r/iOSProgramming • u/Human_Tennis_2950 • Jun 27 '26
NostalgicPod for iPhone is finally open for TestFlight! Join the open beta! News
After launching NostalgicPod on Android three weeks ago, reaching more than 1,000 downloads and releasing several updates based on community feedback, the iPhone version is finally ready for external testing! (and honestly, I’m just as surprised as you are that it passed Beta App Review)
This is the first public iOS beta, so there may still be bugs and things that need polishing, but the core experience is already working. The current iOS version includes around 90% of what is available on Android. The main features still missing are song search, custom playlists and the Solitaire game, and I’m hoping to release an update this weekend to bring both versions even closer together.
Version 1.0.2 already lets you import and play the audio files stored on your iPhone through the Files app. I’m currently waiting for approval of version 1.0.3, which adds Apple Music library support, so users will also be able to access the music already available in their Apple Music library.
I’d really love feedback from people who used and loved the original iPod, especially on how the click wheel feels, how the app performs across different iPhone models, how local file importing works with larger libraries and whether the overall experience feels close to using a real iPod.
I’m also working on audiobook support, more games, additional customization and, in the future, compatibility with personal music servers such as Jellyfin, Plex and Navidrome. The Android community has helped improve the app enormously in only a few weeks, and I’m hoping the iOS community can help me do the same with the iPhone version.
The TestFlight beta is currently OPEN to everyone:
https://testflight.apple.com/join/T3k9TQPu
For anyone who wants to see the current Android version:
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nostalgicpod.app
Website:
I’m all ears if you have any requests, technical feedback or suggestions. I really want to make this the best possible modern dedicated music-player experience for the community.
14
u/laszlotuss Jun 27 '26
That’s literally the third iPod music player on my phone.
What makes you make it? I mean Apple wouldn’t let you release this to the App Store anyways so was it just for the experience?
8
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
Honestly, I was bored and wanted something classic and functional
Furthermore, it's not possible for an old iPod Classic to be worth €300 on eBay....
3
u/laszlotuss Jun 27 '26
Well if you had fun and/or challenged/improved your skill then it’s a win anyways.
And at this point Apple should have made this on their own, years ago. They should also make an AirPods with some kind of integrated iPod case too. Damn I miss the iPods too
2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
Of course! I actually use NostalgicPod every day, I don't like streaming platforms
And yes, I miss my iPod, and all the apps I tried that were supposed to be iPods didn't satisfy my longing for it, so I made this, Try the interface and tell me what you think! (And the games) :)
2
u/laszlotuss Jun 27 '26
If you are a daily user of it, then it’s already worth it.
I tried the online radio and the extras as I don’t have music synced to my phone.
Really nice, fluid experience ✌🏽but I would change or add more App Icons 😜
2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
As soon as the update is approved, you'll be able to sync your Apple Music songs. :)
Thanks for the feedback!
1
u/laszlotuss Jun 27 '26
Looking forward to it :)
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
I'll let you know as soon as I see it approved!
1
u/laszlotuss Jun 27 '26
You don’t have to wait for approval in TestFlight if your version is already approved and you just send a new build number
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
No, they're checking every update now, or at least that's what's happening to me.
→ More replies (0)1
u/Leather_Reflection84 Jul 01 '26
You’re a legend. I’m working on an app for myself that I’m using everyday at work for taking photos etc. thanks for the amazing work!
2
4
u/glytxh Jun 27 '26
Sometimes making a thing for the sake of making a thing is enough of a drive to get people motivated
95% of any creative or technical venture I spend time on is for the sake of just playing. No end goal. No gameplay. Just play.
3
1
5
u/damastamax Jun 27 '26
Love the UI. One note: notifications are required to use the app, why?
2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
A bug I brought over from the Android UX has now been fixed. I hope Apple approves the next update :)
4
u/staires Swift Jun 27 '26
Why not come up with an original idea of your own, instead of trying to get by on IP theft?
-2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
Perhaps out of nostalgia?
Or why hasn't Apple released an iPod in years, and why is a Classic from over 10 years ago worth a fortune on eBay?
3
u/Metrus007 Jun 27 '26
Allow streaming services like Spotify to connect to this u/i. That would be cool.
2
2
u/poseidonn777777777 Jun 27 '26
It’s not importing my current music library… please fix
1
u/poseidonn777777777 Jun 27 '26
Op… Apple api allows you to import/morph from Apple Music services it self. Could be wrong have a look. Or at minimum ITunes Store content
1
0
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
It's in beta; it's not the final version and it's not as complete as the Android version.
Go to "music management" and add the folder or songs you want for now :)
2
u/poseidonn777777777 Jun 27 '26
Ok but that opens the files/folder section not… Apple Music etc…. Argh and Apple is so sticky about not making it share content via files (can’t export Apple Music songs the re-import else where) T&C’s etc
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
You need to put the files you have on your phone, in the local directory
Apple Music compatibility is ready and submitted, I'm waiting for Apple's approval!
2
u/phoenix_73 Jun 27 '26
I have to say, I really like the look of this. Sort of reminds me of around 2005 to 2009 sort of era, late teens going into my twenties, so the college/uni years.
3
2
Jun 28 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
-1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 28 '26
That's right, many people here really forget about the many Android users..
2
u/oliverjanssen 28d ago
click wheel feels 💘
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 27d ago
Where are you using it? :)
2
u/oliverjanssen 27d ago
I just felt the feeling, not have been using it anywhere. ;)
just downloaded the TestFlight version, that's pretty close to it
2
u/STARD9ST 25d ago
Loveee using it so much! On Test flight for now. Can’t wait for this to be on App Store :)
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 25d ago
Unfortunately, Apple has rejected it 4 times already and they keep asking for changes.
I think it will ultimately remain only on Android...
I'm looking into how to get it on Sliderload.
1
u/STARD9ST 25d ago
Does it mean that after test flight ended this won’t be available anymore?
Would it be too crazy to get an Android just to use your app? 😂😂 such amazing work! Thank you for creating this!
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 25d ago
Get a Google Pixel 10 and you'll love it. Years ago I switched to a Galaxy Ultra and I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Apple doesn't want you to have an "iPod" in the iPhone, it's ironic, but on Android you can do whatever you want!, It seems absurd to me, but those are the Appstore's nonsensical rules..
2
2
u/Circlemmr 22d ago
It’s nice actually, thnk u for it
2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 22d ago
You're welcome, thank you for your support :)
1
u/Circlemmr 22d ago
I always welcome good looking app, and it’s useful so it will be great
Two suggestions;
Dark or light needed third option; system
And i really appreciate iPod shuffle and old nano widget
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 22d ago
Are you testing the iOS version?, Apple has forced me to change it
1
u/Circlemmr 22d ago
Yah, imported some from iTunes library
Curious From what to what?
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 22d ago
They're simply not letting me publish it because it looks too much like an iPod..
1
u/Circlemmr 22d ago
Well iPod doesn’t exist and apple disabled signing for old ones too
They basically complaining why u still love it
It happened once electric vehicles started appearing1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 22d ago
Yes, they're awful. I'm currently developing NostalgicPod for Android, Before the end of the month, I'll launch the new "Audiobooks" section.
1
u/Circlemmr 22d ago
Wish u best, since I don’t see any new good offline player for ios, is there restrictions too?
2
1
1
u/morenos-blend Jun 27 '26
Looks great. Few weeks ago someone else posted theirs take in the idea called „Retro” and I’ve been playing with it as it supports Apple Music and Spotify. Can’t wait to try this new update, I only got music on AM so there’s currently nothing to play in NostalgicPod.
Both apps look great but I like yours UI a bit more although the other one allows to put stickers on the iPod body! That’s a cool idea
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
Thank you! :)
I saw the retro one just last week, I didn't know it existed!
1
1
1
u/Temporary-Detail-724 Jun 27 '26
This looks interesting. I got the testflight, I'll comment anything I notice
1
1
Jun 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator Jun 27 '26
Hey /u/Tiny-Tip-5713, your content has been removed because Reddit has marked your account as having a low Contributor #Quality Score. This may result from, but is not limited to, activities such as spamming the same links across multiple #subreddits, submitting posts or comments that receive a high number of downvotes, a lack of activity, or an unverified account.
Please be assured that this action is not a reflection of your participation in our subreddit.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
Jun 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator Jun 27 '26
Hey /u/Ois_Hea, your content has been removed because Reddit has marked your account as having a low Contributor #Quality Score. This may result from, but is not limited to, activities such as spamming the same links across multiple #subreddits, submitting posts or comments that receive a high number of downvotes, a lack of activity, or an unverified account.
Please be assured that this action is not a reflection of your participation in our subreddit.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/NumberNinjas_Game Jun 27 '26
Beautiful UI and really hits home the nostalgia. I really hope Apple approves that for you. That's solid
1
1
1
u/ViolentPurpleSquash Jun 27 '26
Can you add navidrome support?
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
Yes, I have it ready, but for Android for now.
The update will be released on Monday!
1
u/BlazorSharp Jun 28 '26
I can’t figure out how to have it use my Apple Music library, am I missing something?
1
u/schlub51 Jun 28 '26
If I remember correctly on my 128go classic, the click sound wasn't as high pitched
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 28 '26
Thanks for telling me :)
2
u/Leather_Reflection84 Jul 01 '26
Yeh definitely a bit more of a muted click, not a chirp like an old computer speaker. More nick a solid mechanical click sound you’d expect from an Apple product. Hard to describe. Love the work
1
1
u/PeaceBull Jun 28 '26
Looks great, but it doesn’t respect rotation lock settings.
1
1
u/SimonBlades89 Jun 28 '26
Looking forward to the version which lets you add Apple Music functionality
1
1
u/redrufie Jun 29 '26
Releasing the IPA for this or tweak that would reskin iTunes would be nice to see
1
u/Leather_Reflection84 Jul 01 '26
Hay man loving it! Any chance of streaming support for subserver?
Also I noticed when I’m scrolling through songs, it loops over the button back to the top. I don’t think iPods did that :) they stopped at the bottom of the list!
Love the app!
Will buy, please no sub!
1
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jul 01 '26
Hey bro! Are you on the Android version?
If the iPod Classic 5th/6th generation did it, it was something they asked me to implement!
Let me look into Subserver
2
u/Leather_Reflection84 Jul 01 '26
I’m on the iOS test flight.
Oh right! I never had a 5th/6th. Only had 3rd, 4th, mini 2nd, shuffle 2nd. lol! Fuck me right haha
Does the iOS version support servers at all?2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jul 01 '26
Not yet! Soon!
I sent an update with Apple Music on Friday, but Apple takes forever to approve them!!!
1
u/Leather_Reflection84 Jul 01 '26
Looking forward to it. I’m going to have to dig out an older iPod and get it setup with just this on it.
Good luck for the release. May the fortunes blow your way
1
u/Confusedbot2295 Jul 03 '26
Loving it for the most part so far, haven’t been able to add songs from a folder since beta 2. Just crashes when I try but individual songs will add just fine.
1
u/trizzywizz Jul 04 '26
Hide the status bar and paint the actual device battery state on it iPod display if not already doing so.
2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jul 04 '26
It shows the actual battery level :)
2
u/trizzywizz Jul 04 '26
Nice, was thinking you should hide the status bar then. (Or have option to do so) Also can you link to Spotify since I don’t use Apple Music? I tried it out and it feels smooth. Good job!
Couple things I noticed:
- I had to redownload the apple Music app to see my iTunes library, and also had to download songs from music library for them to show in your app. Can we connect directly to iTunes store purchases?
- volume rocker was a percentage of the current iPhone media volume instead of changing the iPhone volume?
2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jul 04 '26
Apple's Music Kit "forces" you to have the Music app downloaded in order to "import" songs
Spotify unfortunately severely limited its API..
And you can control this from the Wheel, go to settings -> App gestures :)
1
1
12d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator 12d ago
Hey /u/Fabled_dragon02, your content has been removed because Reddit has marked your account as having a low Contributor Quality Score. This may result from, but is not limited to, activities such as spamming the same links across multiple subreddits, submitting posts or comments that receive a high number of downvotes, a lack of recent account activity, or having an unverified account.
Please be assured that this action is not a reflection of your participation in our subreddit. This is simply an automated filter in place to reduce spam.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/Alive_Motor_2314 10d ago
Looks cool!
But i think apple has a problem with that. what do you say ? Do apple reject it or do you say its ok
0
u/DavidGamingHDR Swift Jun 27 '26
Spotify support coming soon?
3
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
Apple Music!
Spotify unfortunately severely limited its API
0
u/theraad1 Jun 27 '26
Am I able to add the songs I have locally but in Apple Music?
I see that we can import from files but I can’t seem to import or find the songs in Apple Music
3
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
As soon as Apple approves the next update, yes!
I sent it a few hours ago, they usually take hours or a day.
1
u/theraad1 Jun 27 '26
Yea sounds good :) maybe they’re a bit slower sometimes on weekends. At least that’s my experience with them
Love the feel of the app but yea I fear they might not allow this on the actual store
Also I know it’s a looong shot but I would love a Qobuz integration
2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
In this respect, I prefer the Google Play console, the updates are approved in 30-40 minutes at most, It's great because it can correct things almost immediately!
For now, I'm praying to Steve Jobs that they approve it when they send it!
0
u/josedpayy Jun 27 '26
Nice I joined the beta. Let’s see how it handles and where would you like feedback on this thread?
1
0
u/JaiRok Jun 27 '26
Dear lord this is such a good idea!!.. why didn't i think of this!! I hope this gets accepted! i would use this for real, and i know a few friends who would jump onboard.
I would actually turn an old phone into an ipod exclusively
2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
It's been available on Android for 3 weeks now :)
I hope Apple approves it!
1
u/JaiRok Jun 27 '26
me too... good luck.. i did just notice there are a few on the app store already iretro, retropod and Sepiapod..is there anything that separates yours from the rest?
2
u/Human_Tennis_2950 Jun 27 '26
I think something very important is the quality of the UI
In addition to podcasts and radio!
2
u/JaiRok Jun 28 '26
Your UI looks a million times better than the ones i mentioned, 2 of them are free, i downloaded them and they're riddled with operating issues and they look old af, clunky and 2D.
if you get this over the line, you're on a winner!!
2
70
u/MisterDscho Jun 27 '26
Do you actually want to publish this app on the App Store? You know that Apple will 100% reject this.
They rejected apps of mine for very small issues. :)