Generation Z and iPods: A fad or a change in habits?

From technological relic to generational symbol

If you asked a teenager what an iPod was in 2010, they'd probably sound nostalgic or tell you they had one stashed away somewhere. But if you ask a Gen Zer in 2025, they'd probably proudly show it off, decorated with stickers, hanging around their neck as part of their retro outfit. Yes, the iPod is back…and it’s no joke.

What started as a TikTok fad has become something of a cultural movement. But is it just a passing trend, or are we seeing a real change in digital habits of the new generations?

Tired of extreme multitasking

Gen Z has grown up surrounded by technology, social media, constant notifications, and a level of connectivity that sometimes overwhelms rather than helps. Although they're used to this accelerated pace, More and more young people are looking for ways to disconnect without isolating themselves from the world..

That's where the iPod comes in: a device that only plays musicNo social media, no texts, no notifications. For a generation that's already tried it all, returning to simplicity isn't just nostalgic… It is also liberating.

Aesthetics matter, a lot

We can't deny that visuals have a significant impact. iPods don't just work well: they also look goodIn a world where aesthetics are everything, the iPod became a trendy retro piece.

As the tiktoker said @sofiacrushzz:

“I've been asked if the iPod is just another accessory… and yes, it is. But it's also the only thing that doesn't interrupt me when I cry while listening to Lana del Rey.”

Y2K style is back (even though many millennials may be embarrassed to admit it), and iPods fit the bill perfectly. With transparent casings, small screens, and that distinctive click wheel sound, are now part of personal style.

Change of habit or emotional need?

Beyond the look, there is something deeper. Many young people are beginning to question their relationship with technology. It's not just about using an old device for fashion: it's a way of use technology more consciously.

As he said in a video @rubenpodz, a creator famous for restoring iPods:

“The iPod helped me stop feeling like I had to be available all the time. Now I listen to music for myself, not to upload it to a story.”

This shows that, more than just a fad, iPods are becoming a gateway to a calmer and healthier lifestyleAnd that, in a generation accustomed to information overload, is important.

And then what?

Will the trend pass? Maybe. But the impact has already been made. Generation Z is proving that they can choose, that they can embrace nostalgia, and at the same time use technology in a more balanced way.

If the iPod disappears again, perhaps it will do so in style. But the conversations it has sparked—about conscious time use, mental health, and digital rest— They came to stay.

Is it just another fad, or are we witnessing a generation that is truly changing the way they live with technology?