Apple iPod celebrates its 10th anniversary

Lee Bell
October 24, 2011
5 Comments

Auto DraftSteve Jobs’ departure may have seen him through to witness the birth of his newest baby – the iPhone 4S – but it’s a shame he didn’t hang on long enough to see the 10th anniversary of the iconic iPod.

That’s right; 10 years ago today, on 23rd October 2001, the Apple co-found procreated a pioneering new music device when he introduced the iPod to the world at a low-key Apple event. Unlike the huge auditorium-sized keynotes that now set a snowball of hype rolling in which Apple products are synonymous; it was here that Jobs paraded a new design destined for universal success.

The original iPod, that we now refer to as “first generation”, debuted with a 5 GB hard drive and was only compatible with Mac computers. How soon that changed. Apple managed to shift 125,000 of the buggers in its first year. Back then, it was a perfect time for Apple to enter the digital music player market. There was no clear market leader, just a few attempts from Creative Labs, Sonic Blue and Sony that left people with pockets heavier than a scouser in a . Good move Steve. Evolving from the original, the iPod classic now boasts 160gb hard drive with a sales figure that stands at 275 million.

The device’s progression is probably the most important in Apple’s history. With its revolutionary clickwheel that simplified user interface technology and being the first hard drive encompassing portable device that didn’t resemble a breezeblock, it set itself apart from competitors.

Would the iPhone even exist if it wasn’t for the success of the iPod? Probably not. The iPod’s accomplishments in a commercial electronics market has established it as the standard for portable music listening, kicking Sony’s Walkman series into the gutter like a used prostitute.

All those who have been queuing for days outside Apple shops to get their hands on an iPhone 4S can thank the iPod and it’s achievements for paving the way and establishing Apple as more than just a Window’s alternative. What do you imagine Apple will have done, or will be doing in another 10 years time?

 

 

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Tags: Apple, Article, iPhone, Ipod, iTunes, Steve Jobs
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