In the last years I read already a few times about the iPod now being super upgradable to an SSD or micro SD nearly as big as you want.

Source: https://hackaday.com/2022/02/16/classic-ipods-are-super-upgradeable-in-2022/

So I looked up the parts already a while ago on Amazon, but they were pretty expensive, so I decided to wait or don’t do it. But a few weeks ago I saw one part being available on AliExpress, so I instantly looked up the other parts and ordered (round about 30€). See below for part links (just for example). Last week all parts arrived and I started my project and put everything together. If you also want to do that, here is a link on how to dis-/assemble the iPod:

https://de.ifixit.com/Anleitung/iPod+5.+Generation+(Video)+HDD+durch+CF+oder+SDHC-SDXC+Speicher+ersetzen/7492

As I wanted to minimize the risk for shorts and loose parts inside, I 3D-printed two thin layers of TPU to place between adapter and backplate and between adapter and board.

I then assembled everything (without closing the case!) and restored the iPod using my old MacBook (2013 - running macOS BigSur). I restored the partition in finder and then restored the iPod with Apple Music. Tried with windows first, but couldn’t get it to work. Works like a new one now! Definitely recommend if you have one laying around.

Ask me if you have any questions :)

The printable case I made is available for free here:

https://www.printables.com/de/model/554008-ipod-classic-5g-30gb-case-with-hexagon-back

Parts:

CF to microSD Adapter:

https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32969402274.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.24ce72daqORMJv&browser_id=962e1e44ceee4c6c9d9c6091befb193d&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=eeceeeccdcbefbd189fa2949ff11243daa41127157&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!EUR!9.07!7.26!!!9.67!!%40211bda9b16921191572525772d071f!66649911527!sea!DE!3959202765!&algo_pvid=9e3d8cec-8d2d-457c-99ab-488d594cf9ec&_universallink=1&m_page_id=eeceeeccdcbefbd189fa2949ff11243daa41127157

CF Upgrade Card:

https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32841639355.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.24ce72daqORMJv&browser_id=962e1e44ceee4c6c9d9c6091befb193d&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=eeceeeccdcbefbd189fa2949ff11243daa41127157&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!EUR!2.61!1.83!!!2.78!!%40211bda9b16921191572525772d071f!65127709746!sea!DE!3959202765!&algo_pvid=9e3d8cec-8d2d-457c-99ab-488d594cf9ec&_universallink=1&m_page_id=eeceeeccdcbefbd189fa2949ff11243daa41127157

Shell replacement (optional):

https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005004601572132.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.1b1f5f7afDD4iS&browser_id=962e1e44ceee4c6c9d9c6091befb193d&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=eeceeeccdcbefbd189fa2b5ca820dc6e624e22d6eb&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!EUR!19.77!19.77!!!153.63!!%40211beeec16921192993844874d0775!12000029788970474!sea!DE!3959202765!&algo_pvid=6d6d105c-ec1e-4187-b4e6-45f1a85b0999

Edit/Update:

I made a dock for it, that works with the charging/sync cable and fits my case.

Will upload this to printables the next couple days