The NPD Group has released its U.S. sales estimates for Apple products for April 2010, showing an 39% increase in Mac sales year-over-year. This is important, because as Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster notes, “April NPD data gives us the first sign of the degree to which the iPad cannibalizes iPod or Mac sales.”
Analysts and investors have been very curious about what impact the iPad, which sold over 1 million units in its first month, would have on overall Mac sales. So far, it looks like Mac sales are sitting pretty, but the iPod might need to check itself.
The Mac sales data is good, but keep in mind, Apple did refresh its MacBook Pro line in the middle of the month. Undoubtedly that provoked a spike in purchases; we think May or June will prove better months for developing a trend analysis of Mac sales.
However, iPods saw year-over-year sales drop 17%.
iPod sales have been in decline for quite some time, given that the iPhone and the iPod touch offer the same music/media playing abilities and much more. The iPad, which features a great screen, 10-hour battery life and the ability to run iPhone apps, is certainly a compelling product for users who aren’t looking for something pocketable.
Many analysts see the iPad as the first in a new class of device. The impact that the product will have on existing markets, be it music players or netbooks, is something we’ll be watching closely.
[img src: Fortune]
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