Is Apple Trying to Take Over iPod Accessories?

An anonymous reader writes "With more and more iPod accessories being released by Apple all the time many users are speculating that Apple is trying to shoulder the after-market iPod companies aside. However, at least one user doesn't see it that way, and thinks that Apple's move may actually help the after-market companies. From the article: 'Even if it wanted to, Apple knows that it couldn't simply make the iPod accessory market participants magically go away. If Apple did try to steal their lunch, all it would succeed in doing would be to drive those companies straight into the arms of the iPod's competitors, most of whom are desperate to see any kind of an accessory market form around their players. And that's the last thing Apple wants to have happen.'"

Comments

Re:omgwtfbbq

[wo1verin3]

I'm not really a big fan of the 10% royalty fee however for accessories which use the universal docking connector.

You can get replacements for free! link in comment

[Winckle]

err sorry to say this, but when my iPod headphones broke, I just ordered some new ones for *FREE* from apple! just go to here and if your ipod is in warranty or/and applecare you can get new headphones for free without sending your old ones back!

Re:Well...

[DrXym]

I recall going to Hong Kong at the height of the changeable phone cover craze. You could buy a new phone cover over there that cost a couple of dollars that sold in the UK for 20 pounds. The quality was the same - in fact higher since the sheer choice of covers to choose from was unreal.

It just goes to show what the markup is on accessories. A case for an iPod which could be a few lousy bits of neoprene stitched together could well sell for $30. It's no wonder Apple want in - there are suckers aplenty who buy such tat even if their iPod is going to be obsolete by the same time next year.

Re:Coach

[blackmonday]

I was about to mod you up, but I clicked on the link and realized that Apple's leather case is MORE EXPENSIVE than those sold by Coach. I love Apple's products, and dammit they have a right to sell anything they want, but the leather case does seem to be a bit of a stretch...

Re:I don't like iPods, BUT...

[Pope]

Right, because you can't get replacement batteries.

Oh, wait, you can. My iPod's 3 years old and on its first replacement battery. The hard drive's running fine. Heck, if I were feeling needy, I could get one for my 2G iPod from Macsales.com for $8! The thin battery makes for a thin case, which is a great selling feature.

The battery was only an issue for early adopters, until 3rd parties started offering replacements. It's now a moot point, IMO.