The huge consumer demand and resultant sales figures associated with Apple iPod music players has had analysts predicting exciting times ahead for iPod accessory and partnering companies for several months.

Now the growing list of evidence supporting these predictions has been added to by figures from one of Apple’s partners, ARM Holdings.

Cambridge-based ARM recorded extensive increases for revenue and profit, reporting a net fourth quarter profit of £4.5 million, compared to losses of £431,000 in the year ago quarter.

Sales for the firm rose 22 per cent to £41.5 million in the quarter to the end of December helping full year sales reach £152.9 million, up 19 per cent, and pre-tax profits to rise 82 per cent to £42.2 million.

Thanks to largely to iPod sales, chief executive Warren East revealed that the company is now predicting a further 20 per cent revenue increase during the ensuing year.

The extension of this successful trend bodes well for other iPod accessory and partnering companies, a trend which analysts predict will only continue as consumer demand persists.