Steve Jobs Introduces the iPod 2001—and changes music forever

Continuing our journey in analyzing every Steve Jobs keynote ever given, Mikey and Molly re-visit the talk that would change the way we consume music forever—the introduction of the iPod in 2001. 

Steve utilizes a classic Problem and Solution strategy in showing the various ways which 2001 offered music listening experiences (remember flash drives!?) and which route Apple endeavored to improve upon. For each pain point (memory, portability, etc.), Apple develops a clear and stylish solution. 

Most interestingly, he saves the reveal of the device itself until much later than he typically does with product launches. 

As the first music listening device of its kind, Steve first compares it to a deck of cards—a universal size and feel most people can understand—before pulling the device out of his pocket. 

The rest is music history. 

What’s in the Spice Cabinet? 

Watch Steve’s 2001 talk introducing the iPod, and explore Steve’s other keynotes:

• All About Steve Jobs

Other episodes where we’re talking about Steve’s presentation skills:

• #197 - Damage control at Macworld Boston (1997)
• #192 - Steve Jobs film (2015)
• #187 - Steve introduces iMac (1998)
• #72 - Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech (2005)

Get your hands on some vintage iPods:

• On eBay!