[mk_stjames]

Huh, TIL. I had always thought it was always just up-res'ing variations on Chicago, up thru and including the first iPod.

They look pretty similar but now that I look it them side by side I see it a bit.

As much as it is the style, it's also that kinda.. not-True-type still-a-bit-pixelated edges look that is the nostalgia factor, I guess.

[tobr]

Original iPod did use Chicago though! Then when they got color screens they switched to Lucida Grande.

[philwelch]

iPod used Chicago for the same reason Chicago was used on the original Mac—it was designed to make UI elements clearly readable on low resolution monochrome screens.