Apple passes Nokia to become top smartphone maker in Australia
Apple's iPhone has taken a 36.5 percent share of the smartphone market in Australia, passing Nokia's 30.5 percent share to become the continent's top smartphone maker.
According to IDC figures reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, Nokia remains the top mobile maker overall, with a 37.6 percent share of all phones sold.
However, Nokia's loss of its leadership role in smartphones is notable for two reasons. First, sophisticated smartphones account for most of the profits in the mobile handset industry, and Nokia's Symbian has fallen behind in the software technology needed to deliver compelling smartphone products.
Secondly, Australia represents a significant foreign market that Nokia has comfortably held under its control since taking the top selling smartphone title from Palm in 2002.
Nokia has never had much of a presence in the US, where Apple initially shipped the iPhone. However, as Apple expanded to take leading positions in Europe and Japan as the most popular phone model, Symbian has retreated into smaller markets.
Web statistics published last week by StatCounter indicate Apple's iOS has already taken the lead in North America, Europe and Australia as the most popular devices to browse the web.
Android advancing from the rear
Behind Apple's iOS iPhone and Nokia's Symbian smartphones, all of the manufacturers using Google's Android OS together amount to a collective share of 21 percent of the Australian smartphone market. That share is growing fast, up from only 2.1 percent at the beginning of the year.
"It's looking like next year it's going to be close between Android and Apple," IDC Australia analyst Mark Novosel said in the report, "but I would be inclined to say that Apple will keep its lead, although we have been under pretty much every quarter with our Android forecast so anything really is possible at this stage."
Smartphone sales in Australia have grown by 67 percent over the last year, and now account for 60 percent of all mobiles sold.
"2011 will be a critical year in the Australian market, Android will continue its strong upward trend, with Apple's iOS leading the charge," Novosel concluded.
According to IDC figures reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, Nokia remains the top mobile maker overall, with a 37.6 percent share of all phones sold.
However, Nokia's loss of its leadership role in smartphones is notable for two reasons. First, sophisticated smartphones account for most of the profits in the mobile handset industry, and Nokia's Symbian has fallen behind in the software technology needed to deliver compelling smartphone products.
Secondly, Australia represents a significant foreign market that Nokia has comfortably held under its control since taking the top selling smartphone title from Palm in 2002.
Nokia has never had much of a presence in the US, where Apple initially shipped the iPhone. However, as Apple expanded to take leading positions in Europe and Japan as the most popular phone model, Symbian has retreated into smaller markets.
Web statistics published last week by StatCounter indicate Apple's iOS has already taken the lead in North America, Europe and Australia as the most popular devices to browse the web.
Android advancing from the rear
Behind Apple's iOS iPhone and Nokia's Symbian smartphones, all of the manufacturers using Google's Android OS together amount to a collective share of 21 percent of the Australian smartphone market. That share is growing fast, up from only 2.1 percent at the beginning of the year.
"It's looking like next year it's going to be close between Android and Apple," IDC Australia analyst Mark Novosel said in the report, "but I would be inclined to say that Apple will keep its lead, although we have been under pretty much every quarter with our Android forecast so anything really is possible at this stage."
Smartphone sales in Australia have grown by 67 percent over the last year, and now account for 60 percent of all mobiles sold.
"2011 will be a critical year in the Australian market, Android will continue its strong upward trend, with Apple's iOS leading the charge," Novosel concluded.
Comments
I predict a eventual backlash against the iPhone coming from salespeople at locations other than at Apple Stores, as Android phone makers offer better sales incentives.
It's ok though, Steve and Eric planned this all out in advance, someone had to be the larger "open" platform and Steve surely didn't want Ballmer to have it.
Android will come out on top eventually as they are on more devices, exposed to more eyes and more salespeople, thus more sales.
I predict a eventual backlash against the iPhone coming from salespeople at locations other than at Apple Stores, as Android phone makers offer better sales incentives.
It's ok though, Steve and Eric planned this all out in advance, someone had to be the larger "open" platform and Steve surely didn't want Ballmer to have it.
And your somewhat confusing post has something to do with the iPhone's dominance in Oz?
Regardless of our 'insignificant' head count, the numbers show what would happen in the US when the iPhone can be purchased from Verizon, T mobile and others.
If you don't have an iPhone, in Australia, you're in the minority.
Nothing.
And with almost four years and another smartphone os (Android) entering the arena, what has Nokia done so far to even attempt to remain relevant??
Nothing.
Still mucking about with Symbian!...... the company has lost the plot.
Still mucking about with Symbian!...... the company has lost the plot.
Yes, Nokia is a prime example of what happens when you literally sit on your backside and do nothing.
Total shame. They got too big for their britches and figured they had a never-ending cash-cow. They deserve everything that's coming to them.
And with almost four years and another smartphone os (Android) entering the arena, what has Nokia done so far to even attempt to remain relevant??
Nothing.
Still mucking about with Symbian!...... the company has lost the plot.
Yes, Nokia is a prime example of what happens when you literally sit on your backside and do nothing.
Total shame. They got too big for their britches and figured they had a never-ending cash-cow. They deserve everything that's coming to them.
You guys are going to rile jfanning
People grudgingly take Android devices then a couple of months later they try to exchange them for iPhones.
A few years ago a lot of people would come into a store and wouldn't even look at a phone that wasn't a Nokia.
Still mucking about with Symbian!...... the company has lost the plot.
Can you please explain your comment?
You guys are going to rile jfanning
Why are you going to rile me? I don't care what people think, or what happens to different companies. All I ask is people actually think about what they post and can justify or prove their claims.