Apple Music 404 page reveals clickable 2001 iPod clone for 25th birthday

Visitors to Apple Music's website can now click through a digital replica of the original iPod to hear short audio clips, a feature Apple released to mark the device's 25th anniversary. The music player debuted on October 23, 2001, and the new web element allows users to revisit the hardware interface without owning the physical device.

The interactive tribute is not immediately visible on the main homepage. A user named Kian identified the feature on the social platform X by navigating to a specific non-existent path on the domain. When a browser requests a missing page at music.apple.com, the error screen displays the classic player instead of a standard text message. Users can also access it directly by typing music.apple.com/ipod into their address bar.

The virtual device functions similarly to the original hardware. Clicking the on-screen buttons lets users move between pre-installed tracks, while the scroll wheel responds to mouse clicks and drags. This interaction mimics the physical rotation of the wheel found on the 2001 model, providing a familiar tactile experience for those who used the early devices.

The library on the digital iPod features artists who were prominent in the music industry during the product's launch year. Selecting any song plays a 90-second preview directly within the web interface. This design choice eliminates the need for a separate application or login to access the anniversary content.

Apple has not produced a dedicated physical music player in years, relying instead on smartphone integration and the Apple Music streaming service. The web tribute serves as a lighthearted acknowledgement of the device's history rather than a signal of a product return. The company currently charges $11.99 per month for its streaming subscription, which is also part of its Apple One bundle.