The tinyPod is a case for your Apple Watch that transforms the wearable into a nostalgic nod to Apple’s iconic iPod. Its standout feature is a click wheel that controls the watch’s Digital Crown, giving the device a retro look and feel. This $80 case is compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 through 9 and the Apple Watch SE, with versions available for both 41/40mm and 45/44mm sizes. For those with the Apple Watch Ultra, a 49mm version is available for $90. There’s also a budget-friendly tinyPod lite, a $30 case without the click wheel.
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The click wheel is the tinyPod’s defining feature, designed to mimic the scrolling functionality of the original iPod. It works by syncing with the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown through precisely engineered components, ensuring direct rotation contact. This allows users to scroll through watchOS using the click wheel, theoretically providing a seamless, nostalgic user experience.
According to the tinyPod website, the case can extend battery life by turning off the watch’s wrist detection feature. However, this claim may be optimistic, especially given the shorter battery life of cellular Apple Watches when used without a connected phone. Users might consider using a GPS-only model or turning off cellular features to conserve battery life, though this would limit some functionalities.
tinyPod is the brainchild of Newar, a former Snap designer and jailbreak enthusiast. Initially a side project, it evolved into a market-ready product after Newar found personal enjoyment in using it. In May, Newar posted about the transformation of this side project into “a real, shipping product,” driven by the positive feeling it provided when used outside the house.
Whether the tinyPod lives up to its promise as a minimalist, distraction-free “phone” remains to be seen, but its creator has clearly invested in its design and marketing. The tinyPod website exudes a strong sense of nostalgia, featuring era-appropriate Apple fonts and a teaser video in a classic 4:3 aspect ratio, reminiscent of early iPod commercials.
In essence, the tinyPod offers Apple Watch users a unique way to experience their device, blending modern functionality with a beloved design from the past. Whether for music playback or other watchOS features, the tinyPod aims to provide a minimalist and nostalgic alternative to the traditional smartwatch experience.
