I need Apple to release this retro iPod design right now
Creative Bloq
by Daniel John February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A former Apple designer has revealed a retro iPod concept from 2006 that harkens back to the company's 1980s aesthetic. Jon Stoa, who worked at Apple during the golden era of the iPod, proposed a limited-edition model styled after the original Macintosh computer, featuring a beige casing and the iconic rainbow Apple logo. The concept aimed to tap into the growing "retro-trend" in tech culture, which celebrates simpler times with designs like 8-bit graphics and ASCII art.
Stoa's proposal included nostalgic design elements such as an early Apple typeface (Apple Garamond) and playful name ideas like "iPod backspace." The retro iPod was envisioned as a special edition product available only in select stores, such as Urban Outfitters, to create buzz and appeal to tech enthusiasts. The idea was rooted in the cultural significance of Apple and the iPod, blending past and present to make a statement about their role in design history.
While Apple ultimately rejected the concept in 2006, the idea resonates today due to the increasing popularity of nostalgia-driven products. As the iPod itself has become a relic of the past, a retro-themed re-release could now appeal to both vintage tech fans and collectors. This concept highlights how revisiting iconic designs can connect with modern audiences, blending sentimentality with innovation.
The proposal also reflects the broader importance of design in shaping cultural trends. Stoa's work shows how even unused ideas from within companies like Apple can influence future creative directions. For readers interested in design history and tech nostalgia, this retro iPod concept offers a fascinating glimpse into what could have been—and perhaps what still might be.
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Originally published on Creative Bloq on 2/23/2026