404 pages now spin up a 1,029 song virtual iPod

Apple Music users who land on a broken page on the company’s website now encounter a fully interactive virtual iPod. The digital device contains a library of 1,029 playable songs and marks 25 years since the original hardware was unveiled.

The hidden feature appears below the standard 'page not found' message. A prompt invites users to 'give this a spin instead.' The interface replicates the familiar layout of the physical device, with tabs for Playlists, Artists, Songs, and Settings. The click wheel responds to touch input, though the experience is described as somewhat buggy.

The musical selection reflects the early 2000s era. Artists included in the library range from Baha Men, blink-182, and Eminem to Daniel Bedingfield, The Fratellis, and Klaxons. A UK-based tester noted uncertainty about whether the same artists appear in the United States. Users can listen to 90 seconds of any track before the playback stops.

A second hidden element mirrors a feature from the original hardware. Notebook Check reported that the Breakout-style game Brick is also available. To access it, users must hold the center button on the About screen for several seconds. The virtual iPod does not require an active Apple Music subscription to function.

The original iPod was marketed with the claim that it held 1,000 songs in your pocket. The new digital experience serves as a reminder of that marketing promise. While the device is interactive, it is not visible on the main homepage. It remains accessible only to those who encounter an error link. Apple has not issued a formal statement explaining the inclusion of the easter egg.