iPod Sales Expected to Decline 7.2 Percent Year Over Year

Philip Elmer-DeWitt:

iPod sales hit 22.7 million in the Christmas quarter of 2008 and have been going downhill, with seasonal spikes, ever since.

The quarter that ended nearly three weeks ago is likely to continue that trend, according to the 43 analysts — professional and amateur — we polled in advance of our quarterly earnings smackdown.

You know who called it? Bill Gates, back in 2005:

“As good as Apple may be, I don’t believe the success of the iPod is sustainable in the long run. If you were to ask me which mobile device will take top place for listening to music, I’d bet on the mobile phone for sure,” Gates said.

I somehow doubt that Gates would have correctly predicted the leading brand of mobile phone for music listening, though.

★ Friday, 15 July 2011