● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Sprout Pi Motherboard Replaces iPod Internals, Adds Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C
Key points
- Sprout Pi and Pico replace original iPod motherboards.
- Adds Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, microSD, FLAC playback.
- Sprout Pi supports Spotify and Apple Music streaming.
- Compatible with 3rd and 4th generation iPods and iPod mini.
New Motherboard for Classic iPods
Sprout Pi and Sprout Pico are new motherboard replacements designed for older iPod models. These replacements integrate several popular modifications into a single upgrade, allowing users to modernize their aging devices. The installation process does not require soldering.
Added Connectivity and Features
Both Sprout Pi and Sprout Pico add Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, a microSD card slot, and FLAC playback capabilities. The firmware supports audio output via USB for wired headsets and the original 3.5mm jack. Bluetooth enables connections to wireless headphones and speakers, while Wi-Fi facilitates Google Cast, AirPlay streaming, and podcast downloads.
Streaming Capabilities and Compatibility
The higher-end Sprout Pi model further includes support for streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, along with app functionality. This feature, however, has been noted as potentially diverging from the original appeal of iPods, which is their ability to provide a distraction-free music experience. Sprout Pi is compatible with 3rd and 4th generation iPods and the iPod mini.
Crowdfunding Campaign Forthcoming
The project is preparing to launch a crowdfunding campaign through Crowd Supply. Specific pricing details for the Sprout Pi and Sprout Pico have not yet been announced.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
The daily brief
One email each morning: the day's tech stories, clustered across outlets and summarized. No account needed.
One email a day. Unsubscribe in one click, any time.
Today's brief
Spend a few minutes, get the whole day. Every topic's top stories in one hands-free rundown — listen, watch, or read the transcript.
▶ Play today's brief
New every morning, and the back catalogue is archived by date.
Reporting from
Sprout Pi and Sprout Pico are new motherboard replacements for older iPods, adding modern features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, and FLAC playback without requiring soldering. The Sprout Pi also supports streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, though this feature may contradict the original appeal of iPods.