• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Wyoming officials say Meta’s 715,000-square-foot data center is responsible for contaminating its water system with a rare bacterium

2

'The first time ever in my career': Senior Citi executive on why the ultrawealthy want to diversify away from America

3

Americans are quietly abandoning the daily habit that billionaires say set them up for success—and it could have lasting consequences

1

Wyoming officials say Meta’s 715,000-square-foot data center is responsible for contaminating its water system with a rare bacterium

2

'The first time ever in my career': Senior Citi executive on why the ultrawealthy want to diversify away from America

3

Americans are quietly abandoning the daily habit that billionaires say set them up for success—and it could have lasting consequences
TechApple

Apple iPod sellers cashing in for thousands of dollars on nostalgia-fueled demand — but don’t expect the wave to last, expert warns

By
Chloe Taylor
Chloe Taylor
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Chloe Taylor
Chloe Taylor
Down Arrow Button Icon
May 12, 2022, 9:01 AM ET
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Could now be the time to dig out your long-forgotten iPod?

People are listing second-hand iPods for sale online for thousands of dollars after Apple announced it was pulling the plug on its iconic MP3 player.

One eBay listing for a collection of iPods has an asking price of $100,000.

The package includes four limited-edition iPods, a first-generation iPhone, two more iPods — second and third generation — and an assortment of accessories and Apple memorabilia.

The limited-edition iPods included in the listing come with their original boxes, according to the seller, and all of the electronics are fully functional.

“Very few of these iPods are still left in the world,” they claimed. “As rare as it gets for Apple iPod collectors!”

More than 120 people are currently watching the listing.

Others are attempting to sell individual early edition and “ultra-rare” iPods for tens of thousands of dollars, with one first-generation limited-edition iPod listed with a price tag of just under $45,000, and another first-generation iPod seller asking for $23,000.

First-generation iPods, which came onto the market in 2001, can be identified by their monochrome display and the control buttons — play, menu, next and previous — being in a circle around the navigation wheel.

The first-generation iPod was the only model to have a scroll wheel that physically turns, and was the only iPod model to offer 5GB of storage.

A photograph released by Apple of a first-generation iPod, ahead of the MP3 player’s launch in 2001. The device could store up to 1,000 songs.
Apple — Getty Images

Although items don’t always sell for their listing price on eBay, many vintage iPods have sold on the platform for thousands of dollars in the past — and sellers aren’t only making huge profits on Apple’s original 2001 model.

Last month, a fourth-generation iPod touch — released between 2010 and 2012 — sold for $6,573, while another listing of the same model fetched $5,954 in February.

On Tuesday, a first-generation iPod sold for $1,600 — the day Apple announced it would stop making iPods after a two-decade run.  

In April, a seventh-generation iPod classic sold for 2,000 Australian dollars ($1,374), while in March, an unpackaged first-generation iPod with some wear and tear sold in an eBay auction for $615 — 123% more than its starting price.

These eye-watering listing prices aren’t just limited to eBay — sellers are also using platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Etsy to list their old iPods for up to five-figures.

Sales are happening on an international scale, with Apple’s discontinued MP3 players being advertised by people from countries including the U.S., the U.K., Canada and Australia.

Word of warning

However, Tracy Martin, a U.K.-based collectibles expert and author of six books on the subject, told Fortune on Thursday that while some sellers may be cashing in on nostalgia-fueled transactions, it was questionable whether the vintage hardware could be regarded as a collector’s item.

“At the moment, in my opinion no, there isn’t enough demand for rare and early iPods or even MP3 players which were around in the 1990s [to justify four and five-figure asking prices],” she said.

“Some people will of course try it on for high prices and there will be a few that purchase, but in general the discontinuation will not affect the collector’s market at the moment.”

However, she added that it was important to acknowledge the impact iPods had had on global social history, with the tech allowing people to make their entire music libraries portable and millions of units sold since the iPod’s launch in 2001.

“With this is mind there is a chance they will, many years in the future, become a collector’s item, but I cannot see prices being sky high — perhaps a few hundred [dollars] at most because so many were in circulation,” she told Fortune.

“They will be [traded between] those who appreciate the history and progression of the object and wish to own it for nostalgia purposes.”

Sign up for the Fortune Features email list so you don’t miss our biggest features, exclusive interviews, and investigations.
About the Author
By Chloe Taylor
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

On the left, a black and white photo of Jim Kavanaugh playing soccer in the 1980s. On the right, a modern headshot of Kavanaugh wearing a blue suit jacket
SuccessCareers
This former U.S. soccer player built a $20 billion-a-year company. Now, he says resilience matters more than talent—and points to Lionel Messi as proof
By Preston ForeJuly 12, 2026
3 hours ago
An older man sits at a table with a laptop in front of him with his chin resting on his hand.
Future of WorkRetirement
More tech workers are retiring early because they don’t want to deal with AI-related changes: ‘Many people believe it’s overblown’
By Sasha RogelbergJuly 12, 2026
3 hours ago
OpenAI engineer’s ‘LOL’ moment set stage for legal fight with Apple
LawOpenAI
OpenAI engineer’s ‘LOL’ moment set stage for legal fight with Apple
By Mark Gurman and BloombergJuly 11, 2026
19 hours ago
Photo of Phoebe Gates
Startups & VentureEntrepreneurs
‘I have a chip on my shoulder.’ Phoebe Gates wants her $185 million AI startup Phia to succeed with ‘no ties to my privilege or my last name’
By Sydney LakeJuly 11, 2026
23 hours ago
usa
Commentary250 Years of Innovation
For 250 years, work defined American identity. That era Is ending
By Keith Ferrazzi and Wendy SmithJuly 11, 2026
24 hours ago
Meta added a privacy-safety feature to its AI glasses but is reportedly testing a ‘super-sensing’ prototype
Big TechMeta
Meta added a privacy-safety feature to its AI glasses but is reportedly testing a ‘super-sensing’ prototype
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezJuly 11, 2026
1 day ago

Most Popular

Wyoming officials say Meta’s 715,000-square-foot data center is responsible for contaminating its water system with a rare bacterium
Environment
Wyoming officials say Meta’s 715,000-square-foot data center is responsible for contaminating its water system with a rare bacterium
By Sasha RogelbergJuly 10, 2026
2 days ago
'The first time ever in my career': Senior Citi executive on why the ultrawealthy want to diversify away from America
Banking
'The first time ever in my career': Senior Citi executive on why the ultrawealthy want to diversify away from America
By Nick LichtenbergJuly 11, 2026
23 hours ago
Americans are quietly abandoning the daily habit that billionaires say set them up for success—and it could have lasting consequences
Success
Americans are quietly abandoning the daily habit that billionaires say set them up for success—and it could have lasting consequences
By Preston ForeJuly 11, 2026
23 hours ago
Billionaire MacKenzie Scott just donated $20 million to support America’s youth mental health, as a fifth of teens struggle with suicidal thoughts
Success
Billionaire MacKenzie Scott just donated $20 million to support America’s youth mental health, as a fifth of teens struggle with suicidal thoughts
By Emma BurleighJuly 9, 2026
3 days ago
U.S. Treasury has borrowed $155 billion every month of this fiscal year—and is now paying $24 billion a week in interest on its debts
Economy
U.S. Treasury has borrowed $155 billion every month of this fiscal year—and is now paying $24 billion a week in interest on its debts
By Eleanor PringleJuly 10, 2026
2 days ago
The U.S. and Iran can't agree on fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The solution could be straight out of the Old Testament
Middle East
The U.S. and Iran can't agree on fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The solution could be straight out of the Old Testament
By Jason MaJuly 11, 2026
10 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.