Apple iPod still amazes MP3 players' market, as In-Stat consumer survey data shows that 49% of MP3 player owners possess an iPod, the company predicting that Apple will prolong its leading position.

However, the worldwide flash-based and hard disk drive (HDD)-based players market will significantly increase sales from 140 million units in 2005 to 286 million by 2010, according to the high-tech market research firm.

"Apple continues to dominate the market for MP3 players, particularly in the US," declared Stephanie Guza, In-Stat analyst.
"Apple competitors continue to face significant challenges, such as a constrained Flash memory supply, device and software integration, and the 'cool factor' associated with Apple's iPod line of products."

But there is a particular market able to surprise the MP3 players' manufacturers, as the devices are priced as low as $25 - the Asian market.

As a result, Apple may lose part of its market share, but not considerably, as less significant MP3 players' manufacturers can not afford to launch high capacity flash memory components.