A new product from the iPod modding scene aims to bring classic players up to date. According to The Verge, the Sprout Pi and Sprout Pico are full motherboard replacements that bundle several popular upgrades into one board. They add Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, a microSD card slot, and FLAC playback, and installation requires no soldering. The boards work with 3rd- and 4th-generation iPods as well as the iPod mini.
The project is not yet on sale: The Verge reports that a crowdfunding campaign will launch soon through Crowd Supply, with pricing still unannounced. The compatibility list is limited, which may constrain its commercial appeal, but it reflects a broader niche market for retro-tech hardware upgrades.
The Verge's review is mixed on one point: the higher-end Sprout Pi supports streaming via Spotify and Apple Music, plus apps. The reviewer argues that this misses the point of the iPod revival, which is largely about escaping algorithms and distractions. That tension between adding modern convenience and preserving the device's original appeal is a key challenge for the product's positioning.