Early this week, research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker published a report and concluded that Google Android operating system will maintain its dominance for the next five years. The OS market share will reach its peak in 2012. South Korean-based company Samsung will be the most beneficial from the growth of Android OS, as the company is now selling million units of handsets called Galaxy S III. Android market share is projected to maintain at a stable level with 52.9% share in 2016, compared to 61.0% share in 2012.
The second spot will go to Microsoft Windows Phone OS. The mobile OS was released about two years ago. The OS is now projected to take the number two position in 2016. Windows Phone is estimated to grab market share as much as 19.2% in 2016, compared to 5.2% in 2012. IDC also warned that the number two spot will only be reached if Nokia will still maintain its cellphone dominance in developing countries.
Apple iOS has grabbed a very large market share in recent years with the sales of iPhone version 4 and 4S. Apple’s market targets include America, Europe, and Asian countries in the Pacific Rim region (incl. China, Far East, and Southeast Asia). IDC predicted that for years to come, Apple’s growth will rely on replacement cycles and phone carrier contracts. iOS is projected to grab 19.0% market share in 2016, compared to 20.5% in 2012.
RIM BlackBerry’s market share will continue to be suffered due to change of leadership at the company. IDC projected that the BlackBerry will retain some users who have familiar with the device and users who less likely to change OS due to learning curve. However, apps developers have stayed away from developing BlackBerry apps in recent years which could hurt BlackBerry users’ base in the future.
(Images: top left, Google Android logo; top right, Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone; middle, table by IDC)
Comments