Google’s Android has trounced Apple’s iPhone OS by capturing the coveted number-two position among smartphone operating systems.
According to the NPD Group, Android moved into second position at 28 percent behind RIM’s OS (36 percent) and ahead of Apple’s OS (21 percent).
“As in the past, carrier distribution and promotion have played a crucial role in determining smartphone market share,” said Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis for NPD.
“In order to compete with the iPhone, Verizon Wireless has expanded its buy-one-get-one offer beyond RIM devices to now include all of their smartphones.”
Rubin explained that strong sales of the Droid, Droid Eris, and Blackberry Curve helped keep Verizon Wireless’s smartphone sales on par with AT&T in Q1.
Indeed, smartphone sales at AT&T comprised nearly a third of the entire smartphone market (32 percent), followed by Verizon Wireless (30 percent), T-Mobile (17 percent) and Sprint (15 percent).
“Recent previews of BlackBerry 6, the recently announced acquisition of Palm by HP, and the pending release of Windows Phone 7 demonstrates the industry’s willingness to make investments to address consumer demand for smartphones and other mobile devices,” noted Rubin.
“Carriers continue to offer attractive pricing for devices, but will need to present other data-plan options to attract more customers in the future.”
