The Apple TV set-top box has almost always been regarded as a hobby project by the folks at Cupertino. It has been a while since they released a major update for this product, which is why we see the Apple TV bleeding marketshare. Last year it held 26 percent of the streaming market, this year its down to 17 percent, climbing down as the second most popular streaming device to being the third now.
Data from Parks Associates show that 10 percent of U.S. broadband households purchased a streaming media player or stick in the first three quarters of this year, which is why sales have been evenly matched this year as opposed to 2013. With customers Roku happens to be the leading brand, accounting for 29 percent of all sales.
Google Chromecast has seen a meteoric rise in its popularity as well. The company was caught unaware by demand for this product. The $35 HDMI dongle took Apple TV’s place as the second most popular streaming device and accounted for 20 percent of all sales.
Apple TV’s slump continued as it only accounted for 17 percent of the sales. Though its not exactly this product’s fault why customers are no longer purchasing it in greater quantities. There hasn’t been a serious update in a while now, and one isn’t expected until next year, so unless Apple pulls out a new set-top box from under its sleeve, the slump is likely to continue for this device.
Filed in . Read more about Apple TV and Chromecast.