Believe it or not, your old iPod may still be able to connect to Apple Music. However, what you might consider old might be the iPod Classic, iPod nano, or iPod shuffle. However, none of the older iPods support Apple Music, not even most iPod touch models. To enjoy Apple Music in 2026, iPod touch users running iOS 10 or later software can enjoy this streaming service. In other words, only the iPod touch 6, released in 2015, and the iPod touch 7, in 2019, can access the platform.
Although Apple doesn’t mention the iPod touch on its official Apple Music page, as it virtually removed all references to its iconic device after it was discontinued a few years ago, it is possible to see on the App Store that the Apple Music app is compatible with devices as old as iOS 10. While this could change with iOS 27 and upcoming software updates, it’s interesting to see that the company still supports some of its apps with software released a decade ago.
At that time, iOS 10 introduced new animations for iMessage, like balloons, confetti, and fireworks, as well as App Store Messages. This software update also marked the first time Apple opened up Siri to developers, Apple Maps got an overhaul (where you could book a ride with Uber or Lyft through the app), and Memories were added to Photos.
Former iPod touch users miss out on several Apple Music features
Just because some iPod touch models work with Apple Music doesn’t mean they have all the features available on the platform. For example, AutoMix is a DJ-like feature from Apple that can intelligently crossfade from one song to another, so the transition is as smooth as possible. This only works for users running iOS 26. Music Haptics, which is an accessibility feature that allows even people who are hard of hearing or deaf to enjoy music via haptics, requires an iPhone 12 or later, running at least iOS 18.
Other features, like Apple Music Sing, require an iPhone 11 or later running at least iOS 16.2. The ability to use iPhone as a microphone and use reactions or visual effects while enjoying Apple Music Sing on an Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) also requires at least an iPhone 11. Lyric Translation, which is an awesome feature that helps you understand lyrics in our native language, or Lyric Pronunciation, which can help you sing songs in different languages, also requires iOS 26.
That said, if you just want to stream your favorite songs, download albums, or create playlists, then Apple Music is totally usable on an iPod touch 6 or 7, even after all these years. However, be aware that if you want to take advantage of all the features, you will need a newer device.
