Chambers describes his journey as an Apple user, which started with an HP branded iPod in 2004. Over the years, it has embraced the entire Apple ecosystem. But he acknowledges that the situation is changing: The rapid pace of technological development has created a world where our devices are constantly competing for our attention, leading to feelings of fatigue and disconnection from the real world. This realization struck Chambers during a recent family trip to Disneyland. The ubiquity of smartphones, the way people prioritize capturing moments over experiencing them, resonated deeply with him. It highlights a growing mental health crisis, especially among young people, and emphasizes the need to consciously “unplug.”
Chambers looked to the past to find a solution. He bought a refurbished iPod Classic, a stark contrast to the sleek iPhones and AirPods he was already used to. Despite technical limitations (no Bluetooth, no Wi-Fi, and a cumbersome interface), Chambers enjoyed the iPod’s simplicity. He loves exploring his music library, running without his phone, and spending evenings without his smartphone.
According to Chambers, the iPod is a return to the essence of what Apple once stood for: the love of music. He suggests returning to a time when music discovery wasn’t dictated by algorithms and offline listening was the norm.
The letter ends with a strong message to Tim Cook. Chambers calls on Apple to support the healthy “unplugging” movement by normalizing periods without Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and incessant notifications. He argues that the iPod will not need a radical redesign in 2024, and that the classic form factor and user experience can be revived once it is perfected.
Source: Ferra
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