Which company did Nike partner with to create the Nike+ iPod sensor? Apple. Nike and Apple announced the Nike+iPod partnership in May 2006, combining Nike footwear with Apple’s iPod music player and workout software.
The original Nike+iPod Sport Kit used a small wireless sensor placed inside a compatible Nike+ shoe. A receiver connected to an iPod nano, allowing the system to record distance, pace, time and estimated calories while the runner listened to music. Workout data could then be transferred to a computer and synchronized with Nike’s online service.
A common mix-up is confusing the partners with the device components. Nike supplied the footwear ecosystem and fitness branding, while Apple supplied the iPod platform and much of the digital integration. Later iPod touch and iPhone models gained built-in support, reducing the need for a separate receiver. The technology helped popularize connected fitness tracking before smartphones and smartwatches became standard running tools.