Canalys: iPhone outsold all Windows Mobile phones in Q2 2009

[AppleInsider]

Apple's iPhone held onto a 13.7% share of global smartphone unit sales in the second quarter, outpacing Microsoft's Windows Mobile, which now claims just 9% of the market, according to Canalys.

"Apple has revolutionized the smart phone sector, leapfrogging more experienced rivals," Canalys senior analyst Pete Cunningham said in the company's report. Sales in the second quarter did not include much of the surge in new sales spurred by the release of the iPhone 3GS.

In the North American market, the iPhone grabbed a 23% share of smartphones sold, despite being tied to a single carrier in the US. Apple's US debut occurred months before sales were expanded to other countries, and international sales of iPhone really began a year later with the launch of the iPhone 3G. RIM held a commanding 52% share of US smartphones.

In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Nokia maintained a 64% share while Apple took second place with 13.6%, followed by third place RIM with 10.3%. Those numbers indicate Apple has been much better at competing internationally against Nokia than RIM has, despite its having been in the smartphone business for nearly a decade compared to Apple's barely two year old iPhone assault.

Worldwide, Nokia still leads smartphone sales with 44.3% of the market, but that represents a significant slide over the last few years. As recently as 2006, Nokia's Symbian platform accounted for over 72% of smartphones sold; now it represents just 50.3%.

Nokia has particularly lost ground among business users due to the popularity of RIM's BlackBerry, which now claims a 20.9% share of smartphones. Nokia recently announced a "partnership" with Microsoft, which largely just involves porting Pocket Office apps to Symbian in a bid to make Nokia's devices more competitive with the BlackBerry.



But Nokia is also being battered in consumer markets by Apple's popular iPhone, which in just two years has surpassed the sum total of all vendors' Windows Mobile sales put together as well as the remains of the once significant Palm. Apple's rapid success is particularly noteworthy when compared to Google's free Android platform, which in a similar period of time has only managed to leave its brand on 2.8% of the smartphone market.

Canalys also notes that the iPhone's touchscreen form factor is emerging as the most popular, representing nearly 40% of all smartphones sold, compared to 12.3% being keypad devices like the Palm Treo or BlackBerry and just 10.7% being keyboard devices like those sold by HTC using Windows Mobile.

The perils of a competitive landscape

Chris Jones, a Canalys VP and principal analyst, contrasted the emerging smartphone market with that of desktop computers, saying "PCs are a highly standardised, commoditised platform, where one model is often largely indistinguishable from another. Consequently, PC price points are incredibly low, which is good for customers, but the industry lacks excitement.

"Smart phones are different – Nokia, Apple, RIM and Palm have all achieved success by developing their own operating systems and delivering distinct devices and interfaces. Android customisation will further add to this diverse mix. As a result, new smart phones are front page news around the world."

With healthy competition between platforms in the smartphone industry, Jones wrote that "independent application providers face the cumbersome process of porting apps to multiple operating systems. The main loser has been Microsoft’s highly standardised Windows Mobile platform. Its smart phone market share has now fallen below 10% and the trend is likely to continue as many of its OEM partners, including HTC, Motorola and Palm, are focusing investment on other platforms."

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Pascal007]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

The main loser has been Microsoft’s highly standardised Windows Mobile platform. Its smart phone market share has now fallen below 10% and the trend is likely to continue as many of its OEM partners, including HTC, Motorola and Palm, are focusing investment on other platforms."

Highly standardized ? How is Windows "highly standardized" when it's proprietary through and through ? It's not more standard than Symbian, WebOS or iPhoneOS...

Windows as a 1000 pounds gorilla, undoubtedly yes ! But as a standard ? No way !

[Dlux]

Big Chair-throwing Party At Steve's 2Night!

(Wear absorbent clothing)

[digitalclips]

Originally Posted by Pascal007

Highly standardized ? How is Windows "highly standardized" when it's proprietary through and through ? It's not more standard than Symbian, WebOS or iPhoneOS...

Windows as a 1000 pounds gorilla, undoubtedly yes ! But as a standard ? No way !

Standard level of design skill for M$ though

[SinisterJoe]

If Microsoft wants to seriously compete in the SmartPhone market they need to produce their own handset. Android and other Linux based operating systems are going to dominate the non-Apple, non-RIM market for obvious reasons. Microsoft needs to understand it's not the early 80s -- the world has changed. Running mediocre software on your choice of dozens of mediocre hardware platforms doesn't cut it anymore. Google will very likely face the same problem with Android. In their case the software is good but most of these handset makers will do *anything* to save a few bucks which almost always results in subpar hardware.

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by SinisterJoe

Microsoft needs to understand it's not the early 80s -- the world has changed.

Understanding it is not the 80s is one thing, having a clue what to do is another...
I get the feeling that Microsoft has a bunch of really smart people who have no direction. CEO Balmer gives every impression that he is a clueless buffoon. I truly feel sorry for the people who work for him...

[astrosmash]

Ballmer in 2007: There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.

[souliisoul]

You have to understand if you breakdown the market and look at the low cost phones, then Nokia do have massive market share. I now live in india and everyone, I mean everyone has a phone, ever the poorest of the poor. One person I know saved 3 years to buy Rs(Rupee)4,000 Nokia phone (USD$80).

Also mobile carriers do not subsizides the phones, so everyone pays full price. You have 1.04 Billion people in india (1/5 world population) and bigger mobile market in terms of people, then USA. Nokia are rampant in India with concern to meeting the low-middle income users.

At high end most people use Blackberry or iPhone (and probably Palm Pre, if it is launched in India).

Now take China and India together and you have 1/3 of world's population, that is massive market for low-middle income users.

If you analysis the figures Apple are doing very well, also Blackberry.

I must admit, I only got the iPhone, since it caters for my large hands (plus large screen) much better than the Blackberry, but both are top class phones.

If Blackberry made a iPhone clone, in terms of screen size, I would reconsider my decision, since RIM are solid and more established in business user security.

[souliisoul]

Originally Posted by astrosmash

Ballmer in 2007: There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.

Its not just unintelligent people, who make stupid comments, he is very intelligent man, but very narrowed minded and once he opens his mouth, Apple sells product, he endorses.lol

[Quadra 610]

The writing's on the wall.

MS' gross laziness and negligence when it comes to their consumer products has caught up with them again.

And it looks like they have no sane, comprehensive, workable plan to resurrect the mess that is Windows Mobile.

[davebarnes]

Eighteen (18) months ago, Apple and RIM had much lower market share.
cf. http://www.canalys.com/pr/2008/r2008021.htm

Apple and RIM had 6.5% and 11.4% respectively.

[RichL]

Apple's rapid success is particularly noteworthy when compared to Google's free Android platform, which in a similar period of time has only managed to leave its brand on 2.8% of the smartphone market.

Android was released after the iPhone.

Anyone who thinks that Android won't have a larger share of the market than Apple in three years time is highly deluded.

[samab]

Originally Posted by RichL

Android was released after the iPhone.

Anyone who thinks that Android won't have a larger share of the market than Apple in three years time is highly deluded.

If --- and that's a big if --- Android hits it big, you probably won't like it because it only means one thing: carriers adopt Android because of the Apache license which allows the carriers to systematically take out all the interesting part and put in all the proprietary parts AND then keeps the source code all for themselves.

[Dlux]

Originally Posted by RichL

Anyone who thinks that Android won't have a larger share of the market than Apple in three years time is highly deluded.

Why stop there? Why not label anyone who doesn't think Android will beat Apple as clinically psychotic and probably suffers from microcephaly as well?

[al_bundy]

I don't think microsoft even cares. With all the money they make licensing active sync and soon ms office on other phones, why bother making your own?

If most winmo phones don't support exchange and neither does the zune that's proof

[xtrmtrk]

Originally Posted by RichL

Android was released after the iPhone.

Anyone who thinks that Android won't have a larger share of the market than Apple in three years time is highly deluded.

Why? I'm not sure I follow the logic but I'd like to. Looking at desktop penetration of Linux and Chrome market share, I'm not seeing it. But I'd honestly like to hear the argument for that scenario.

Is it because of the low cost to phone hardware manufacturers? Their ability to modify it to meet their business needs? That I might understand.

[nofear1az]

Originally Posted by astrosmash

Ballmer in 2007: There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.

We all know Ballmer is still a growing boy and must eat his own words a lot.

[Dick Applebaum]

Originally Posted by RichL

Android was released after the iPhone.

Anyone who thinks that Android won't have a larger share of the market than Apple in three years time is highly deluded.

From the perspective of a consumer and a developer, what standard features can I depend on to be included in every Android phone.?

[Silencio]

Originally Posted by souliisoul

If Blackberry made a iPhone clone, in terms of screen size, I would reconsider my decision, since RIM are solid and more established in business user security.

Well, they already did: it's called the Blackberry Storm; it's pretty awful, and it hasn't exactly put a dent in iPhone sales.

I'm not a close follower of RIM's product roadmaps, but their touchscreen devices need a serious, serious rethink if they want to compete with Apple in that space.

[Zoolook]

Oh, so I just HAVE to post this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5oGaZIKYvo

Balmer really will be the end of Microsoft...

[Zoolook]

Originally Posted by Silencio

Well, they already did: it's called the Blackberry Storm; it's pretty awful, and it hasn't exactly put a dent in iPhone sales.

I'm not a close follower of RIM's product roadmaps, but their touchscreen devices need a serious, serious rethink if they want to compete with Apple in that space.

Exactly. I have a BB as well as an iPhone, and the BB is just perfect for reading lots of business emails, and banging them out. But not much else...

[OC4Theo]

The decline will continue until it exists no more. Microsoft neither can nor want to innovate. Windows is as old as dinosaurs. And like dinosaurs, it will die and be gone.

Windows sucks! Not for me, no way.

[Tofino]

Originally Posted by astrosmash

Ballmer in 2007: There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.

that never gets old does it?

[Tofino]

Originally Posted by Dick Applebaum

From the perspective of a consumer and a developer, what standard features can I depend on to be included in every Android phone.?

i think that's going to be the biggest drawback for android. the average consumer will have to read the fineprint about the included features for specific models. that could lead to some buyer's remorse. overall i think android is going to be a viable alternative. it's just not going to be the no-brainer that (i think) the iphone is.

[ksec]

I really hope Apple could continue with the growth. Which would properly require price cut in 6 months time and a new version in a years time.
The next iPhone is going to be important because Nokia is catching up rapidly. And it is perhaps the biggest competitor Apple has to encounter in terms of innovation, cash and power.

[SGSStateStudent]

Originally Posted by astrosmash

Ballmer in 2007: There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.

Ha. Look how things have changed over 2+ years.. The iPhone has truly proved to be revolutionary to many..

[SGSStateStudent]

Originally Posted by OC4Theo

The decline will continue until it exists no more. Microsoft neither can nor want to innovate. Windows is as old as dinosaurs. And like dinosaurs, it will die and be gone.

Windows sucks! Not for me, no way.

Windows 7= Mac OSX LEOPARD only..
Zune= So last year.. iPod is still the IN thing..
WM= last year also.. iPhone OSX = The best mobile OS available now.

[SGSStateStudent]

Originally Posted by Zoolook

Oh, so I just HAVE to post this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5oGaZIKYvo

Balmer really will be the end of Microsoft...

LOL. Nice!

[SGSStateStudent]

Originally Posted by Silencio

Well, they already did: it's called the Blackberry Storm; it's pretty awful, and it hasn't exactly put a dent in iPhone sales.

I'm not a close follower of RIM's product roadmaps, but their touchscreen devices need a serious, serious rethink if they want to compete with Apple in that space.

I was checking out Storm reviews and I guess the clicky touchscreen is just epic inconvenience and a major fail.

[PaulMJohnson]

Originally Posted by RichL

Android was released after the iPhone.

Anyone who thinks that Android won't have a larger share of the market than Apple in three years time is highly deluded.

I don't think you are deluded thinking Apple will have larger market share than Android in three years, but I do think the Android results are actually pretty impressive. With less time and let's face it, without Apples incredible marketing machine behind it, Android has gained a reasonable share of the market - I'm impressed.

However, Apple seem to be on the up here. Much like with getting peoples music on iTunes, getting peoples apps in there as well starts to tie people into a technology in a way that nobody else seems to have managed. Connect that to the fact that Apple keep knocking out innovative hardware and software, and they seem to be in good shape.

What I'm really interested to see is how iPhone sales lead to further Mac sales.

My path into Apple was buying an iPod because of the hype and it looked cool. I then bought a Mac because I was impressed by the quality of the design of the iPod. I then bought an Apple TV because I was impressed by the Mac, then I bought another Mac because I'd been blown away by how much better it was than Windows etc.

I wonder how many people are having their first experience of Apple and will buy Macs because of it. Even more, I wonder how many CEO's will be getting iPhones because, lets face it, all the cool execs have them (!), and will then force their IT departments to support it, and may then force their IT departments to look at Macs.

I really feel iPhone is a trojan horse for Apple.

Now, if only my CEO would get one and force our IT nerds to support them - then I could get away from Blackberry!

[randythot]

Originally Posted by PaulMJohnson

My path into Apple was buying an iPod because of the hype and it looked cool. I then bought a Mac because I was impressed by the quality of the design of the iPod. I then bought an Apple TV because I was impressed by the Mac, then I bought another Mac because I'd been blown away by how much better it was than Windows etc.

I wonder how many people are having their first experience of Apple and will buy Macs because of it. Even more, I wonder how many CEO's will be getting iPhones because, lets face it, all the cool execs have them (!), and will then force their IT departments to support it, and may then force their IT departments to look at Macs.

I really feel iPhone is a trojan horse for Apple.

Paul, thanks for sharing ur story...I was at a restaurant tonite, and saw a decent number of the diners eating there at some point fiddling with their iPhones. The amazing thing was, the diversity of the demographic using it. Age, gender, socio-economic status, and pretty much anyone who might afford it. Very little rhyme or reason.

Like those Russian wooden dolls that nest inside each other, I think the iPod Touch is the trojan horse for the iPhone. The ability to move your files from the Touch to iPhone was a cross-platform stroke of brilliance. All iPod Touch's are iPhones on training wheels!

I already know of a few "top execs" in my world (clergy of large churches) who embrace them. In fact, one grants a stipend for the purchase of iPhones for all his staff, and it was a 4000 member church.

[SGSStateStudent]

Originally Posted by randythot

Paul, thanks for sharing ur story...I was at a restaurant tonite, and saw a decent number of the diners eating there at some point fiddling with their iPhones. The amazing thing was, the diversity of the demographic using it. Age, gender, socio-economic status, and pretty much anyone who might afford it. Very little rhyme or reason.

Like those Russian wooden dolls that nest inside each other, I think the iPod Touch is the trojan horse for the iPhone. The ability to move your files from the Touch to iPhone was a cross-platform stroke of brilliance. All iPod Touch's are iPhones on training wheels!

I already know of a few "top execs" in my world (clergy of large churches) who embrace them. In fact, one grants a stipend for the purchase of iPhones for all his staff, and it was a 4000 member church.

That was what Steve Jobs said when he introduced the first iPod Touch! Training wheels for the iPhone!

[AjitMD]

The iPhone with its integrated multi touch technology, full Unix based OS, and integrated hardware has been a disruptive technology. They have first mover advantage and the critical mass in apps. I do not see how the competition is going to catch up.

Windows Mobile, RIMM products are yesterday's tech... their OS has limitations. They added touch tech, but does not integrate well. Android is a free OS, but their partners are varied. HTC for one makes junk phones, enough to make me puke and I have owned 2 of their phones with Windows Mobile... very poor performance. The Pre is a poor copy of the iPhone with limited apps... why buy a copy when for almost the same price, one can buy the real thing? Nokia is loosing market share... I doubt that Microsoft Office will make much of a difference... that is yesterday's tech.

[elroth]

Don't dismiss Windows Mobile so easily - MS announced just this week that next year there will be TWO Windows Mobile operating systems - WM 6.5 and WM 7. That's two OS's to Apple's one. Windows Mobile will make a big comeback, as people rush to...

Oh, never mind.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

The writing's on the wall.

MS' gross laziness and negligence when it comes to their consumer products has caught up with them again.

And it looks like they have no sane, comprehensive, workable plan to resurrect the mess that is Windows Mobile.

Heh!

When I first glanced at your writing "MS' gross laziness and negligence", I thought; Does he know me that well?

But then I read the rest of the sentence and realized you didn't mean me.

You didn't, did you?

[melgross]

Originally Posted by xtrmtrk

Why? I'm not sure I follow the logic but I'd like to. Looking at desktop penetration of Linux and Chrome market share, I'm not seeing it. But I'd honestly like to hear the argument for that scenario.

Is it because of the low cost to phone hardware manufacturers? Their ability to modify it to meet their business needs? That I might understand.

Yes, that's exactly why they're interested. Symbian is too old. It looks as though even Nokia is moving in other directions.

Win Mobil will cost them between $7 and $15 per phone. WebOS will also cost them money. Plus, they would have to pay again for each phone every year when an upgrade came out.

The Linux OS's haven't done too well, and so that leaves Android.

I'd be willing to bet that if Apple licensed their phone OS, they would be lining up at the door for the access to the App Store.

[MacTel]

Maybe Microsoft should partner up more and have Nokia ditch Symbian for WinMo 6.5 and 7.0. Couldn't hurt.

Personally I don't care for WinMo as it has always tried to be a desktop on your phone with cumbersome menus etc. That's why I've preferred the Blackberry over WinMo devices.

The iPhones app layout copied RIM's Blackberry OS application layout, but that's about. The iPhone is nice but my phone is about doing business so ease of receiving email and hooking-up with common documents is a must. The Blackberry OS integrates with Outlook real well. I don't see the iPhone doing that very well especially with calendar appointments and alerts.

So far the Blackberry is the superior business phone, but the iPhone is catching-up rapidly. I'd say by iPhone OS 4.0 Apple will surpass the Blackberry as the must-hast does-all business phone.

Don't expect RIM to stand still though. Those Canadians are smarties.

[jfanning]

Originally Posted by AjitMD

T Nokia is loosing market share... I doubt that Microsoft Office will make much of a difference... that is yesterday's tech.

If Nokia are loosing market share, then maybe someone should tighten it up then...

[jfanning]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Eighteen (18) months ago, Apple and RIM had much lower market share.
cf. http://www.canalys.com/pr/2008/r2008021.htm

Apple and RIM had 6.5% and 11.4% respectively.

Those percentages are a funny thing, you can't directly compare them from year to year as the market has changed so much in that time

[SGSStateStudent]

Originally Posted by melgross

Yes, that's exactly why they're interested. Symbian is too old. It looks as though even Nokia is moving in other directions.

Win Mobil will cost them between $7 and $15 per phone. WebOS will also cost them money. Plus, they would have to pay again for each phone every year when an upgrade came out.

The Linux OS's haven't done too well, and so that leaves Android.

I'd be willing to bet that if Apple licensed their phone OS, they would be lining up at the door for the access to the App Store.

+1!! LOL! Everybody will want the iPhone OS by then!!