BlackBerry unseats iPhone as most popular smartphone in Q1

[AppleInsider]

Aggressive promotions through its US wireless carrier helped push BlackBerry maker Research in Motion ahead Apple and the iPhone to take honors as the most popular smartphone maker during the first quarter of 2009.

During the three-month period ended March, RIM's consumer smartphone market share increased 15 percent to nearly 50 percent of the smartphone market versus the prior quarter, according to market research firm NPD.

The rise was good enough unseat previous top-slot holder Apple, whose iPhone along with handsets manufactured by Palm saw their share of the market each decline by about 10 percent.

NPD attributed the shift largely to an aggressive "buy-one-get-one" promotion by Verizon Wireless that helped RIM's BlackBerry Curve move past the iPhone to become the best-selling consumer smartphone in the U.S. in the first quarter.

"The more familiar, and less expensive, Curve benefited from these giveaways and was able to leapfrog the iPhone, due to its broader availability on the four major U.S. national carriers," said analyst Ross Rubin.

The promotion also contributed to RIM capturing two additional top five positions, namely the the third slot, which went to the BlackBerry Storm, and the fourth, which was made up of all BlackBerry Pearl handsets with the exception of flip models. T-Mobile's G1 handset running Google's open Android software was the fifth most popular smartphone during the quarter.

Overall, smartphones saw their share of the global cell phone market rise 6 percent on a year-over-year basis to 23 percent. Rubin sees this as a sign that, even in the challenging economy, consumers are "migrating toward Web-capable handsets and their supporting data plans to access more information and entertainment on the go."



Apple's fall from top of the smartphone charts wasn't unforeseen. The Cupertino-based company said last month it shipped 3.79 million iPhones during the first calendar quarter of the year. By comparison, RIM sold a record 7.8 million BlackBerries -- or more than double the number of iPhones. -- between December and the end of February.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[hiimamac]

Wow. Just wow. They already say iPhone iPod falling flat ala sales.
New ms ads bad Eco.


Winder what happens when pre comes out
Win 7 with no more support for xp 98 and just one

Msft touch machine tab

All iPhone contracts expire.

Holy molt.

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Aggressive promotions through its US wireless carrier helped push BlackBerry maker Research in Motion ahead Apple and the iPhone to take honors as the most popular smartphone maker during the first quarter of 2009.

During the three-month period ended March, RIM's consumer smartphone market share increased 15 percent to nearly 50 percent of the smartphone market versus the prior quarter, according to market research firm NPD.

The rise was good enough unseat previous top-slot holder Apple, whose iPhone along with handsets manufactured by Palm saw their share of the market each decline by about 10 percent.

NPD attributed the shift largely to an aggressive "buy-one-get-one" promotion by Verizon Wireless that helped RIM's BlackBerry Curve move past the iPhone to become the best-selling consumer smartphone in the U.S. in the first quarter.

"The more familiar, and less expensive, Curve benefited from these giveaways and was able to leapfrog the iPhone, due to its broader availability on the four major U.S. national carriers," said analyst Ross Rubin.

The promotion also contributed to RIM capturing two additional top five positions, namely the the third slot, which went to the BlackBerry Storm, and the fourth, which was made up of all BlackBerry Pearl handsets with the exception of flip models. T-Mobile's G1 handset running Google's open Android software was the fifth most popular smartphone during the quarter.

Overall, smartphones saw their share of the global cell phone market rise 6 percent on a year-over-year basis to 23 percent. Rubin sees this as a sign that, even in the challenging economy, consumers are "migrating toward Web-capable handsets and their supporting data plans to access more information and entertainment on the go."



Apple's fall from top of the smartphone charts wasn't unforeseen. The Cupertino-based company said last month it shipped 3.79 million iPhones during the first calendar quarter of the year. By comparison, RIM sold a record 7.8 million BlackBerries -- or more than double the number of iPhones. -- between December and the end of February.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[bloggerblog]

RIM sells across several wireless provides, Apple only sells through one provider. Apple needs to break free and sell through more providers.

[CU10]

Pic of iPhone Pro at http://cache.gawker.com/assets/image...ne-Pro2_02.jpg

Break loose perhaps, isn't RIM only with Verizon though?

iPhoners would probably stay in their contracts IMO.

[jimpryde]

Of course their sales would skyrocket with BOGO deals. Plenty of elementary kids who just "Neeeeeeeeed" a Blackberry.

I'm reminded of Dennis Miller talking about BOGO suits at K-Mart.

"Two of sh*t is still sh*t"

[jimpryde]

Originally Posted by iStink

It makes no sense from a business standpoint for Apple not to venture out and offer the iphone on other carriers. This data simply drives that fact past common sense into just plain duh.

I think any product has it's ups and downs though. The hype around the iphone is lower now, but will inevitably explode again when the new iphone is unveiled.

Out of curiosity, will the prices on the current iphone model drop when they start selling the new iphone?

I agree on the carriers. Though I have been an AT&T/Cingular/SW Bell Wireless/Ameritech customer for going on 15 years now, I think it would benefit Apple to branch out. I realize they wanted to put their eggs in one basket regarding development of features like visual voicemail, but can it be that hard to create features like that on other networks?

As for the new iPhone, I hope there are some stunning new features and improvements. I have yet to bite on the iPhone yet, but was tempted with the refurbed 16GB for $149. Still, for me that is a boatload of cash for a phone. I have yet to pay more than $29 for a phone. Heck, my Palm Centro was free, and it does a decent job though the keyboard is ridiculously small.

[Alonso Perez]

That kind of two-for-one antic will cost RIM dearly in the next quarter.

That said, clearly RIM is the most important competitor in the long run. People who own Blackberries are fiercely loyal. They are just like Apple fans. RIM would have to have not one, but several duds in order to lose them, and that's not likely.

Competition is good. Everybody needs to keep on their toes.

[teckstud]

I'm sorry but nothing could be more relentless than the "There's an App for That" commercials.

[NasserAE]

Originally Posted by hiimamac

All iPhone contracts expire.

Holy molt.

I really doubt that iPhone owners, even those whose contracts will expire, will leave the iPhone along with the money they invested in buying their iPhone apps anytime soon.

I don't know why people think of Jun/July as the magic date where iPhone owners will expire their contracts?!! The 1st generation iPhone was sold for a whole year before it was replaced by the 3G version and the majority of 1st iPhone owners (in the US) upgraded. I am also sure that almost all of those who did not upgrade will go for the new iPhone coming this summer so they can keep using their apps (professional, games, .. etc).

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by NasserAE

I really doubt that iPhone owners, even those whose contracts will expire, will leave the iPhone along with the money they invested in buying their iPhone apps anytime soon.

I don't know why people think of Jun/July as the magic date where iPhone owners will expire their contracts?!! The 1st generation iPhone was sold for a whole year before it was replaced by the 3G version and the majority of 1st iPhone owners (in the US) upgraded. I am also sure that almost all of those who did not upgrade will go for the new iPhone coming this summer so they can keep using their apps (professional, games, .. etc).

They could also opt for a Touch and a really good phone.

[NasserAE]

Originally Posted by Alonso Perez

That said, clearly RIM is the most important competitor in the long run. People who own Blackberries are fiercely loyal. They are just like Apple fans. RIM would have to have not one, but several duds in order to lose them, and that's not likely.

I don't think Apple and RIMM are behind each other customers. The biggest market right now are those who don't own a smart phone.

[PatsFan83]

Originally Posted by jimpryde

I have yet to bite on the iPhone yet, but was tempted with the refurbed 16GB for $149. Still, for me that is a boatload of cash for a phone. I have yet to pay more than $29 for a phone.

You do realize that the iPhone is more than a phone right? How much did you pay for your iPod?

[teckstud]

How many of those Blackberries were promoted and sold via AT&T with their relentless promotion for their self proclaimed outstanding 3G network?
Just wondering.

[Adjei]

Originally Posted by hiimamac

Wow. Just wow. They already say iPhone iPod falling flat ala sales.
New ms ads bad Eco.


Winder what happens when pre comes out
Win 7 with no more support for xp 98 and just one

Msft touch machine tab

All iPhone contracts expire.

Holy molt.

Damn learn how to spell and make sense.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by jimpryde

As for the new iPhone, I hope there are some stunning new features and improvements. I have yet to bite on the iPhone yet, but was tempted with the refurbed 16GB for $149. Still, for me that is a boatload of cash for a phone. I have yet to pay more than $29 for a phone. Heck, my Palm Centro was free, and it does a decent job though the keyboard is ridiculously small.

And the AT&T iPhone plan ain't cheap either.

[dagamer34]

Originally Posted by NasserAE

I really doubt that iPhone owners, even those whose contracts will expire, will leave the iPhone along with the money they invested in buying their iPhone apps anytime soon.

I don't know why people think of Jun/July as the magic date where iPhone owners will expire their contracts?!! The 1st generation iPhone was sold for a whole year before it was replaced by the 3G version and the majority of 1st iPhone owners (in the US) upgraded. I am also sure that almost all of those who did not upgrade will go for the new iPhone coming this summer so they can keep using their apps (professional, games, .. etc).

There's no reason not to upgrade unless you're against paying $15 more per month... (oh wait!)

[jimpryde]

Originally Posted by PatsFan83

You do realize that the iPhone is more than a phone right? How much did you pay for your iPod?

I have a nano that was given to me and a 15GB 2nd generation iPod, that was free with the purchase of a Mac. So, technically my iPods cost me nothing.

Someone else mentioned the plan, which is a big part of my reluctance. I don't send more than 5 texts per month, but the apps available make it worth having the phone. I'm becoming more of a fan of a world without wires.

[cameronj]

Originally Posted by teckstud

They could also opt for a Touch and a really good phone.

Who are you kidding? No one is going from one device that they love to two devices that replicate the same functions (kinda - you'd still be giving up some things, like GPS and the 3G app integration (facebook uploading from the road and the like). You're really reaching here, it's kinda sad.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by italiankid

hahahaha

I agree... I see an Ad every hour for the iPhone in Canada...

Lets make no excuse... the RIM deserves credit when due!


CONGRATS BLACKBERRY!

Just for the record, this is quite inaccurate.

First, there is hardly an iPhone advertisement every hour. Secondly, the iPhone advertisements are from Apple only and are the same ones, shown with the same frequency as all the others shown around the world.

The *carriers* in Canada, don't advertise the iPhone at all. Period. None.

All the carrier phone commercials are for the Blackberry or similar phones. This includes Rogers and fido who actually carry the iPhone as well as all the other carriers that only carry the Blackberry.

I don't know about other countries, but in Canada at least, the iPhone is not promoted by the carriers and the amount of Blackberry commercials far outweigh the iPhone commercials by a factor of six or eight to one IMO.

[cameronj]

Originally Posted by jimpryde

I have a nano that was given to me and a 15GB 2nd generation iPod, that was free with the purchase of a Mac. So, technically my iPods cost me nothing.

ATT and Apple would be very pleased to hear the logic that causes you to think that your iPod was free. It only cost you $1500 or so.

[halfyearsun]

Originally Posted by hiimamac

Wow. Just wow. They already say iPhone iPod falling flat ala sales.
New ms ads bad Eco.


Winder what happens when pre comes out
Win 7 with no more support for xp 98 and just one

Msft touch machine tab

All iPhone contracts expire.

Holy molt.

was that haiku or something?

[macFanDave]

RIM didn't SELL 7.8 million BlackBerries, they SHIPPED that amount. When you get so desperate that you give away half of your products, you may be able to bump up your volume temporarily, but it's a doomed business model.

Either the Blackberries are highly overpriced when they are sold at regular price, or they are losing money with this promotion. In either case, RIM is engaging in an unsustainable practice. The company should not be applauded for making a superior product, they should just get that sarcastic, slow clap for pulling off a cunning stunt.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by cameronj

Who are you kidding? No one is going from one device that they love to two devices that replicate the same functions (kinda - you'd still be giving up some things, like GPS and the 3G app integration (facebook uploading from the road and the like). You're really reaching here, it's kinda sad.

It's because he's a kid and can't afford the iPhone. He regularly dumps on everything Apple with the exception of the Apple products he owns which are grudgingly admitted to be "okay."

When he finally buys an iPhone one day, it will magically transform into the best thing since sliced bread and it will be hard to shut him up about that also.

[aaarrrgggh]

The blackberries are everywhere now... people that "should" go for an iPhone are opting for the BB. It's odd to me, but clearly visible out and about looking at what people are using.

For myself, I'll be ditching my 1st gen iPhone bought at launch come June. I still haven't figured out what my replacement will be, but one thing is certain: I will not buy a SIM-locked smart phone! The numnutz that decided that was a good idea must not travel. At least the Blackberries have some semblence of an international roaming plan!

[hittrj01]

Originally Posted by teckstud

How many of those Blackberries were promoted and sold via AT&T with their relentless promotion for their self proclaimed outstanding 3G network?
Just wondering.

Every single Blackberry Bold, if I'm not mistaken. Also, the Curve and Pearl don't even have the option for 3G.

And the AT&T iPhone plan ain't cheap either.

Right, because you magically get a cheaper plan when getting a Blackberry? You still have to pay $30/mo, regardless if it's a Blackberry or iPhone, so please, let's put the "iPhone is much more expensive than competing phones" farce to rest.

[halfyearsun]

Originally Posted by NasserAE

I really doubt that iPhone owners, even those whose contracts will expire, will leave the iPhone along with the money they invested in buying their iPhone apps anytime soon.

I don't know why people think of Jun/July as the magic date where iPhone owners will expire their contracts?!! The 1st generation iPhone was sold for a whole year before it was replaced by the 3G version and the majority of 1st iPhone owners (in the US) upgraded. I am also sure that almost all of those who did not upgrade will go for the new iPhone coming this summer so they can keep using their apps (professional, games, .. etc).

agreed.

june/july marks the first round of expiring contracts. all the early adopters. who waited in line for hours or days.

these are the people who are supposedly going to abandon the iphone.

[waywoodr]

Originally Posted by italiankid

I agree... I see an Ad every hour for the iPhone in Canada...!

That's annoying ... I think we should have at least some ads here (West Aus). I get so many people who say "an iPhone ... What's that?"

[hittrj01]

Originally Posted by cameronj

ATT and Apple would be very pleased to hear the logic that causes you to think that your iPod was free. It only cost you $1500 or so.

Yep, because that Mac that he bought was worth nothing. Seriously, are some of you people this mentally challenged, or just trying to sound stupid?

And why would AT&T care? It was an iPod, not an iPhone. Before you criticize somebody, try to get your facts straight.

[christopher126]

Originally Posted by macFanDave

RIM didn't SELL 7.8 million BlackBerries, they SHIPPED that amount. When you get so desperate that you give away half of your products, you may be able to bump up your volume temporarily, but it's a doomed business model.

Either the Blackberries are highly overpriced when they are sold at regular price, or they are losing money with this promotion. In either case, RIM is engaging in an unsustainable practice. The company should not be applauded for making a superior product, they should just get that sarcastic, slow clap for pulling off a cunning stunt.

"They are going to sell it below cost, and make it up on volume!"

A lot of businesses choose this misguided approach to keep the "numbers up...."

They're chasing market share thinking that will eventually give them profit!

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by hittrj01

Every single Blackberry Bold, if I'm not mistaken. Also, the Curve and Pearl don't even have the option for 3G.



Right, because you magically get a cheaper plan when getting a Blackberry? You still have to pay $30/mo, regardless if it's a Blackberry or iPhone, so please, let's put the "iPhone is much more expensive than competing phones" farce to rest.

No- because if you get the Blackberry for $29 than it is. Is it that hard to figure out?

[Eduardo]

Originally Posted by italiankid

hahahaha

I agree... I see an Ad every hour for the iPhone in Canada...

Lets make no excuse... the RIM deserves credit when due!


CONGRATS BLACKBERRY!

One of the more sensible and rational comments in this thread.

I can wait for the next version iPhone (the first for my wife and I)!

[Wiggin]

Originally Posted by cameronj

Who are you kidding? No one is going from one device that they love to two devices that replicate the same functions (kinda - you'd still be giving up some things, like GPS and the 3G app integration (facebook uploading from the road and the like). You're really reaching here, it's kinda sad.

It's really not that much of a reach. The touch has had pretty good marketshare gains recently. And I for one sometimes just want a small phone I can put in my pocket when I'm heading out. I go out with friends and the first thing many of them have to do when we sit down at a table is take their iPhones out of their pocket so they don't break them when they sit down. But they are forced to take them with when we go out because it's their phone, too.

[Quadra 610]

Cheap and plentiful tends to sell.

Apple with just ONE phone with just ONE provider shook up the entire industry and took #1 position in the US and #3 worldwide and held it for quite some time.

Now, in a lousy economy, RIM offers a Wal-Mart-esque promotion on their ancient e-mail/texting machines and they manage to get into a top spot in Q1. And so far only Q1.

Are we supposed to be impressed that a company that has been in business forever, that has produced the Storm-flop, has managed not to suck for once??

[Adjei]

Originally Posted by halfyearsun

was that haiku or something?

[hittrj01]

Originally Posted by teckstud

No- because if you get the Blackberry for $29 than it is. Is it that hard to figure out?

That was not your argument. You specifically said the iPhone plans weren't cheap, which is technically true, but no more expensive than a Blackberries. You didn't mention anything about the cost of the phone, so I figured things out just fine, thank you.

Either way, those 30 dollar Blackberries have no 3G or WiFi, among other shortcomings. Comparing the iPhone 3G to a Curve or Pearl is just laughable. A much more accurate comparison would be to the Bold, which is more than the iPhone right now. Even so, with the Curve or Pearls, it's a $170 difference at most, so while being more expensive (for a more feature-rich phone), it's not the rediculous difference you would try to make it out to be.

I don't know why I keep letting a child pull me into these arguments. I think it'd be best to just ignore him.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Wiggin

It's really not that much of a reach. The touch has had pretty good marketshare gains recently. And I for one sometimes just want a small phone I can put in my pocket when I'm heading out. I go out with friends and the first thing many of them have to do when we sit down at a table is take their iPhones out of their pocket so they don't break them when they sit down. But they are forced to take them with when we go out because it's their phone, too.

Thank god- someone else like me. A small phone is so much easier to carry in your pocket- agreed. And our signal is so much better than the iPhone as well. We are in a win .win situation. And we don't need to recharge TWICE A DAY. Luv my Touch though. The Touch is the future- the iPhone is so passe. No need to pay carriers such extravagant fees in the future.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by hittrj01

That was not your argument. You specifically said the iPhone plans weren't cheap, which is technically true, but no more expensive than a Blackberries. You didn't mention anything about the cost of the phone, so I figured things out just fine, thank you.

Either way, those 30 dollar Blackberries have no 3G or WiFi, among other shortcomings. Comparing the iPhone 3G to a Curve or Pearl is just laughable. A much more accurate comparison would be to the Bold, which is more than the iPhone right now. Even so, with the Curve or Pearls, it's a $170 difference at most, so while being more expensive (for a more feature-rich phone), it's not the rediculous difference you would try to make it out to be.

I don't know why I keep letting a child pull me into these arguments. I think it'd be best to just ignore him.

You're laughable. You're AT&T iPhone has a bad reputation for a clear connection - so what's your point if it can't compete for call clarity or connection- Wifi and all?

[Jsyedinak]

Originally Posted by CU10

Break loose perhaps, isn't RIM only with Verizon though?

iPhoners would probably stay in their contracts IMO.

No Rim is with ALL Carriers for the Blackberry. The Curve is a great device for a Blackberry but the numbers are only higher since they sell a ton through multiple carriers for cheap for Companies that just care about Email and Calendar. The Curve is definitely not a full-featured device with good software ala the iPhone but simply does what it does pretty well.

[paxman]

Originally Posted by hiimamac

Wow. Just wow. They already say iPhone iPod falling flat ala sales.
New ms ads bad Eco.


Winder what happens when pre comes out
Win 7 with no more support for xp 98 and just one

Msft touch machine tab

All iPhone contracts expire.

Holy molt.

Your post is a poor advertisement for the iPhone. I take it you sent your post from one? Other than that... BIG YAWN! If Apple had a buy one get one offer... guess what? The BB is a great product and so is the iPhone. They'll be head to head for a long time yet and I really don't think one will outdo the other. What will sink either will be their own stupid mistakes, bad marketing, poor qc, arrogance, etc.

[iVlad]

Originally Posted by jimpryde

I have a nano that was given to me and a 15GB 2nd generation iPod, that was free with the purchase of a Mac. So, technically my iPods cost me nothing.

Someone else mentioned the plan, which is a big part of my reluctance. I don't send more than 5 texts per month, but the apps available make it worth having the phone. I'm becoming more of a fan of a world without wires.

Wow, lol I don't think Apple or ATT wants you to have iPhone anyway if you not gonna use it.