iPod sales excel as sold out iPhone raises ire in Eire

Reports of the demise of the Apple iPod have been greatly exaggerated, new research published last night shows – meanwhile, at the other end of the Apple product matrix, it looks like the iPhone 3GS has sold out in Ireland.

New research from FTN Equity Capital Markets analyst Bill Fearnley Jr. suggests most retailers saw iPod sales exceed their expectations in July. This claim’s based on a survey of US retailers, 27 per cent of which said iPod sales were above expectation in July. These sales have been enhanced by Apple’s back to school offer, which has been driving students to part with the cash for a Mac, getting a free iPod as part of the deal.

Speculation the iPod classic may be retired seems negated on the news that 62 per cent of retailers said it, or the iPod touch, were the best-selling iPod products in July.

An NPD report contested these new figures, claiming iPod sales were down 17 per cent year-over-year in July. However, it is worth pointing out the latest figures reflect actual sales by retailers, rather than spreadsheet-based analyst speculation.

Also worth a mention is the likely positive impact of Apple’s anticipated September 9 iPod and iTunes upgrades…

Moving to the iPhone and US retailers continue to struggle to meet demand, though supplies are improving. It is not just in the US the product’s in short supply, news this morning from Ireland claims O2 Ireland is experiencing shortages of the product, with customers reportedly waiting weeks to get their hands on the device. Supplies aren’t expected to improve until next month.

An O2 Ireland spokesman said: “Quite simply there has been huge demand for the iPhone 3G S since it launched, so we continue to work with Apple to secure regular flows of stock into the country.”