Android officially pulls ahead of iOS in Q2 2010

[JohnnyQuest]

How can anyone say Apple is dead/defeated/losing when Android is sold at *every* service provider and only now has outsold Apple? I mean, good accomplishment, but Android is on so many more devices that iOS. Dozens of devices. The iPhone sold *millions* within two days. And even with Android representing the largest chunk of market share, Apple still represents just under a quarter...with ONE phone.

 

[rdowns]

**** market share.

While iPhone accounts for only 3% of handset market share by unit volume, Finacial Times reveals some Goldman’s numbers that show it’s set to capture a stunning 2X the profit share of Nokia, RIM, and Sony — combined.

Link

 

[skunk]

Apple is beleaguered, no doubt about it.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

Well if they are just comparing software installed on a device shouldn't the iPad and iPod touch be included? They both run the iOS software.

Android is installed on things other than phones, as well, but I think we're talking phones here, hence the linked article title "Android is now top-selling OS in American smartphones"

When Apple starts giving phones away for free and starts coming out with 100 new phones per month, this will matter. Until then, Android is behind the iPhone in reality.

What reality is that? Apple has chosen to go with the sales model they use (namely, controlling all aspects of the system: software, hardware, apps, etc.) and has been very successful despite the (alleged) shortcomings of the carrier with which they went to bed. Google has used a different model (developing open source software for any hardware maker to use) and has also shown tremendous growth, but in a different way.

The "reality" is that Android will likely continue to grow to the point where it eclipses iOS many times over precisely because it is available on so many devices. Even when Apple eventually offers the iPhone on the other U.S. carriers, it will still probably be on the same one iPhone per year release model they've used for the last four versions. Android will continue to be offered on a variety of devices, on a variety of networks, meaning no single phone may ever eclipse the iPhone's numbers. But Google doesn't seem to care about that. They're not in the hardware business (esp. now that they've ditched the Nexus 1).

 

[barkomatic]

This is a war between iOS and the Android platforms, not a war between the iPhone specifically and Android. When you combine iPhones, iPads and iPods then Android is not in the lead.

Granted Android is catching up fast, but its not there quite yet. The headlines are misleading.

 

[CocoaPuffs]

If I was able to dump my PC with crap load of money invested in its software for a Mac, I would have no problem dumping my iPhone for a better phone.

But dude, who else can swap phones in a local store just because you have "issues" with your phone?

 

[MacJones]

Who cares, Apple is selling as many iPhones as they can produce. Android is a fad just like the iPhone was, the only difference is, Apple has a very loyal fanbase that will only buy products from them.

This doesn't apply to everyone but all of my friends that own an Android device only bought it because they wanted Verizon instead of AT&T. If the iPhone was offered on Verizon they would have bought it instead instead of an Android device.

I see Android as a fad that will eventually burn out, just like the Motorola razr.

 

[samcraig]

The "reality" is that Android will likely continue to grow to the point where it eclipses iOS many times over precisely because it is available on so many devices. Even when Apple eventually offers the iPhone on the other U.S. carriers, it will still probably be on the same one iPhone per year release model they've used for the last four versions. Android will continue to be offered on a variety of devices, on a variety of networks, meaning no single phone may ever eclipse the iPhone's numbers. But Google doesn't seem to care about that. They're not in the hardware business (esp. now that they've ditched the Nexus 1).

So what you're saying is that although the iPhone will have a great niche and marketshare, they overall will not be dominant. Much like how they are niche with their computers and aren't dominant compared to Microsoft.

I think is is not only fair but accurate. And there's NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. Does anyone think the marketplace would benefit from having one PHONE that has so much marketshare that no other manufacturer could grab enough to make it worth their while? We all benefit from having multiple devices and platforms available to us so that we have a CHOICE.

 

[samcraig]

Who cares, Apple is selling as many iPhones as they can produce. Android is a fad just like the iPhone was, the only difference is, Apple has a very loyal fanbase that will only buy products from them.

This doesn't apply to everyone but all of my friends that own an Android device only bought it because they wanted Verizon instead of AT&T. If the iPhone was offered on Verizon they would have bought it instead instead of an Android device.

I see Android as a fad that will eventually burn out, just like the Motorola razr.

The iPhone was never a fad. Maybe you're confusing fad with latest gadget that the apple die hards had to have or the best way to look cool. But that doesn't make it a fad. A fad is "a temporary fashion, notion, manner of conduct, etc., esp. one followed enthusiastically by a group." What's temporary about the iPhone? Define temporary.

The tell me how Android fits the bill too. Your opinion is one thing. Reality is another. Android isn't a "fad" - it's another platform being used on telephones. Is Symbian a "fad" PalmOS a fad?

People are careless with words on here and that leads to more "noise" than anything else.

 

[MacJones]

The iPhone was never a fad. Maybe you're confusing fad with latest gadget that the apple die hards had to have or the best way to look cool. But that doesn't make it a fad. A fad is "a temporary fashion, notion, manner of conduct, etc., esp. one followed enthusiastically by a group." What's temporary about the iPhone? Define temporary.

The tell me how Android fits the bill too. Your opinion is one thing. Reality is another. Android isn't a "fad" - it's another platform being used on telephones. Is Symbian a "fad" PalmOS a fad?

People are careless with words on here and that leads to more "noise" than anything else.

Next time I'll lay out all of the facts like a ****ing machine instead of having an opinion like a human. I compared it to the Motorola razr that everyone had to have when it first came out, it was huge and the "in" thing. Now you don't see them anywhere. I was simply making a prediction that the Android platform will be another fad just like the razr and other phones were and eventually die out. It doesn't have to be in the next year. I also stated that Apple has a very loyal fanbase that will continue to buy only Apple products, meaning the platform will not die in the near future. Understand? I'm no expert, I just have an opinion like everyone else on an online forum.

 

[JediZenMaster]

Well Congrats to google but it it's not always about numbers. Apple's created an user experience and i'm sure people will opine and accuse me of being a fanboy for saying that.

But no matter how many Android phone's are around apple will still continue to sell iPhones pretty well. In fact no matter how much Android Eclipses iOS apple still makes a huge profit off of them and will always do so.

 

[samcraig]

Next time I'll lay out all of the facts like a ****ing machine instead of having an opinion like a human. I compared it to the Motorola razr that everyone had to have when it first came out, it was huge and the "in" thing. Now you don't see them anywhere. I was simply making a prediction that the Android platform will be another fad just like the razr and other phones were and eventually die out.

I still see tons of Razr's out and about. So I'm not sure that your statement is valid. And there's a difference between ONE phone and a platform. Android isn't a phone. It's software that goes in MANY phones. So MANY phones and manufacturers would have to see a reason to discontinue using that platform.

In short. I completely disagree of any notion that Android is a "fad" or that it has a shelf life that will be dwarfed by the iPhone.

 

[MacJones]

I still see tons of Razr's out and about. So I'm not sure that your statement is valid. And there's a difference between ONE phone and a platform. Android isn't a phone. It's software that goes in MANY phones. So MANY phones and manufacturers would have to see a reason to discontinue using that platform.

In short. I completely disagree of any notion that Android is a "fad" or that it has a shelf life that will be dwarfed by the iPhone.

See, that's the great thing about forums. You can have your opinion, and I respect it very much, and I can have my opinion. It doesn't matter who is right or wrong because none of us really know what's going to happen in the future, but we can have fun discussing it.

 

[marksman]

I would really hope that Android would be ahead of ios4. How many Android phones are there compared to the 1 iphone?

How many synonyms for awesome, cool and "the best" are there?

Also think of all the money Google is raking in from leading the smart phone OS wars! Google Stock to the Moon!

 

[danno1769]

Source please.

Sounds like you're just talking out of your backside on this trying to justify apple's marketshare slippage.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/23/technology/iphone_4_att/index.htm

An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that 20% of Android customers say they'll buy another Android phone. The survey actually revealed that 20% of all smartphone customers say they'll buy an Android phone. To top of page

I believe he is referring to the above article here. they made an adjustment to the line where it said that since then though.

 

[Mike225]

http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/23/technology/iphone_4_att/index.htm

An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that 20% of Android customers say they'll buy another Android phone. The survey actually revealed that 20% of all smartphone customers say they'll buy an Android phone. To top of page

I believe he is referring to the above article here. they made an adjustment to the line where it said that since then though.

The real stat Ive seen is 71% plan on buying an Android phone again I think.

 

[snook911]

This is like comparing Apple's and Orange's (Ha Ha). Google Android is a software company and Apple is a hardware company that devolpos its own OS to use in its products. In the same way it is not fair to compare Apple to Microsoft. Microsoft only makes software(for the most part). Apples software is really a by product of its hardware. Without the Apple hardware there would be no Apple software.

 

[FranksWildYears]

I think the idea that developers will suddenly migrate to the Android platform is fanciful at best. It's a different type of economy. It's in so many phones, it's in the sort of basic smart phone which many people will end up with but not dream of bothering to buy any apps for and it's in the high-range phones which attract the 'customisation' crowd. They appreciate the tech but they're not necessarily willing to pay for software to use on it, especially when it can very easily be otherwise acquired.

There's something to be said for having a fixed platform if you manage it correctly. Keep it well organised, keep it accessable and you'll retain custom. Rather than draw parallels with the 80s home computing market, I suspect a more accurate comparison would be PC vs Console. The PC gaming market is effectively dead, give or take a few high profile titles because pretty much anyone can have whatever they like free of charge if they know how to use a torrent. Nintendo or Microsoft, on the other hand, can role out Mario or Halo and know that it's going to sell them a bare minimum of 5 million copies and bring in as much money as a Hollywood blockbuster. Even the PS3, stuck in third place, is of far more value to developers than the moribund PC market.

 

[3N16MA]

If Apple was to ever release the iPhone on Verizon Google would **** their virtual pants.

 

[wreckshop]

If Apple was to ever release the iPhone on Verizon Google would **** their virtual pants.

if it ever was going to happen, it would have been by now already. the ship has sailed for iphone on VZW.

 

[Knowimagination]

Huh? What? You do realize that texting, video messaging and pretty much all cellular technology and services in the USA are far behind those in asia and other countries in terms of adoption rates? The US is a "child" in comparison having just recently exploded with text messaging.

Where are you basing your opinion on? Do you have any source?

Um he said trends STARTING in the USA. He wasn't saying that all technology trends start here, but simply that the trends that do start here tend to take a while to catch on overseas. At least that is the way I read it.

Honestly as long as there are android based phones like the backflip I will never be able to take them seriously

I mean I like the Galaxy S and I may pick one up (or some other android phone) next spring just to have a backup phone to play with, but I don't see a time in the near future where I will be without an iPhone.

 

[maflynn]

If Apple was to ever release the iPhone on Verizon Google would **** their virtual pants.

Why? Apple sells to multiple carriers in other countries?

Android phones are on all carriers. While it would be great news for people who want an iPhone but not AT&T, it does not adversely affect google.

 

[markyr17]

I love how everything on engadget remotely supporting anything Apple gets downrated into oblivion. I saw a comment on there I liked though: "Why wouldn't you be the number 1 selling OS if you release a phone every day?"

 

[Ironworker808]

Did anyone read the press release? Did anyone see the last paragraph?

Data Note: The information in this press release is from Mobile Phone Track – NPD's consumer tracking of U.S. consumers, aged 18 and older, who reported purchasing a mobile phone. NPD does not track corporate/enterprise mobile phone purchases.

Add in corporate/enterprise, and I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that RIM still sells more than either Android or iOS.

And since iOS phones have managed to make some headway into the business sector, I'd bet that would pull iOS back into second if those had been part of the research. but I don't have anything to back that up. It's just a theory.

Android has made great strides getting into the consumer smartphone market, but they have a long way to go as a platform to catch all iOS devices.

 

[ipadDev]

Competition

Who wants one platform? I am all for having multiple platforms. I would argue that no one platform is ever going to be best at EVERYTHING. Without getting too in depth we can look at security for a quick example of how platform diversity is actually better for ALL consumers.

RIM v iPhone

RIM is leaps and bounds ahead of iOS in regards to device and information security however I would argue that iOS is equally ahead of RIM when it comes to overall ease of use and device features.