News
iTunes Store now top music retailer in US
Apple today announced that the iTunes Store has passed Wal-Mart to become the number one music retailer in the US, based on the latest data from the NPD Group. The NPD Group’s MusicWatch survey captures consumer reported past week unit purchases and counts one CD as representing 12 tracks; the iTunes Store became the largest music retailer in the US based on the amount of music sold during January and February 2008. “We launched iTunes less than five years ago, and it has now become the number one music retailer in the world,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes. “We are thrilled, and would like to thank all of our customers for helping us reach this incredible milestone.” Apple in February announced the Store’s move into second position; since its inception, the iTunes Store has sold over four billion songs, and currently offers the world’s largest music catalog with over six million songs.
Related Stories
- iBooks Author EULA draws criticism
- Apple posts streaming video of education event
- Apple releases iTunes 10.5.3 with support for iTunes U
- Coverage of Apple’s education event begins at 10AM ET
- Apple education event to focus on content, K-12 market
- Apple working with McGraw-Hill, to launch ‘GarageBand’ for textbooks?
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- iLounge Weekly coming early Monday, giveaway reminder
- iBackFlip launches Somersault case for iPad
- Motorola loses third patent case against Apple in Germany
- Apple rushing to pick demo apps for next iPad launch
- Apple airs new Siri-focused iPhone 4S ads
- Periscope Audio Lab releases SpaceSampler
- Evernote Hello improves contact entry features
- eMailGanizer Pro adds Universal Inbox, Smart Folders
- Scosche rolls out bassDock for iPad
- German court rejects Apple bid to ban Galaxy 10.1N
Recent Reviews
- Cygnett Apollo for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! ID for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! With Stand for iPhone 4/4S
- Solid Line Products RightShift 2 Removable Keyboard Case for iPad 2
- Spigen SGP Kuel F60Q Battery Pack
- Just Mobile Highway + Highway Pro for iPod, iPhone + iPad
- Speck CandyShell and CandyShell Satin for iPhone 4/4S
- Jensen JiPS-310i Docking Speaker for iPod, iPhone & iPad
- FrappeDesign Smart Sleeve for iPad 2
Recent Articles
- iOS Gems: Adventures of Tintin, Reckless Racing 2 + Scramble With Friends
- Ask iLounge 2-3-12
- Making The Case For - And Against - An Apple iTV Television
- Instant Expert: iTunes U for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of iBooks 2.0
- iLounge’s 2012 CES Best of Show Awards: Honorable Mentions
- iLounge’s 2012 CES Best of Show Awards: iPod, iPhone, iPad + Mac
- iOS Gems: Bug Princess, Dora Hops Into Phonics, It’s A Small World, Sleepy Jack + X Is For X-Ray
- The Complete Guide to Managing iTunes Videos
- Editorial: As CES Grows, Will Microsoft’s Loss Be Apple’s Gain?
1
“We are thrilled, and would like to thank all of our customers for helping us reach this incredible milestone.”
You’re welcome! Although I wasn’t trying to do my part to help you guys reach a world record… I was just wanting to listen to some tunes. But yeah…. we did it!
Posted by Mike M on April 3, 2008 at 2:42 PM (PDT)
2
It’s a shame too, considering that Amazon.com mp3 downloads are not locked into apple’s restricted format of choice and don’t require burning and reripping to get them out of itunes. Not to mention the fact that I was able to find 2 or 3 tracks that were simply unavailable on itunes but readily available on amazon. Regardless of the clear superiority of amazon downloads however, I’m glad that apple was able to achieve such success while dissing the record companies. good work apple! now hopefully in 5 years or so amazon will be able to achieve the same status
Posted by jarofchris on April 7, 2008 at 2:36 PM (PDT)
3
Well, to be fair, Apple does offer some DRM-free downloads (ie, the “iTunes Plus” format), and apparently has tried to offer a wider selection, but many of the labels who are freely providing DRM-free tracks to Amazon are not allowing the same for iTunes.
This is likely an attempt by the record labels to ensure some diversity among retailers and reduce some Apple’s control/influence in the digital music marketplace.
Doesn’t seem to have worked so far, mind you….
Posted by Jesse Hollington in Toronto on April 7, 2008 at 4:33 PM (PDT)