The Apple TV, which Apple has long considered a mere hobby, has long been among the most popular streaming devices purchased by consumers – and as Apple continues to add new content to the Apple TV through their recent updates, Frost and Sullivan’s latest data show just how successful Apple’s hobby really is.
According to their latest report, entitled “Analysis of the Global Consumer Video Devices Market” (via GigaOM), the Apple TV has grabbed the streaming device market by the horns. In fact, it accounted for well over half (56.1%) of all streaming devices. Meanwhile, Apple’s closest competitor in the streaming device market, Roku, accounted for just over one fifth (21.5%) of the market.
It’s not hard to see why so many are anxious for Apple to get more serious about television, with rumors of an Apple HDTV, a possible set-top box, a streaming TV service with paid ad-skipping, and so forth increasingly making the rounds. If these are the results Apple garners from a hobby, it’s mind-boggling to imagine what they could achieve if they really applied themselves to the TV industry.
Further, given Tim Cook’s recent comments that Apple has a “grand vision’ for the television market, calling it an “area of great interest,” we might just find out for ourselves in the near future!
