Verizon Activates 6.2 Million iPhones in 4Q 2012, Nearly Two-Thirds of Total Smartphone Activations

[MacRumors]

Verizon today became the first major U.S. iPhone carrier to announce earnings for the fourth quarter of 2012. Overall, the carrier activated 9.8 million smartphones during the quarter, and GigaOM notes that Verizon revealed on its conference call that 6.2 million, or nearly two-thirds, of those were iPhones.

Perhaps most interestingly, only half of those iPhones activated during the quarter were of the iPhone 5 variety, indicating that Verizon continues to enjoy strong sales of the lower-cost iPhone 4S and iPhone 4.

It sold 7.3 million LTE devices the last three months of 2012, and it activated 9.8 million smartphones in total. It activated 6.2 million iPhones, about half of which were the LTE-enabled iPhone 5.

Approximately 23% of devices on Verizon's base are now LTE-compatible, with those devices representing almost half of the carrier's data traffic. And AllThingsD notes that Verizon has halted any further additions to its 3G networks in favor of continuing to expand its already substantial 4G LTE networks.

Last quarter, Verizon reported total iPhone activations of 3.1 million, representing 46% of the carrier's smartphone sales.

Apple will be reporting its own earnings tomorrow after the close of trading, at approximately 4:30 PM Eastern / 1:30 PM Pacific. MacRumors will have full coverage of Apple's earnings release and associated conference call taking place at 5:00 PM Eastern / 2:00 PM Pacific.

Article Link: Verizon Activates 6.2 Million iPhones in 4Q 2012, Nearly Two-Thirds of Total Smartphone Activations

[ChrisTX]

So it seems like Android users are defecting to iOS, while iOS users are defecting to Android. Interesting.

[italynlprkn]

still kicking myself for not buying a call when the stock price was around $485

[ghost187]

Originally Posted by italynlprkn

still kicking myself for not buying a call when the stock price was around $485

Lol, I just bought some 580 march calls now, it aint too late until apple announces earnings on wednesday.

[newagemac]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

So it seems like Android users are deflecting to iOS, while iOS users are deflecting to Android. Interesting.

I don't see any numbers showing iOS users defecting to Android. But iOS sure seems to be taking a ton of sales from Android lately where they are equally available and at similar price points. Especially in the U.S., iOS is growing rapidly. Latest reports here show the iPhone now over 50% marketshare and Android continuing to drop.

With the iPhone being available on most of the largest carriers here and with subsidizing putting the price points on an equal footing, people are choosing the iPhone/iOS over Android. It will be interesting to see if Apple can make pricing and availability more in line in the rest of the world as it is in the United States because iOS and iPhone sure seem to be preferred in general over Android.

Still amazing that one company can have more marketshare than an entire group of other companies combined in what can be considered the most important single market for smartphones.

[ChrisTX]

Originally Posted by newagemac

I don't see any numbers showing iOS users defecting to Android. But iOS sure seems to be taking a ton of sales from Android lately where they are equally available and at similar price points. Especially in the U.S. iOS is growing rapidly. Latest reports here show the iPhone now over 50% marketshare and Android continuing to drop.

I haven't seen any official numbers but take a look in the forums here, there are a TON of ex iPhone users with Android devices now. I'm one of them, and I know PLENTY in person that have done the same. It's not a knock on iOS(though it needs some serious revision) but it's further proof that the times are changing, and that people want something different, and are willing to give Android a try.

[Lancetx]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

I haven't seen any official numbers but take a look in the forums here, there are a TON of ex iPhone users with Android devices now. I'm one of them, and I know PLENTY in person that have done the same. It's not a knock on iOS(though it needs some serious revision) but it's further proof that the times are changing, and that people want something different, and are willing to give Android a try.

Based on Verizon's official numbers today, for every one person that does what you did, there must be two going in the opposite direction and switching from Android (or another OS) to iOS...

[ChrisTX]

Originally Posted by Lancetx

Based on Verizon's official numbers today, for every one person that does what you did, there must be two going in the opposite direction and switching from Android (or another OS) to iOS...

I think the idea is people that had Android, experienced earlier versions like Gingerbread, on less than capable devices such as the Razr/S2/Captivate, etc...Honestly before ICS, and even the S3 I never would have considered Android in a million years. However, the experience on my S3 has been great, and even better on my Nexus 4. Android has really come a long way with ICS, and Now Jellybean, and in my opinion is a worthy competitor. I think the people defecting from Android(I know a few that went this way too) had bad experiences with bad devices rightfully so.

On the flip side however, the sleep/wake button on my iPhone 4 was broken, and I had an upgrade available just waiting to be used. ICS brought some VAST improvements over gingerbread, so I decided to take the plunge with Android. The experience has been mostly positive. I think the idea is that while the satisfaction ratings tend to remain very high with the iPhone, some people are bored with the same old thing, and want to try something else. People now view Android as good enough, or in a lot of cases better.

Originally Posted by alent1234

i played with my father in law's S3 a few days ago, and i don't plan to trade my iphone for it.

lots of little annoyances on it

It's not a perfect device(much like the iPhone) But it certainly has it's strengths. However beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I've also purchased a Nexus 4, and while it certainly provides the better user experience. The lack of LTE, and user expandable memory (8gb, and 16gb only) keep me coming back to the S3. Neither phone is perfect, and while I still remain heavily invested in Mac, and iOS through the iPad it was time for a change. The argument Apple makes for keeping the display on the iPhone smaller due to one handed usability at this point is a mute point. /rant

[alent1234]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

I haven't seen any official numbers but take a look in the forums here, there are a TON of ex iPhone users with Android devices now. I'm one of them, and I know PLENTY in person that have done the same. It's not a knock on iOS(though it needs some serious revision) but it's further proof that the times are changing, and that people want something different, and are willing to give Android a try.

i played with my father in law's S3 a few days ago, and i don't plan to trade my iphone for it.

lots of little annoyances on it

[Mac21ND]

Originally Posted by alent1234

i played with my father in law's S3 a few days ago, and i don't plan to trade my iphone for it.

lots of little annoyances on it

Prior to getting my iPhone 5, I played with several Android phones. I liked some things like the larger screen sizes, but the apps themselves were not stellar. I still felt like I was getting a better overall experience with an iPhone.

[adildacoolset]

Originally Posted by alent1234

i played with my father in law's S3 a few days ago, and i don't plan to trade my iphone for it.

lots of little annoyances on it

Played with my father's S3, my brother's S3, my grandfather's S3, and my uncles's S3. Clinically speaking, I'd have to be mad to swap out my iPhone 5 for it. The first thing that strikes me is that the display of the S3 is awful. After using the iPhone 5 a lot, that 20 ppi less and the pentile matrix gives a very noticeable fuzziness. Combined with the way the over-saturated amoled display looks terrible in some apps

----------

Originally Posted by E.Lizardo

I doubt that.In my case
1)don't care
2)Not a problem
3)Not a problem,and if it was Google maps is back anyway.

I think you are giving those point WAY to much weight.

Plus, the elimination of the 30-pin connector was inevitable. It had to happen some day. Someone would have to be stupid to think apple would keep it forever.

[newagemac]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

I haven't seen any official numbers but take a look in the forums here, there are a TON of ex iPhone users with Android devices now. I'm one of them, and I know PLENTY in person that have done the same. It's not a knock on iOS(though it needs some serious revision) but it's further proof that the times are changing, and that people want something different, and are willing to give Android a try.

You're giving anecdotal evidence and I'm referring to real statistics. Tech forums are not very indicative of reality. And macrumors in particular is flooded with fandroids and Apple haters who would never consider the iPhone so I would take most "I switched from iPhone to Android and couldn't be happier!" posts with a grain of salt. Not saying that's you though.

The proof is in the pudding. Verizon was a huge Android seller. Now nearly two thirds of their activations are iPhones. The picture can't get much more clearer than that.

[Small White Car]

For comparison:

1 year ago Verizon activated 4.3 million iPhones in the 4th quarter.

This year was 6.2 million.

The low ratio of iPhone 5s may not mean the 5 is selling poorly, only that the 'free' iPhone 4 is selling well. Remember, Verizon never had a 'free' iPhone 3GS.

[NoMoreSony]

In Q4 2011 Verizon sold 4.2 Million iPhones.
In Q4 2012 Verizon sold 6.2 Million iPhones.

In Q1 2012 Apple sold 37 Million iPhones.
In Q1 2013 Apple sold X iPhones.

Х=37/(4.2/6.2)=54.61.

So, if Verizon sold nearly the same part of all iPhones as it was one year ago, we can expect total iPhone sales number around 54-55 Million. Not bad at all. Better than analysts estimates.

[jrswizzle]

Originally Posted by newagemac

You're giving anecdotal evidence and I'm referring to real statistics. Tech forums are not very indicative of reality. And macrumors in particular is flooded with fandroids and Apple haters who would never consider the iPhone so I would take most "I switched from iPhone to Android and couldn't be happier!" posts with a grain of salt. Not saying that's you though.

The proof is in the pudding. Verizon was a huge Android seller. Now nearly two thirds of their activations are iPhones. The picture can't get much more clearer than that.

The problems with what you're saying for a lot of people here are:

1) You use logic
2) People think sales = best phone and they NEED their personal choice to be the best for everyone
3) People are insecure

Sales numbers are sales numbers. And while that says something GENERALLY about the OS and the consumers, to say the phone that sells the most is the best is wildly inaccurate and TOO general.

One day, people will just be happy with what they have because they picked the phone/OS that fit theirs needs/preferences - beit Android, iOS, WP8, or BB10.

----------

Originally Posted by samcraig

Indeed. Which is why I have always loved the notion that you can get stats to say whatever you want them to.

Unless the complete breakdown is given - it's conjecture how the numbers play out.

Exactly - really until Apple releases their quarterly earning tomorrow (and even then we won't know EVERY detail), any numbers comparing is speculative.

[Ryth]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

I haven't seen any official numbers but take a look in the forums here, there are a TON of ex iPhone users with Android devices now. I'm one of them, and I know PLENTY in person that have done the same. It's not a knock on iOS(though it needs some serious revision) but it's further proof that the times are changing, and that people want something different, and are willing to give Android a try.

RFLOL...well I'm glad you are interpolating this data and coming to the conclusion that iOS users are running for Android.

Sorry dude but reality is different then taking a few people from the MacRumors forums, yourself and a few friends and saying iOS users are defecting in tons to Android.

[ChrisTX]

Originally Posted by Ryth

RFLOL...well I'm glad you are interpolating this data and coming to the conclusion that iOS users are running for Android.

Sorry dude but reality is different then taking a few people from the MacRumors forums, yourself and a few friends and saying iOS users are defecting in tons to Android.

I'm not saying the majority, but it allover as well. I see a lot more Android phones now thanks in part to the S3 than I ever saw previously. I'm glad that Apple has ushered in the new mobile era with the iPhone, but you can't deny the overwhelming presence of Android. Let's be honest here, the iPhone 5 was a minor revision over the 4S. Only Apples earning report tomorrow will paint an accurate picture.

[twigman08]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

I haven't seen any official numbers but take a look in the forums here, there are a TON of ex iPhone users with Android devices now. I'm one of them, and I know PLENTY in person that have done the same. It's not a knock on iOS(though it needs some serious revision) but it's further proof that the times are changing, and that people want something different, and are willing to give Android a try.

According the numbers we keep seeing it seems like their are just as many Android users that are coming over to the iPhone. I have a good friend that is and know PLENTY (as you said) in person that have done the same.

Let's also not forget some people that could just now be switching from Blackberry. My best friend is not leaving her Blackberry to iOS.

Times aren't changing and Apple isn't in trouble. People are just wanting something different.

[inkswamp]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

So it seems like Android users are defecting to iOS, while iOS users are defecting to Android. Interesting.

Just anecdotally, amongst my network of friends/family/co-workers, I'm seeing only movement off Android to iOS and none going the other way, although among that group, I see more new smartphone buyers going with Android. Make of that what you will. It fits with my pet theory that Android appeals to the first-time smartphone buyers, but iOS starts to look very attractive once a person gets a sense of what smartphones are all about.

[apfeljonas]

Apple is DOOMED! (TM)

[jrswizzle]

Originally Posted by apfeljonas

Apple is DOOMED! (TM)

God, if you had a trademark on that phrase, a lot of people on these boards would owe you a sh** ton of money!

[Tutone]

Good to me I bought back when it was $79 share thx Apple

[olowott]

tomorrow is gonna tell us the full story which as usual will have ppl

and stocks

[damir00]

There is no positive way to spin this. It is a huge warning flag when your old products are outcompeting your new products. This has never happened before in iPhone history - the game has undeniably changed.

Personally I don't think the 5 is the issue - it's iOS - advancements have slowed to a crawl over the past couple of years.

[mrsir2009]

Originally Posted by jrswizzle

God, if you had a trademark on that phrase, a lot of people on these boards would owe you a sh** ton of money!

It's too generic