Why the iPod is Losing its Cool

An anonymous reader writes "The Guardian Unlimited has a provocative article on the recent decline in iPod sales: 'Analysts warn that the iPod has passed its peak. From its launch five years ago its sales graph showed a consistent upward curve, culminating in a period around last Christmas that saw a record 14 million sold. But sales fell to 8.5 million in the following quarter, and down to 8.1 million in the most recent three-month period. Wall Street is reportedly starting to worry that the bubble will burst.'"

Comments

Lame

[Eightyford]

No wireless. Less space than a nomad. Lame.

So What?

[notnAP]

So a tech product, wildly successful to be sure, which was introduced a few years ago has started to reach saturation?
Hmmmm.... Fanbois around the world can only hope that Steve Jobs has the ability to foresee this predictable lifespan development. Maybe the guy who invented this industry will be able to come up with a new idea to revive its sales and move it forward. Maybe something like extending the business model to movies, or something like that.

it's simple economics

[b17bmbr]

the ipod is facing the only serious competition from, guess what?, older ipods. the problem is sort of like cell phones. everyone who wants one pretty much has one. the market now is as much keeping current customers and luring switchers. for the ipod, the problem is that the ipod you bought last year is still perfect for your needs. the number of people who really want one and can buy one but have one is probably very small. it's not so much as a fad as more market equilibrium. the ipod targeted a certain sector in the market. not too many older folks are going to buy one, and as for younger people, it's hard to justify to mom and dad you need a second ipod.