Apple and Samsung's dominance over the mobile tech industry is causing competing companies like Nokia and Blackberry makers, RIM to figure out new ways to increase business. Android's and Apple's dominance over the mobile phone industry is such a powerful force, that it is has caused some industry competitors to rethink and revise their market strategies.
Finland-based phone manufacturer Nokia announced this year that it has decided to discontinue producing Symbian based devices altogether and direct their focus on providing consumers with more Windows-based devices. Blackberry maker (Research in Motion) RIM will announce its new Blackberry 10 OS smartphones and tablets during Superbowl 2013. With the hopes of bringing life back into their declining sales, RIM will try to impress smartphone users in a 30 second ad.
Recent data from Strategy Analytics reports that combined, Google Android and Apple's iOS make up 92% of the market share of worldwide smartphone shipments for Q4 of 2012. "Combined together, Apple and Android accounted for a record 92 percent share of all smartphones shipped globally in the fourth quarter of 2012," said Scott Bicheno, a Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics.
Additional data recorded on Global Smartphone Operating System Shipments and Market Share indicates that 152.1 million Android units were sold, compared to 47.8 million Apple iOS units. A year ago in the same quarter, Android shipments totaled just 80.6 million, indicating that Android's global shipments increased 51%. The Strategy Analytics report also says that Apple's shipments rose in shipment volume, from 37 million in 2011 to the current 47.8 million. Apple suffered a slight decline in the global market share, as they are down slightly this year from last year's total of 23.6%.
From a market share standpoint, Google Android accounts for 70% and Apple iOS accounts for 22%. The entire amount of smartphone shipped to date worldwide increased greatly from 490.5 million units in 2011 to 700.1 million units in 2012. "Android's share of the global smartphone market has surged... crushing Symbian, Bada and other platforms in its wake." said Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, in a statement. The remaining small percent of the market share will have to find new ways to go up against Android and iOS.
