Sprout Pi is a new replacement motherboard designed to bring Bluetooth, USB-C and music streaming to older iPods. Here’s how the hardware upgrade could give Apple’s iconic music player a modern revival.

Another week, another iPod comeback story. Following Apple Music’s recent interactive iPod Easter egg for the device’s 25th anniversary, a new hardware project is looking to bring classic iPods into the modern era.

London-based studio certain things has designed a replacement motherboard that adds modern features while retaining the original iPod’s familiar design. 

There are two versions planned. Sprout Pico focuses on local music playback, while Sprout Pi adds Wi-Fi, streaming services and app support. Let’s take a closer look.

Sprout Pi adds Bluetooth, USB-C and streaming to iPods

Unlike traditional iPod modifications that upgrade storage or battery life, the Sprout projects replace the entire logic board. The original screen and click wheel remain, but the hardware underneath gets a substantial upgrade.

The new motherboard adds:

  • Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones and speakers
  • USB-C charging and digital audio output
  • Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Google Cast support
  • A microSD card slot supporting up to 2TB of storage
  • FLAC playback and a hi-fi DAC
  • Spotify and Apple Music streaming (on the higher version)

Compatibility is currently limited to third- and fourth-generation iPods and the first- and second-generation iPod mini. The project also promises installation without soldering.

Some features are still under development though. The creators are preparing a crowdfunding campaign through Crowd Supply, with pricing and release dates yet to be confirmed.

Giving the iPod another life

The iPod might be long discontinued, but projects like Sprout Pi show that interest in dedicated music players hasn’t disappeared.

Part of the appeal comes from listeners looking for a break from streaming algorithms and digital distractions. That makes the Spotify and Apple Music integration an interesting addition, as it arguably goes against a main reason for the device’s revival.

Sprout Pi offers the best of both worlds for those who want it: the familiar feel of a classic iPod, with the option to access modern streaming services.

Whether listeners are revisiting their own music libraries or discovering something new, the project offers an interesting way to rethink a familiar device.

For independent artists and labels, it’s another reminder that listeners discover and enjoy music across all kinds of platforms and devices. RouteNote helps you get your music onto Spotify, Apple Music and more, so your releases can reach listeners wherever they choose to listen.

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