Check Out Apple Music’s Hidden, Fully Interactive iPod Page

Apple Music has hidden a fully interactive original iPod on its 404 page to celebrate the iconic music player’s 25th anniversary. When users navigate to a broken web link on the platform, Apple Music displays a fully functional, original iPod, complete with its classic click wheel.

The discovery was first highlighted by tech enthusiast @Kian, who pointed out that visiting any invalid URL on the Apple Music web domain triggers the virtual music player. Instead of encountering a generic error notice, visitors are greeted with the prompt to “Give this a spin instead,” placing the interactive 2001 device right in the centre of the screen.

The timing of this discovery is no coincidence. The interactive web app arrives to mark the 25th anniversary of Steve Jobs unveiling the original iPod on October 23, 2001. That original device, which famously promised “1,000 songs in your pocket,” went on to revolutionize the digital music industry and set the stage for Apple’s shift toward modern mobile hardware.

Apple’s web developers clearly went all-in on recreating the authentic early-2000s experience. Users can interact with the virtual player using their mouse to spin the mechanical scroll wheel, or rely on keyboard shortcuts like the arrow keys and Enter button on desktop devices. Navigating through the menus reveals dedicated sections for Playlists, Artists, Songs, and Settings.

The embedded music library features popular hits from classic 2000s artists, including Coldplay, Daft Punk, Eminem, Gorillaz, and Britney Spears. While the device does not play full tracks due to standard web preview limits, visitors can stream 30- to 90-second song clips without needing an active Apple Music subscription or account login.

The Settings menu also lets users toggle authentic clicker audio feedback, adjust backlight timing, and turn on shuffle or repeat modes. If users scroll down to the Settings menu, select the “About” screen, and press and hold the center button on the virtual scroll wheel for five seconds, the player launches a playable version of Brick—the original Breakout-style arcade game that shipped on early iPod units.

Although Apple officially retired the last remaining model, the iPod touch, in May 2022, this interactive web feature serves as a warm nod to the company’s rich audio heritage.