HP to Stop Reselling Apple’s iPod
July 29, 2005
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Hewlett Packard Co. will stop reselling Apple Computer Inc.’s popular iPod digital music players in September, ending a high-profile deal that combined two of Silicon Valley’s best known brands.
Apple confirmed the decision Friday to end an arrangement that was announced in January 2004.
“Apple has decided that reselling iPods does not fit within the company’s current digital entertainment strategy,” Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris said. “As a result, HP plans to stop reselling iPods by end of this September.”
A spokesman for HP did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
HP-branded iPods currently make up about 5 percent of total iPod sales.