Apple hides playable iPod in web error page

Apple activated a functional replica of the original iPod on its music website to mark the device's 25th anniversary. The company introduced the physical hardware on October 23, 2001, and now offers a digital version to visitors who stumble upon specific web addresses.

User Kian identified the feature on the social platform X. The easter egg appears on the music.apple.com domain when a visitor enters a nonexistent path, such as /ipod. The browser displays the classic player interface instead of a standard error message.

The virtual device mimics the controls of the physical unit. Users can click the on-screen buttons to navigate a pre-installed playlist. The scroll wheel also functions, allowing visitors to click and drag to move through the track list.

The playlist features artists who were popular during the 2001 launch period. Selecting a song plays a 90-second preview directly in the web interface. The feature requires no separate application download or login.

The web tribute serves as a lighthearted nod to the discontinued product line. Apple has not released a dedicated hardware music player in recent years. There is no indication that the company plans a new physical device for the anniversary.

Apple Music costs $11.99 per month for streaming subscribers. The service is also available as part of the Apple One bundle. The web replica provides a temporary way for users to interact with the original design.