The Verge Debuts Weekly Column Tracing MP3 Players' Return in 2026

The Verge published a new column on Oct. 4, 2026, centered on the line "Apple perfected the media player with the iPod, then abandoned it," arguing that portable MP3 players are showing signs of a comeback even after Apple's own retreat from dedicated music hardware, according to the outlet's report, headlined "The rise, fall, and rise of portable MP3 players".

What does the column's headline actually claim?

The piece runs under The Verge's "Column" and "Tech" sections and frames the MP3 player's history in three stages: a rise, a fall, and what the headline calls a renewed rise, based on the published headline and subheading. The subheading states that Apple "perfected the media player with the iPod, then abandoned it," a line that sets up the piece's central argument about the company exiting dedicated music hardware, per The Verge.

Who wrote the column, and what is his background?

The byline belongs to Terrence O'Brien, identified on the site as The Verge's weekend editor. His author bio states he "has covered the tech industry for over 18 years and knows a thing or two about synths," according to The Verge's own description.

What newsletter does the piece belong to, and how often does it run?

The column runs inside The Stepback, which The Verge describes as "a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world." The outlet says The Stepback "arrives in our subscribers' inboxes on Sunday at 8AM ET," and the column includes a link for readers to opt in directly.

Why does the page include an affiliate disclosure?

The posted column carries a standard line stating, "If you buy something from a link, The Verge may earn a commission. See our ethics statement." That disclosure is a general policy attached to Verge content and, based on the material reviewed, does not identify which specific products or links inside the full column might generate a commission.

What details are missing from the available excerpt?

The version of the column reviewed for this report includes the headline, subheading, author credit, publication timestamp, and newsletter description, but not the specific historical dates, device specifications, or sales figures the full piece likely uses to trace the MP3 player's arc from rise to fall and back. Readers seeking those specifics should consult the complete column.

By the numbers

• 18 years: how long The Verge says weekend editor Terrence O'Brien has covered the tech industry.
• Oct. 4, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC: the column's publication timestamp, per The Verge.
• Weekly: the publishing cadence of The Stepback, the newsletter the column is part of.
• Sunday, 8AM ET: when The Verge says The Stepback "arrives in our subscribers' inboxes."

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