Digital cameras and wired earphones are back, offering a 'more real' experience

In an era dominated by smartphones, older technologies like digital cameras and iPods are making a surprising comeback. This trend is fueled by a generation seeking a more tangible and "real" experience, moving away from the hyper-definition and constant connectivity of modern devices.

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I've not seen one of these in years

Content creator Lily Redman, 26, finds that digital cameras capture a quality her phone cannot replicate. "I think people are looking for a bit of grit or something that feels a bit more real," she says. The flash on her phone feels too sharp, while the digital camera's output is "more smooth." She also notes how phone photos have altered our perception of time, contrasting them with the distinctly "old" look of her mother's photos.

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capture a quality that my phone just can't replicate

This nostalgia extends to music players. Refurbished tech website Backmarket reports a 48% increase in iPod sales between 2024 and 2025, with demand accelerating into 2026. Cheri Sanih, 30, runs a popular Tumblr account dedicated to older technology. For her, iPods evoke simpler times and offer an escape from the constant barrage of phone notifications. She praises their "beautiful design" and uncluttered interface, which she feels is more human-centered.

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I think people are looking for a bit of grit or something that feels a bit more real

Even wired headphones are part of this back-to-basics movement, offering a simple, direct connection. The appeal seems to lie in a desire for authenticity, a break from the overwhelming digital landscape, and a longing for the tangible qualities of past technologies.

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If I look back at photos my mum took when I was two, they look so old but when I look at photos I took five years ago, they look like they were taken yesterday