Once again, Android has thoroughly stomped the competition, according to a survey of US smartphone users by Nielsen. As of August, 43 percent of all smartphone owners in the US use a device that runs Google’s mobile operating system. And of those who purchased a smartphone in the past three months, a full 56 percent chose and Android device over everything else.
Apple’s iPhone line remains solidly in second place, with 28 percent of the US smartphone market. The same number purchased an iPhone in the past three months. But Nielsen expects the number of new smartphone buyers to jump toward Apple in the coming months, as the company is expected to unveil its newest handset, the iPhone 5.
BlackBerry remains the third most popular line of device, with 18 percent market share. But only 9 percent of new smartphone buyers went with BlackBerry. Devices running all other operating systems only account for 11 percent of the US market, and a mere 6 percent purchased something other than a BlackBerry, iPhone or Android handset in the past three months.
As predictable as Android’s current upward swing may be, it’s still impressive. What would be far more impressive, however, is if the iPhone were still ahead of Android. Right now, there are only four models of iPhone available, and only two of them (3G S and 4) are regularly available from carriers. Compare that to the countless number of Android devices, available at all price points, and it’s obvious that this isn’t a fair fight.
It’s because of this unbalance that the rumors of a second, less-expensive iPhone release this year ring true – and are looking ever more likely by the day. Apple has the top-end market under control. But its handsets remain too expensive for many. If Apple does release a cheap iPhone model this year – especially if the device is unlocked – then we could see significant upward movement from Apple’s corner.
Posted from my Motorola Droid Bionic….. No desire whatsoever for any apple phone.
@Robert: same here (posted from my Samsung Galaxy SII Epic Touch).
My impression that most Apple product users are pretentious and vain but not necessarily rich. I know enough people who are more than capable (in terms of income) of owing iPhones but chose to go with android phones (in the higher $ bracket) and I also know a lot of people with small incomes who are blowing their savings on iPhones. Ironic…
Dave Moehle the truth is IOS is on IPod touches and the IPads! See they are talking Operating Systems that Means IOS is way out in front!
If you factor in all the different flavors of android since most are not running the same versions like most iPod touches , IPhones and iPads android is getting it’s behind kicked!
I have an I phone mainly because I have an iPad. These devices play together. Wish I had 4 g. iPad.
You can always use a good 4g spot.
My impression that most Apple product users are pretentious and vain but not necessarily rich. I know enough people who are more than capable (in terms of income) of owing iPhones but chose to go with android phones (in the higher $ bracket) and I also know a lot of people with small incomes who are blowing their savings on iPhones. Ironic…
Posted from my Motorola Droid Bionic….. No desire whatsoever for any apple phone.
@Robert: same here (posted from my Samsung Galaxy SII Epic Touch).
iAnything is boring…zzzzzzzzz
Though some android enabled phones almost cost as much as the i phone most are cheap and more (obviously) manufactures use the os so if you want Motorola, Samsung or any other manufacture who uses the os can have the phone they want or the price they want to spend and have a phone that works.
Cheap (android) phones?! Come on… I wouldn’t call the Droid Bionic ($299.99 w/ 2 yr contract), HTC Thunderbolt ($249.99 w/ 2 yr contract), Samsung Galaxy SII Epic 4G ($199.99 w/ 2 yr contract, which is what I have), to name a few, “cheap” android phones.
CHEAP! Iphone($199.99 w/ 2 yr contract).
I was talking to my sister about a month ago and mentioned the rumor of Apple developing a cheaper phone and computer. Her response was that if these products were cheaper, then everyone would be owning them and the appeal would go away. Turns out she is just another Apple snob.
Of course people are going with cheaper, but still quality, products. I’m busting my ass to afford to get my wife an iPad for Christmas. If I was in the market for a tablet, I would personally go with something cheaper than an Apple product. Don’t get me wrong, the shiny, shiny product makes me drool like anyone else, but I’m also a cheap bastard. My wife, on the other hand, is an Apple junkie and I like to make her happy.
Good idea. Never piss off your wife. Badly…
Be truthful, how many of you have anything made by apple?