Apple: Music? What Music?

Not so long time ago, Apple was just a niche computer maker. Then, music downloads through their iTunes, combined with that cool mobile music player called iPod, catapulted Steve Jobs & Co. into the highest levels of public awareness. Riding the wave of success, the company followed with other mobile devices, such as iPhone and iPad.

In a way, it could be claimed that it was the digital music that transformed Apple, and enabled them to become what they are today. The times have changed, though. If the recent public announcements and discussions with the investors can be any indicator of what Apple is focusing on, it is certainly not the music .

According to the sources (Digital Music News) word "music" was mentioned only three times during an over-one-hour long earnings meeting with analysts. Compare that with words "iPhone" (mentioned 59 times) and "iPad" (55 times). Even word "iTunes" doesn't fare much better, being mentioned only six times. To me, it seems that even the largest digital music distributor does not see music as a key to their future growth. iTunes probably won't go away any time soon, but don't count on any major growth and expansion.

Apple is now singing a different tune.