London studio unveils Sprout Pi board to modernise old iPods
The Sprout Pi Mainboard adds Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a hi-fi DAC and USB-C to several iPod models, with a streaming version still in development.
A London studio has unveiled a crowdsourced project called Sprout Pi Mainboard, a replacement logic board designed to fit inside older iPods, according to Engadget. The board keeps the original screen and click wheel while adding Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a hi-fi DAC, USB-C charging and a microSD slot that supports up to 2TB.
The project claims to bring music streaming from Apple Music and Spotify to supported iPod models. Two versions are offered: one for local audio playback only and one with Wi-Fi for streaming apps and AirPlay. The creators say the streaming features are still under development.
Sprout Pi Mainboard is compatible with the 1st and 2nd-generation iPod mini and the 3rd and 4th-generation iPod. The launch video for the board has passed 1 million views on YouTube.
Campaign not yet live
The Crowd Supply campaign has not launched yet, and pricing and availability have not been announced.
Apple discontinued the iPod line in 2022. The last iPod nano, released in 2012, supported Wi-Fi and Bluetooth but could not install apps, while the 7th-generation iPod touch, the last iPod Apple sold, can only be updated to iOS 15.
Quick answers
What does the Sprout Pi Mainboard add to an iPod?
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a hi-fi DAC, USB-C charging and a microSD slot supporting up to 2TB, while keeping the original screen and click wheel.
Which iPod models are compatible with the Sprout Pi Mainboard?
The 1st and 2nd-generation iPod mini and the 3rd and 4th-generation iPod.
How much will the Sprout Pi Mainboard cost?
Pricing and availability have not been announced, and the Crowd Supply campaign has not launched yet.