Three quarters of all smart phones sold in the last three months use Google's Android software, says a study by research firm IDC, Reuters reports.
It shows the gap is widening between Android and Apple's iOS.
Sales of smart phones running Android nearly doubled in the third quarter of the year, the research says, hitting 136 million. That means Android's market share is up from 57.5 per cent at the same time last year, to a whopping 75 per cent.
But that doesn't mean Apple is struggling. On the contrary, iOS was up to 14.9 per cent, from 13.8 per cent at the same time last year.
How then can they both be growing? The answer lies in the decline of handsets running BlackBerry's software, and Nokia's Symbian. BlackBerry has just 7.7 per cent, while Symbian is down from 14.6 per cent to just 4.1. Windows Phone 8 is too new to do much damage so far, and RIM's BB10 won't launch until next year.
IDC puts Android's growth down to its integration into Google's vast range of services. "Google has a thriving, multi-faceted product portfolio," IDC analyst Kevin Restivo writes in the report. "Many of its competitors, with weaker tie-ins to the mobile OS, do not."
Android has certainly been helped by the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S3, which just reached 30 million sales. And Samsung's Galaxy Note 2 isn't doing too badly either, notching up a healthy 3 million sales, to retailers anyway. Google's Nexus 4 recently received our coveted Editors' Choice award for its great specs and low price, proving that a decent Android phone doesn't need to break the bank.
Apple's iPhone 5, meanwhile, was received well, but the Maps software was woefully inadequate. That didn't stop it selling like the proverbial hot cakes on its opening weekend though. The iPhone is also selling faster than Android handsets here in the UK.
Does Android deserve to be so popular? Especially considering the problems it's had with its updates? What's your OS of choice? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 6
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damien2501 4 November, 2012 09:45
Android has a much bigger target market because it fits on everything from budget (mainly running old versions sometimes years old) and top of the range devices. If this was a comparison of devices running the latest version of android and the latest version of iOS it would be slightly more interesting.
anonymous 4 November, 2012 10:13
The iOS 'selling faster' or increased market growth as it is known was over the 3 month period of the iPhone 5 being released. So with the spike in initial sales we would see an increase in iOS growth.
In my opinion Android has more to offer and is more user friendly. If I want to download and listen to a mp3 I just do it. I don't have to mess around with third party applications or iTunes. Also Android devices can suit budgets. Another big pull for android is the customisation and Google map integration is a big plus.
ElDiabloJuanCarl 4 November, 2012 12:11
"If this was a comparison of devices running the latest version of android and the latest version of iOS it would be slightly more interesting"
Why would that be more interesting? What bearing does the distribution of operating systems versions have on market adoption of smartphone platforms? The article highlights that people are far more likely to buy an Android phone than any other type of phone. Maybe some people can't afford an Apple phone and settle for an Android, maybe some people think Apple are vastly over priced, offer far less functionality and runs on an archaic operating system? Either way, the point remains that Android is by far the most widely adopted platform that is continually growing it market share. No matter what way you cut the numbers, you can not deny that Android devices now dominate the market.
Bladey 5 November, 2012 11:26
I have had the iPhone for years and also enjoy the stunning new iPad, but as far as the smart phone goes, I jumped ship at the right time, as has a lot of friends and family too, I made the decision to get the Samsung S3 and I can honestly say that it's the best decision I have ever made regarding tech, Apple came up with nothing new regarding the iPhone 5, after using the S3 for a few days, it's like a breath of fresh air, the Android OS is so far ahead with its features, it really does make iOS feel dated, I love my iPad and can't ever see myself changing from that, but as far as mobile phones go, I will never go back to an iPhone, can't wait for the S4 next May :-)
anonymous 5 November, 2012 15:54
Android is on 3 out of 4 smartphones, because 3 out of 4 smartphones are of the budget or mid-priced variety. Mostly given away free with lower cost phone contracts, or available cheaply on PAYG.
The next most popular mobile OS, iOS is only available on phones that compete in the premium sector of the market. There are no budget iPhone models.
anonymous 5 November, 2012 16:37
how much money these researchers got paid by google?