Apple embeds interactive iPod on Music error pages for 25th anniversary

Apple has embedded a virtual iPod on its Apple Music website as a surprise for users who land on broken pages. The interactive iPod allows users to browse a library of 1,029 songs and can be accessed by following a prompt below the usual 'page not found' message. The virtual iPod has a familiar layout with sections for Playlists, Artists, Songs, and Settings, and includes playable music with a distinctly early-2000s flavor. The virtual iPod does not appear to require an active Apple Music account.

The virtual iPod includes a playable version of the Breakout-style game Brick, which was a genuine hidden extra on the first iPod. The game can be accessed by holding the center button on the About screen for a few seconds. The interactive iPod was discovered by Engadget, which noted that it responds to input, though the experience is somewhat buggy. The outlet recommended trying it on a phone or tablet, where the touch screen makes it feel more like the real thing.

The virtual iPod was added to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original iPod, which was pitched as putting 1,000 songs in your pocket. The virtual iPod is a reminder of how notable that claim once was. The original iPod is widely regarded as one of the most significant products in Apple's history, and in consumer technology more broadly.

Engadget's writer, who is based in the UK, saw acts including Daniel Bedingfield, The Fratellis, and Klaxons, and said they were unsure whether the same names appear for users in the US. Playback is limited to 90 seconds of any track. The virtual iPod does not appear to require an active Apple Music account. The outlet had no idea why Apple put so much effort into something most people will never see, but was glad the company had.