The Apple iPod is a portable media player designed and marketed by Apple Inc.. First released in 2001, it revolutionized how people listen to music by allowing users to store thousands of songs in a compact device. The iPod features a simple interface and has undergone several design changes over the years, including the introduction of the iPod Touch, which offers touchscreen capabilities and access to apps. The iPod supports various audio formats and can be synced with iTunes, Apple's media management software. Over time, the iPod line expanded to include models like the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle, catering to different user preferences and needs.