1. EachPod

Nike+iPod Sport Kit - Apple's first foray into fitness

Author
Graham Bower and Charlie Sorrel
Published
Sun 14 Jul 2024
Episode Link
None

Apple’s interest in fitness products goes way back. In 2006, before Apple Watch was even a twinkle in Tim Cook’s eye, Steve Jobs took the stage with Nike CEO Mark Parker at an ultra-exclusive venue in New York City to announce the Nike+iPod Sport Kit.

With a sensor that went into special Nike running shoes, and a receiver that plugged into your iPod, Nike+iPod was a pioneering product that helped define the emerging category of fitness wearables. 

It set the stage for products that would follow, including Apple Health and Apple Fitness+. And by partnering with Nike, Apple broadened the appeal of its brand, learned how to successfully roll out services, and raised its marketing game. Nike+iPod Sport Kit set a template for product launches that Apple still follows to this day.

LINKS

Apple press release for Nike+iPod Sport Kit launch
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/05/23Nike-and-Apple-Team-Up-to-Launch-Nike-iPod/

Design of launch event at Chelsea Piers
http://www.denton-cardewdesign.com/nike-apple-nyc/66dsmmf6qqc89hcyu8lc0gk21cgdnr

Puma RS Computer Shoe
https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/11/18136072/puma-1986-rs-computer-running-shoe-rereleasehttps://about.puma.com/en/this-is-puma/archive-stories/history-of-rs

Nike+ Air Zoom Moire
http://sz9.es/kickstories-nike-air-zoom-moire

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