.

The virtual player contains a library of 1,029 songs. Users can browse sections for Playlists, Artists, Songs, and Settings. The music selection reflects early 2000s trends, featuring tracks by artists such as Baha Men, blink-182, and Eminem. Engadget reported seeing additional names in the UK version, including Daniel Bedingfield, The Fratellis, and Klaxons. Playback is capped at 90 seconds per track.

The experience works best on mobile devices. Engadget noted that the touchscreen makes the interaction feel closer to the original hardware. The writer found the feature difficult to access on a desktop computer. The controls respond to input, though the performance showed some bugs during testing.

Notebook Check identified an additional feature hidden within the virtual device. The Breakout style game Brick is accessible by holding the center button on the About screen. This mirrors the method used on the physical original. The game was a known extra feature on early iPod models.

The virtual iPod does not require an active Apple Music subscription to access. Engadget stated it did not know why Apple invested effort in a feature most users would not see. The outlet expressed satisfaction that the company included the tribute regardless.