When the iPod Classic first launched in 2001, it changed the way people carried music. Apple promised “a thousand songs in your pocket,” and the device delivered with its minimalist rectangle, signature click wheel, and clean design. Even though Apple discontinued the iPod Classic in 2014, it remained an icon of portable audio. Now, in 2025, Boxy Pixel, a boutique hardware modding company, is giving the iPod a fresh life with a premium iPod Mod Kit that blends nostalgia with modern technology.
A Redesigned Housing in Premium Materials
At the center of the upgrade is the housing. Boxy Pixel machines the enclosures from solid aluminum in black, silver, or brass, offering a finish that feels closer to luxury smartphones than the old iPod shell. The kit replaces Apple’s original plastic and thin metal case with polished slabs and front and rear glass panels attached using 3M adhesive. These glass panels expose the device’s internals, turning the iPod into both a functional player and a collector’s showpiece.
The aesthetic is reminiscent of the iPhone 4’s glass-and-metal sandwich design, giving the device a timeless, premium look. Measuring 103.5mm x 63.8mm x 17mm, it is thicker than Apple’s 30GB iPod Classic but for good reason: the larger body allows space for a higher-capacity battery and other modern upgrades. For those seeking more personalization, Boxy Pixel plans to release additional panel materials like carbon fiber and anodized aluminum, encouraging owners to create a customized look unique to their device.
Installation Without Heavy Modding
Unlike many electronics mods, this kit is approachable. Most users won’t need soldering skills. The package comes with a custom circuit board featuring USB-C charging and Bluetooth 5.0, along with a power flex cable for the battery and an audio flex cable for the headphone jack. The aluminum housing and components are secured by four large fasteners and smaller screws, requiring only a Phillips screwdriver and a hex driver.
Disassembling the donor iPod can sound intimidating, but Boxy Pixel designed the kit to be service-friendly. A metal pry tool (sold separately) helps open the old case, and the new mid-frame cleanly holds the internals in place. For enthusiasts, the process feels more like assembling a high-end mechanical keyboard or model kit than repairing a fragile gadget.
Modern Functionality: USB-C, Bluetooth, and More
Functionality has been upgraded in meaningful ways. The USB-C port allows easy charging with the same cables already used for laptops, tablets, and smartphones. A 3,800mAh battery (sold separately) fits inside the thicker enclosure and offers far more playback time than Apple’s original cells ever could.
Wireless audio is another big leap. With Bluetooth 5.0, users can pair modern headphones such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple’s AirPods Max at the flip of a switch. The connection is stable at distances up to 20 feet, while wired purists can still use the classic 3.5mm headphone jack. There are some limitations: standard TRS headphone plugs work perfectly, but TRRS plugs with integrated microphones may cause audio issues.
Boxy Pixel even added touches of nostalgia. A small speaker provides audible click feedback like the original wheel. For those who enjoy tinkering further, adding a Taptic Engine (often available for under $10 on eBay) brings subtle vibrations for a tactile navigation experience.
Expanding Storage Beyond Apple’s Limits
Storage is another highlight. Instead of relying on the iPod’s bulky spinning hard drive, Boxy Pixel recommends replacing it with an iFlash Solo or iFlash Quad adapter, available on Amazon for around $37. These adapters let users install SD cards up to 2TB, transforming the iPod into a powerhouse music library. Pairing this hardware with Rockbox, a custom open-source OS, makes it easy to manage larger music collections and file formats beyond Apple’s old restrictions.
A 128GB SD card alone stores tens of thousands of songs, and the solid-state storage is thinner than the original hard drive, freeing up more room for the bigger battery. While keeping the original drive is possible, it requires removing foam padding and may limit compatibility with the 3,800mAh battery.
Tradeoffs and Price Breakdown
Not everything is seamless. The USB-C port is limited to charging only, so transferring songs still relies on the old 30-pin connector. Charging status also doesn’t appear on the iPod’s screen; instead, a rear LED glows red when charging and green when full.
The main mod kit costs $155, while the buttons and switches add $13. With an iFlash adapter, upgraded battery, and optional Taptic Engine, the total can climb to around $230, excluding the cost of a donor iPod and shipping.
Preorders and Availability
Boxy Pixel’s iPod Mod Kit is currently available for preorder with an October 2025 delivery estimate. International buyers may face shipping hurdles, either through slower USPS service or pricier options like DHL. Despite these challenges, the kit has already gained attention among retro-tech enthusiasts, collectors, and audiophiles eager to merge Apple’s iPod legacy with today’s hardware standards.
The Boxy Pixel iPod Mod Kit is more than just a nostalgia trip. It is a bridge between Apple’s revolutionary design of the early 2000s and the expectations of modern users in 2025. With aluminum, glass, USB-C, Bluetooth, and terabytes of storage, the iPod Classic finally feels ready for the present.
