Apple this week discontinued personalized engraving for replacement iPod devices, according to an internal memo shared with Apple Authorized Service Providers and obtained by MacRumors.

In other words, if you have a damaged iPod touch, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, or iPod classic with an engraved message on it, and an Apple technician determines that the entire device needs to be replaced, Apple will simply provide customers with a non-engraved replacement from its repair inventory.

engraved ipod touch
Previously, customers had the option of requesting a re-engraved replacement device shipped directly from China.

Given the iPod touch is a niche product in Apple's lineup, and that all other iPod models have been discontinued for years, this change is unlikely to affect most customers. However, if you had a nostalgic message engraved on an iPod several years ago, know that those words will be lost if Apple replaces the device.

This change does not apply to the iPad.

Related Forum: iPod touch and iPod

Top Rated Comments

AppleHealth Avatar
50 months ago

A jab at the customer that has already paid for engraving.
Isn’t engraving free?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unity451 Avatar
50 months ago

Families with several children might use this if they buy several for their kids AND order the same colours.
Ah! Good call.


I used to have my email address engraved on my iPods, thinking IF I ever lost it and IF the person who found it was honest, that'd give me a chance to get it back.
If I had found your iPod, I would've emailed you. ??
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unity451 Avatar
50 months ago
I have owned dozens of apple products over the years... not one of them engraved. I could never think of anything clever enough that I'd want to have tattooed to the side of my "small fortune" of a purchase.

EDIT:
But now as I write this... "FROM DWIGHT" would be awesome!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
justperry Avatar
50 months ago

I have owned dozens of apple products over the years... not one of them engraved. I could never think of anything clever enough that I'd want to have tattooed to the side of my "small fortune" of a purchase.

EDIT:
But now as I write this... "FROMDWIGHT" would be awesome.
Families with several children might use this if they buy several for their kids AND order the same colours.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cmaier Avatar
50 months ago

A jab at the customer that has already paid for engraving.
You paid for engraving. Engraving was done.

What more do you think you deserve?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cmaier Avatar
50 months ago

No. The engraving is included in the cost of the item. You paid for it regardless if you get it done. Opting to not get the engraving doesn’t lower the cost of the item.
LOL. What a convoluted way to try and say it isn’t free. They don’t charge extra for it. You pay the same whether you get it or not. The optional engraving costs nothing. It is free.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 15 General Feature Black

New iOS Features Coming in 2024 for Messages, Apple Music, and More

Thursday December 28, 2023 7:30 am PST by
2024 is just a few days away, and there are many iOS 17 and iOS 18 features that are expected to launch throughout the year. Below, we have recapped new iOS features expected in 2024, including Stolen Device Protection, collaborative Apple Music playlists, AirPlay on hotel room TVs, app sideloading in the EU, next-generation CarPlay, roadside assistance via satellite outside of the U.S., RCS ...
iOS 17

iOS 17.3 Will Add These Two Useful Features to Your iPhone

Sunday December 24, 2023 8:59 am PST by
Apple released the first beta of iOS 17.3 earlier this month, and the upcoming software update includes two new features so far. iOS 17.3 will likely be released in January like iOS 16.3 and iOS 15.3 were, but February is also a possibility if testing is prolonged. Below, we provide additional details about the new features in iOS 17.3 so far. Stolen Device Protection Earlier this...
iPhone 17 Five Features Header

iPhone 17: Five Features Apple Plans to Save for 2025

Thursday December 28, 2023 2:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple's 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip...
Mac Gaming

Apple Discusses Push Towards High-End Mac Gaming in New Interview

Thursday December 28, 2023 6:19 am PST by
Inverse's Raymond Wong today published an in-depth overview of Apple's increasing push towards high-end gaming on the Mac. The story includes commentary from Apple marketing managers Gordon Keppel and Leland Martin. One of the biggest reasons that gaming has improved on the Mac in recent years is the switch from Intel processors to Apple silicon, resulting in MacBooks providing...
Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Available in Apple Stores Starting Today, Online Sales to Resume Tomorrow

Wednesday December 27, 2023 2:28 pm PST by
Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are back in some of Apple's retail stores in the United States today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Select stores will have availability today, while all stores will have the Apple Watch models back in stock by December 30. Online sales of the devices are set to resume tomorrow by 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Apple is able to begin selling ...
iPhone 15 Blue Three Quarters Perspective Camera Closeup Feature

6 Essential iPhone Camera Tips for Taking Great Photos

Tuesday December 26, 2023 3:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhones include several headline camera features that are worth using, such as Portrait Mode and Photographic Styles. But if all you want to use is the standard photo mode, there are still several tools and settings that can improve the composition of your pictures and help you capture the perfect shot using more traditional techniques. Whether you are the owner of a new iPhone or a...
Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Sales Ban Paused by US Appeals Court

Wednesday December 27, 2023 8:49 am PST by
The ban on imports of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models has today been temporarily paused, meaning that the devices can now go back on sale for a short while longer in the United States. Apple filed an emergency request to the United States Court of Appeals following President Biden's decision to decline a veto on the sales ban, allowing it to take effect earlier this week. ...