---
title: "iPod Modding Community Continues to Thrive Despite Device's Discontinuation"
url: https://newscentral.site/ipod-modding-community-continues-to-thrive-despite-device/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Technology"
published: 2026-11-01T15:45:00.000Z
updated: 2026-11-01T18:39:22.380Z
id: b3111103-bcf9-4d07-ab19-ea9bb1927fb3
source: "Engadget https://www.engadget.com/2300286/how-old-ipod-get-spotify-usb-c-upgrade-sprout-mod/"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/ipod-modding-community-continues-to-thrive-despite-device/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# iPod Modding Community Continues to Thrive Despite Device's Discontinuation

A London-based studio is working on a crowdsourced project called Sprout Pi Mainboard, which aims to modernize older iPod models by adding features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The once beloved iPod has been out of production for years, but its legacy lives on through a thriving community of modders and enthusiasts who continue to breathe life into these devices.

In October 2026, the iPod celebrated its 25th anniversary, although Apple chose not to publicly commemorate the occasion. However, the company did hide an interactive virtual iPod on the Apple Music website's error page, giving fans a nod to their beloved music player.

A London-based studio has been working on a crowdsourced project that aims to modernize older iPod models by adding features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. This ambitious undertaking is dubbed Sprout Pi Mainboard, which essentially replaces the outdated logic board of older iPods with a new one.

The project's YouTube launch video has garnered over 1 million views, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the iPod among nostalgic fans. For those who still cherish the memories of their trusty music player, this news is certainly exciting.

This innovative approach to modding takes it a step further than traditional upgrades, which typically involve swapping out the hard drive for faster flash storage and installing a larger battery while preserving the original design and features.

The limitations of traditional iPod modding become apparent when you try to sync music or stream services like Spotify on an old device. The usual approach of swapping out the hard drive and battery still leaves you stuck with outdated software, making it difficult to access modern features.

A more innovative solution is offered by the Sprout logic board, which not only replaces the old hardware but also brings a host of new features to the table. This includes Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi capabilities, and even support for lossless audio through a high-fidelity digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

The Sprout logic board's functionality extends beyond just local playback, with some versions offering Wi-Fi support for streaming apps and AirPlay compatibility. This opens up possibilities for users to access their music libraries from the cloud or stream services directly on their iPod.

Specific models of older iPods are compatible with the Sprout logic board, including certain generations of the mini and standard iPods. However, other models such as the classic, nano, and original iPods with color screens are not supported at this time.

The project's developers are still working on implementing Spotify support and USB-C functionality for older iPod models. Until these features are finalized, it's essential to approach this initiative with a healthy dose of skepticism. Making purchasing decisions based solely on promises can be problematic.

Subscribers to the Crowd Supply campaign will need to wait patiently as the team continues to develop these features. Pricing details and a release date have yet to be announced, leaving potential buyers in limbo for now. Those interested in staying informed about project updates can sign up for notifications on the project page.

For those planning to participate, it's crucial to note that you'll need to provide your own iPod for the upgrade process. This means purchasing a unit if you don't already have one, which could be costly depending on the model you choose. The cost of acquiring an older iPod model may outweigh any potential benefits.

While some iPod models did offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, many are no longer capable of running streaming apps due to outdated iOS versions. For instance, the 7th-generation iPod touch can only be updated to iOS 15.

For those eager to revive their old iPod experience, alternatives to purchasing a new device are available. Modifying classic iPod models is one such option, allowing enthusiasts to breathe new life into vintage devices.

Buying a used iPod touch and syncing music to it is another viable route, enabling users to connect their AirPods for an updated listening experience, albeit not with the latest iOS features.

---
Source: [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2300286/how-old-ipod-get-spotify-usb-c-upgrade-sprout-mod/)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/ipod-modding-community-continues-to-thrive-despite-device/