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Sudo is a planned dedicated music player from New Matter, not a new Apple iPod. Its tactile wheel and layout recall the iPod Classic, but the device is still at the reservation stage: New Matter currently expects to sell it for $249 plus taxes and shipping and ship in Q4 2027. Those are announced plans, not a guaranteed final price or delivery date.
Is Sudo a new iPod?
No. Sudo is New Matter’s product, and the company describes it as a dedicated music player designed around listening. Its wheel and layout invite comparison with the iPod Classic, but its announced feature set also includes a touchscreen, USB-C, Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The iPod was discontinued by Apple in 2022, according to Gizmodo’s April 2026 backgrounder.
The phrase “ripping Apple off” is a provocative way to describe the resemblance, not an established legal finding. The available reporting does not establish that Sudo infringes an Apple intellectual-property right, or that Apple has responded or plans to sue.
What does Sudo offer?
New Matter’s official Sudo page says, “Sudo is a dedicated music player by New Matter. Your library, offline and in your pocket, with a tactile wheel that puts you in control.” Its announced specifications are:
#1 Best Overall
- 【HIFI lossless sound quality】 The DAP lossless music player adopts professional DSP audio lC + imported DAC double decoding, which can effectively restore the real scene. The DAC hard decoding chip adopts the new WM8965 and Ti company's TPA6530 high power. Supported audio formats: MP3（8-48kHz,8-320kbps）、WMA（8-48kHz,5-384kbps,STD 8-96kHz）、WAV（8-192kHz）、APE（8-96kHz,high; 8-192kHz,fast）、FLAC（8-192kHz,LO-L10）、AAC（8-48kHz，8-320kbps,LC）、OGG（8-48kHz）、DSD 128（5.6MHz）
- 【High-resolution music player】 The player adopts a 2.0-inch display with a resolution of 320*240, LCD display, intuitive and concise UI interface, user-friendly software operation is clear at a glance, the display has high color saturation, and can display lyrics and music. song title
- 【Fashionable craftsmanship】The non-destructive music player is made of high-precision CNC aluminum alloy shell, which is elegant and portable, and does not leave fingerprints. The unique scroll wheel control wheel can quickly find the track function and is very responsive. The independent menu key and return key have a one-key lock screen function, which is easy to operate
- 【Large capacity + large memory】The player has a large capacity battery of 1500 mAh, which can be fully charged in 2 hours and play continuously for 25 hours. The M30 player has no built-in memory, but an additional 64GB SD card has been inserted into the player, allowing you to better manage your song files without worrying about the memory capacity
- 【Portability and Service】The size of the player is: 2.2*0.6*3.5 inches, and the weight is about 176g. The small size easily slides in and out of any pocket. Perfect to carry. This product has a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy and 1-year exchange service. Please feel free to contact us by email and we will reply you within 24 hours.
- Music: Offline playback and streaming.
- Storage: 64 GB built in, with microSD support up to 1 TB.
- Controls and display: A tactile wheel and a 2.73-inch, 320 × 320 touchscreen.
- Audio: A 3.5 mm connection and Bluetooth.
- Other hardware: USB-C and Sudo OS.
- Battery: New Matter claims 20+ hours of battery life.
These are manufacturer-announced details, not results from an independent test. Final production specifications have not been established in the cited sources.
How much does Sudo cost, and when does it ship?
As of October 7, 2026, New Matter lists an expected price of $249, plus taxes and shipping, and a refundable $50 reservation deposit that is applied toward the purchase price. The company expects to ship in Q4 2027. Because Sudo has not shipped, neither the final price nor delivery timing is guaranteed.
Rank #2
- A Brand-New Processor That Surpasses Competing Products — Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Built on a 6nm process, it delivers superior performance and enhanced power efficiency. With 4GB+64GB storage and Android 13, it ensures smooth and seamless operation for all major music apps.
- Patented Desktop Mode with 950mW High Power Output: When Desktop Mode is activated, the M21 operates entirely on external power, with the built-in battery neither charging nor discharging—effectively extending battery lifespan.
- Quad CS43198 Matrix DACs, Fully Balanced 2-Stage Amplification: Featuring a 4-channel, 8-path fully differential output design, it unleashes its full potential with exceptional dynamic range and high noise immunity. The headphone amp adopts a 2-stage circuit design—the first stage handles voltage amplification while the second stage boosts current—ensuring pristine sound quality and rich detail.
- Versatile Ports, High-Performance Output: Supports dual 3.5mm + 4.4mm headphone/LO outputs, equipped with independent line amplification circuits. Also supports SPDIF and USB Audio output, with SPDIF performance rivaling professional digital transports—reducing jitter by 70%.
The company says initial reservations are intended for the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, and that reservations are unavailable in some regions. Availability can change; check the official product page for current reservation terms and whether your location is eligible before paying a deposit.
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Does this prove people want Apple to bring back the iPod?
No. There are signs of interest in dedicated music devices, but they do not establish broad demand for a new Apple iPod. Back Market told the Associated Press that used iPod sales had risen 48% since 2024, a figure relayed by Gizmodo in 2026. That is a claim about used-device sales, not the market as a whole or demand for a newly made Apple product.
Rank #3
- Large Capacity: This mp3 player is designed specifically for music enthusiasts. It has 64GB storage space, which can easily hold thousands of songs, and supports TF card expansion up to 128GB, so you don't need to change songs frequently or worry about insufficient storage space. (TF card is sold separately)
- The latest version of bluetooth : mp3 player Equipped with the latest version of Bluetooth 5.3 MP3 player, which has better compatibility, signal stability, lower power consumption, longer connection distance, and stronger anti-interference ability. (Note: Bluetooth function only supports Bluetooth headset and Bluetooth speaker connection)
- Easy to operate buttons: This reproductor mp3 has several intuitive buttons. Short press “One-Key Sound” can open the music mode, support breakpoint replay function, continue to play from the last exit position; independent volume key can be up and down toggle the precise adjustment of the volume; Short press “Lock Key” can lock the screen, simple and convenient.
- High quality speakers:MP3 player Equipped with high-quality speakers that deliver clear, undistorted sound. No need to wear headphones, you can enjoy music, listen to books or play recording files directly through the speakers. Whether you're relaxing at home, traveling outdoors or sharing music with friends, the speakers will meet your listening needs.
- Upgraded design: MP3 player Length 4.25 inches (10.85 cm), width 1.95 inches (4.96 cm), thickness 0.37 inches (0.95 cm), weight 80.7 grams, equipped with a 2.4-inch color screen to enhance the visual experience and ease of operation; metal alloy shell both durability and comfortable feel, fashionable appearance to adapt to the sports, commuting, travel and other scenarios, carry no burden.
Tech analyst Anshel Sag, an analyst for Moor Insights & Strategy, told Gizmodo that “There’s a demand for something that isn’t tied to a streaming connection that always sounds good, no matter where you are—and you’re in control of the experience.” That is an analyst’s interpretation, not a measured estimate of how many people would buy Sudo or a relaunched iPod.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can you buy instead of an iPod?
Digital audio players already exist, so a buyer who wants local music playback does not have to wait for Sudo. Gizmodo’s guide to giving MP3 players a second chance discusses the Snowsky Disc as one contemporary example and describes category features such as offline libraries and wired or Bluetooth headphone connections. It is an alternative category example, not evidence that the Snowsky Disc has Sudo’s design or feature set.
Rank #4
- 【64GB BUILT-IN LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY】Different from other large memory MP3 players on the market, the AGPTEK M3 boasts an impressive 64GB of internal storage, can expandable 128GB memory card (total up to 192G). [Other brands have no built-in memory and can only be used with TF card.]【Tip: The file size of a single transfer should not exceed 3GB to ensure the transfer speed and stability.】
- 【Bluetooth 5.3 & Automatic Reconnection】AGPTEK M3 MP3 music player adopts Bluetooth 5.3 technology, more stable connection, better compatibility, and lower consumption. You can pair the Bluetooth MP3 Player with wireless headphones or a Bluetooth speaker, automatically connects to the last Bluetooth device it was connected to, as soon as it is activated.
- 【HiFi Lossless Sound & Sports Partner】 With a professional audio decoding chip and smart noise reduction chip, AGPTEK MP3 player brings you original lossless music. With breakpoint resume function, perfect for doing sports, Yoga, exercise, running, travel, etc. Supports music formats like MP3/APE/FLAC/WMA/WAV/AAC [Note It does not directly support Audible, Apple music and iTunes.]
- 【Multi-function & Long battery life】 M3 MP3 player with Music Play, Video, Recording, Radio, Pictures, e-Books, Pedometer, A-B repeat, etc. Built-in 500mAh battery, it only takes 2.5 hours to fully charge and enjoy long hours of music. Perfect solution to replace mobile phone music, save mobile phone power. (To save power, the player will automatically power off after 5 minute of inactivity. You can turn it off in the settings.)
- 【 2.4'' SCREEN & LINE-IN FUNCTION】Features a 2.4-inch TFT color screen, bringing a clear and beautiful display. Metal middle frame with ABS plastic back shell,the size is approximately 4.4 inches × 2.06 inches × 0.39 inches, Weight: approximately 3.6 oz. And it supports Line-in recording and playback capabilities. Use a LINE IN cable to record from two MP3 players or connect with other devices for recording or play music.
When comparing a current player with Sudo, check the features that matter to your listening habits:
Quick Recap
- Whether it plays a local library offline, supports streaming, or does both.
- How much storage it includes and whether it supports expansion.
- Whether it has a wired headphone output as well as Bluetooth.
- Whether you prefer physical controls, a touchscreen or a combination.
- Its stated battery life, current price and country availability.
- Whether it is already shipping or is still a reservation-stage product.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
