The average iPod owner spends nearly £80 on accessories such as earphones and cases to personalise their Apple mp3 player, according to new research.

Envisioneering Group conducted the recent consumer survey and although only US iPod owners were questioned, it is believed that UK consumers are not far behind in their accessorising spending.

“This is an amazing uptick in iPod accessory sales and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down,” commented Richard Doherty, research director at the Envisioneering Group, to the Mac Observer.

“The iPod is a different phenomenon among electronic products. Music is a reflection of our soul and the iPod is becoming an emotional extension of people.”

Mr Doherty added that accessory sales have really taken off in the past six months as signified by an earlier consumer survey taken in the first half of 2004 which revealed that iPod owners were buying less than £15 worth of accessories for their players.

“As more people bought iPods and more accessories hit the market, consumers shelled out more to make their players more stylish and easier to use,” he explained.