CUPERTINO, California—April 3, 2008—Apple® today announced that the iTunes® Store (www.itunes.com) surpassed Wal-Mart to become the number one music retailer in the US, based on the latest data from the NPD Group*. With over 50 million customers, iTunes has sold over four billion songs and features the world's largest music catalog of over six million songs.

"We launched iTunes less than five years ago, and it has now become the number one music retailer in the world," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We are thrilled, and would like to thank all of our customers for helping us reach this incredible milestone."

*Based on data from market research firm the NPD Group's MusicWatch survey that captures consumer reported past week unit purchases and counts one CD representing 12 tracks, excluding wireless transactions. The iTunes Store became the largest music retailer in the US based on the amount of music sold during January and February 2008.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

In the poll, Consumer Reports asked which cellphone service providers have the least static, dropped calls, circuits full and lack of service across 20 major metropolitan areas in the US. As it did last year, Verizon came out on top again, with an average approval rating of around 70%. Coming in a close second and winning out in some markets was T-Mobile. Far behind was AT&T, and then coming in dead last was Sprint.

To give you the high concept, Consumer Reports says:

Verizon Wireless is "among the better carriers this year and in our earlier surveys."

T-Mobile was described as "another solid performer that often offers more for your money."

Alltel Wireless is "One of the better providers in the three metro areas for which we had adequate survey data."

AT&T fell behind, called "Home of iPhone, but trails the better carriers in almost all respects."

Sprint was last place, receiving the dubious honor of being in the "bottom ranks of carriers we rate." [Consumer Reports]