Apple Computer Inc.’s iPod was already the most popular digital music player on the market, but the device’s share of the U.S. retail market for digital music players has grown considerably over the past twelve months, according to data collected by market research firm NPD Group Inc. NPD’s research is mentioned in a recent Bloomberg.com report that discusses Apple’s success with the iPod and how it has affected Apple’s stock performance.
The iPod’s market share in U.S. retail stores rose to 82 percent in the 12 months ending in August, 2004 — up from 64 percent for the same period a year earlier and 33 percent two years ago, according to the report. Another market research firm, In-Stat/MDR, estimates that sales of hard disk-based players like the iPod will rise from 10.4 million units to 52.4 million units by 2007.