Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPod marked 15 years yesterday since its launch but it seems that the company forgot to celebrate the day.
Apple’s former CEO Steve Jobs launched the iPod on October 23, 2001, just nine months after the launch of iTunes. The device sold millions of units and it helped change how people listen to music and how they purchase music. The iPod also paved the way for other devices such as the iPhone and iPad. Unfortunately, Apple seems to have forgotten about the iPod anniversary. There was no celebration, and no post on the company’s handle on the Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) social network platform. Apple also failed to feature a press release for the device.
The fact that the company did not celebrate the iPod highlights the diminishing importance of the device in Apple’s product strategy. The classic model of the iPod is no longer in production but the firm still makes the iPod Nano, Shuffle, and the iPod Touch. However, they are no longer featured on Apple’s website. Last year, the company announced that it will not be reporting iPod sales. Perhaps this means the iPod no longer makes attractive sales and has become obsolete.
“In this whole new digital music revolution, there is no market leader,” stated Jobs a few years ago at the launch of the iTunes music software.
There is no doubt that the iPod had a huge impact on Apple’s strategy for the music business which is why critics believe that there should have been a celebration to mark its importance. Users might be less interested in iPods because Apple offers powerful mobile handsets that carry similar functions as the iPod, thus reducing the need for an iPod. This could mean that the iPod is on is on the fast lane to its natural demise, which is a sad affair considering its significance to the firm. Despite this, iTunes remains an integral part of the firm and a significant avenue for generating revenue.
Apple stock closed the latest trading session at $116.60.