Global Smartphone Market Grows in Q1 2016 as iPhone Share Shrinks to 14%

[navaira]

Having used both iOS and Android – Android is way, way better. Add Nova Launcher to any Android phone – perfect. No need to deal with TouchWiz. Full customisation of pretty much everything. On-screen widgets. Adoptable storage which basically works like a Fusion Drive allowing you to use a SD card as expansion of internal storage. Last, but not least, a huge choice of devices with various capabilities, sizes, screen types and price points. If somebody offered me a brand new iPhone 6s+ in exchange for my Xperia, I would take it, sell the iPhone, buy a new Xperia and pocket the difference.

(I imagine this post won't get many likes.)

 

[samcraig]

Comparing the market share of those phones to the iPhone is like comparing the sales of Toyota Corollas to Mercedes. Sure Toyota sells way more cars, but nobody is cross shopping a Corolla with a Mercedes.

The only meaningful market share statistic would be the total sales of the iPhone against phones like the Galaxy S7, LG G5, HTC 10 and similar. But those kind of numbers greatly upset the haters, who so desperately want to find SOME numbers that show Apple in a bad light. So they play with numbers like market share to show how Android is "winning" while ignoring real numbers like these:

- iOS users spend 5X as much online shopping as Android users.
- iOS users purchase 6X as much digital content (music, movies, TV shows) as Android users do.
- iOS developers/The App Store revenues are 2X higher than Google Play, despite Google Play having 2X the downloads (average iOS user spends 4X as much on Apps).

First - car analogies never work. I would argue that there are people who would consider both a corolla and a mercedes when shopping. Perhaps not a large percentage. But I know when I was shopping, I looked at several options and decided which car would be best for me. Some people do choose to spend less because perceived value. Your analogy assumes what - price? Or "brand" cache?

You say the only meaningful marketshare statistic would be..... but what you really meant to say was meaningful to you. Ultimately, chalk me into the camp that doesn't give a rats behind who's "winning." Personally, I think the consumer is winning by having choices. And both OSes are doing just fine.

The rest of your metrics is irrelevant, no? The discussion is around marketshare, not spend. You want to spin this into a profit discussion? Why? So Apple can be on top? Seems a bit hypocritical. Who cares. Use the device that works best for you. And if you're an investor - invest in the companies you believe in/think will profit by. Everything else is white noise.

 

[Col4bin]

Sorry to disappoint, but it won't be "Revolutionary." But can I interest you in a thinner iPhone 7 with 16gb as a standard? It may also come standard with reduced antenna lines and a flush camera for your convenience.

And will most likely get cannibalized by consumers wondering why pay more for a phone that looks almost identical to the preceeding 6/6S, and only offers marginal engancements. I really hope the iPhone 7 is magical.

 

[69Mustang]

Not as weak as you comparing phones over 2 years old, locked to carriers and requiring activation to get the special price to BRAND NEW "smartphones" from companies like Samsung, who sell unlocked phones produced in 2016 for WELL under $200.

My original point still stands: most Android phones sold around the world (that make up those huge market share numbers) are low end junk phones that sell for under $200. Comparing the market share of those phones to the iPhone is like comparing the sales of Toyota Corollas to Mercedes. Sure Toyota sells way more cars, but nobody is cross shopping a Corolla with a Mercedes.

The only meaningful market share statistic would be the total sales of the iPhone against phones like the Galaxy S7, LG G5, HTC 10 and similar. But those kind of numbers greatly upset the haters, who so desperately want to find SOME numbers that show Apple in a bad light. So they play with numbers like market share to show how Android is "winning" while ignoring real numbers like these:

- iOS users spend 5X as much online shopping as Android users.
- iOS users purchase 6X as much digital content (music, movies, TV shows) as Android users do.
- iOS developers/The App Store revenues are 2X higher than Google Play, despite Google Play having 2X the downloads (average iOS user spends 4X as much on Apps).

The reasons for these numbers are simple: people who buy cheap throw-away "smartphones" aren't actually using them for anything but calls, texting and Facebook, and don't spend any money in their respective ecosystem after they buy that device. So selling a gazillion of them does nothing to help the rest of the user base (as samcraig implied above by stating adoption is good for "peace of mind") by getting developers to invest in your platform or accessory makers to target your devices. They're just producing landfill materials.

That's a lot of ancillary, unrelated BS you're giving me. I never debated any of the points you're trying to make, including your original one. My only response to you was to answer your challenge for an iPhone, refurb'd or new, under $200. Your caveat of in official Apple store made my point moot. Thus, the you win.

 

[rjohnstone]

profit is important not market share. A company that is not making money for great market share will be sold as just as MS did.

Obviously profit is a core component. But market share impacts profits.
On low margin items, profit is key to staying in the game, and that is achieved by having a larger market footprint.
Most Android vendors operate on low margins, so they need the volume.

 

[Stjuls]

- iOS developers/The App Store revenues are 2X higher than Google Play, despite Google Play having 2X the downloads (average iOS user spends 4X as much on Apps).

The same types of apps exist on both iOS and Android which means Android users get the same types of apps cheaper or for free. I wouldn't say that is a bad thing as a consumer. It is however good for Apple their users are willing to pay more than needed for apps.

 

[dampfnudel]

The iPhone 7 better be revolutionary.

You must've accidentally pressed the number 7 when you really wanted to press the number 8.
[doublepost=1463777097][/doublepost]

And will most likely get cannibalized by consumers wondering why pay more for a phone that looks almost identical to the preceeding 6/6S, and only offers marginal engancements. I really hope the iPhone 7 is magical.

Nothing "magical" coming until next year at the earliest.
[doublepost=1463777324][/doublepost]

Sorry to disappoint, but it won't be "Revolutionary." But can I interest you in a thinner iPhone 7 with 16gb as a standard? It may also come standard with reduced antenna lines and a flush camera for your convenience.

And a minor performance bump which you may or may not notice.
[doublepost=1463777628][/doublepost]

Why are 80 percent of the people commenting spewing on Android for not being updated when the article is about iPhone losing market share?

Because they need something to deflect the negativity pointed at the iPhone.

 

[blackcrayon]

Hmm, I'm pretty sure samsung did some major design changes with the Galaxy phones, every year, like the Note 5 was miles apart in design to the Note 4. The iPhone 6 Plus is the exact same as the 6S Plus and from the rumours will be the same as the iPhone 7 Plus too...

Apple has kept the design and where the home button is placed for years now, so yeah they do a LOT more incremental changes then anyone else does I think.

If the Note 4 and Note 5 were Apple products, you'd be saying all they did was "change the case materials" but it still "looks much the same from the front". Hey Samsung uses that same home button position as well year after year. I don't think sticking with a design that works is that same as what you're implying- that they aren't trying or that they're just milking customers by releasing the same product.

And I'm pretty sure the Galaxy S6 was widely talked about as being the "exact same" (by the same kind of weird non-technical exaggeration) as the Galaxy S5. I'm also sure Apple has been making some of the most impressive advances year over year in SoCs in the industry.

Calling something an "incremental update" usually comes along with convenient ignorance of features that are massive improvements and pretending that only other features that haven't changed as much are the important ones

 

[magicMac]

That's the mistake. This isn't a fan site. It's supposed to be a site to get news and rumors about Apple and related technology. It's naive to say it makes Apple look bad. Apple doesn't look bad at all. They lost some market share... BFD. They'll gain some later, and lose some more after that. What this site should never be is some sychophantic circle jerk of "Apple is winning" articles. Not sure how you think Apple will never have a high global market share. they already have the second highest. No need to make excuses for their market share. Pretty sure everyone else on that list, minus Sammy, would club baby seals have Apple's market share. Perspective.

The only mistake I made, as usual, is posting on these forums.

 

[dampfnudel]

The only mistake I made, as usual, is posting on these forums.

I can't tell you how many times I've felt the same way, but not here usually.

 

[Xanthan]

Oh look, yet ANOTHER report comparing sales of McDonalds burgers (cheap Android phones) to T-Bone steaks (iPhone).

If you think the latest Samsung deluxe phone is the same as a "burner phone" you get at Walmart for $80 off the shelf (including $20 prepaid phone credit)... or as you attempted to paint it: McDonald's Dollar Menu vs. T-bone steak, then I say to you w/ disdain:

"Look at the strong dose of Kool-Aid you must have drank."

Sad your rose-coloured glasses to rank iPhone a Bentley and a Porches among the Ford Fiestas. Or to put it in terms you may be able to comprehend: Your 16GB iPhone has a Ford Fiesta engine compare to a Samsung Galaxy 64GB Porche.

Enough assine analogies for you?

 

[apolloa]

If the Note 4 and Note 5 were Apple products, you'd be saying all they did was "change the case materials" but it still "looks much the same from the front". Hey Samsung uses that same home button position as well year after year. I don't think sticking with a design that works is that same as what you're implying- that they aren't trying or that they're just milking customers by releasing the same product.

And I'm pretty sure the Galaxy S6 was widely talked about as being the "exact same" (by the same kind of weird non-technical exaggeration) as the Galaxy S5. I'm also sure Apple has been making some of the most impressive advances year over year in SoCs in the industry.

Calling something an "incremental update" usually comes along with convenient ignorance of features that are massive improvements and pretending that only other features that haven't changed as much are the important ones

That's about right, I answered your question with evidence of one other manufacture not making incremental updates, and you have 'apologised' for Apple and made an attempt at making my answer to be incorrect and then insult me.
I think you need to take a long hard look in the mirror.

 

[domino67]

This does not take into account the iPhone has dominant market share in Canada, Australia, Japan and varies between 48/52% market share in the UK and US on a year by year basis.

Australia is 60% Android, USA is 65% Android and the UK is at 59% Android.

 

[I7guy]

Hmm, I'm pretty sure samsung did some major design changes with the Galaxy phones, every year, like the Note 5 was miles apart in design to the Note 4. The iPhone 6 Plus is the exact same as the 6S Plus and from the rumours will be the same as the iPhone 7 Plus too...

Apple has kept the design and where the home button is placed for years now, so yeah they do a LOT more incremental changes then anyone else does I think.

One person's incremental change is another person's major update. Not sure where you think the line in the sand is.

 

[domino67]

Lies. BTW, in case you didn't notice, this article is about smartphones. So let's stay on topic, shall we?

The majority of Android phones sold around the world are $200 or less. Many of them are only $100. Even Samsung sells $100 Android phones (brand new, full retail price, no subsidy or contract). Please find me any listing, anywhere in the world, where Apple sells an iPhone (refurbished or new) that's anywhere close to $200, let alone $100. Good luck.

Their market share has nothing to do with reinvesting money. It has to do with the fact most people in the world can't afford a $600+ phone. They buy Android because that's all they can afford, not because they actually wanted a device with Android installed.

FALSE! There are hundreds of millions of people who prefer Android.

You don't have 85% worldwide market share based on price only.
[doublepost=1463799032][/doublepost]

but Apple has repeatedly said that they're getting record number of switchers from Android every quarter which tells me that most iPhone owners are content with the iPhones they have and are waiting for a major catalyst to upgrade.

Obviously Tim Cook fibbed. It is impossible for Android to grow 7% YoY and iOS shrink and have record Android to iOS switchers and if it is true what Tim Cook failed to mention would be that the iOS to Android switchers is happening at a MUCH higher rate.
[doublepost=1463800401][/doublepost]

The same way Samsung "neglects" to report mobile device sales numbers or Amazon "neglects" to report Prime users... It's a strategic decision.

Besides, the actual number is irrelevant. What matters is that the number of Android switchers is higher than the number of defections.

Based on every 3rd party churn/loyalty report I've seen and the total number of Apple devices growing YoY, it's apparent that Apple wins more switchers than it loses.

Don't let facts get in the way of your story.

 

[magicMac]

Australia is 60% Android, USA is 65% Android and the UK is at 59% Android.

You literally just made those numbers and didn't even quote a source. It's actually ...


UK: android 40.04%, iOS 52.11%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-GB-monthly-201504-201604

US: android 40.52%, iOS 57.87%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-US-monthly-201504-201604

Canada: android 32.03%, iOS 60.73%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-CA-monthly-201504-201604

Australia: android 32.04%, iOS 66.37%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-AU-monthly-201504-201604

Japan: android 29.9%, iOS 69.22%
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-JP-monthly-201504-201604


These countries (and similar) are the important markets for Apple, they will never have an impressive global market share because iPhones Don't appeal to people who are simply trying to get fresh water each day.

 

[apolloa]

One person's incremental change is another person's major update. Not sure where you think the line in the sand is.

I think the differences between the Note 4 and the Note 5 are massive and anyone can see that. The differences between the iPhone models hasn't been as dramatic for the last few versions, weve had glass then metal backs, they kept the same square design for 4 model years, they have now kept the rounded metal back design for 2 years and possibly 3.
The chins have never changed.
The screens have hardly been touched bar physical size, even if the do look good. And whilst others are increasing battery life, Apple has been shrinking it and then selling ugly cases to fix it.

 

[I7guy]

I think the differences between the Note 4 and the Note 5 are massive and anyone can see that. The differences between the iPhone models hasn't been as dramatic for the last few versions, weve had glass then metal backs, they kept the same square design for 4 model years, they have now kept the rounded metal back design for 2 years and possibly 3.
The chins have never changed.
The screens have hardly been touched bar physical size, even if the do look good. And whilst others are increasing battery life, Apple has been shrinking it and then selling ugly cases to fix it.

The differences between the 6 and 6s are massive as well. Changing the case or firm factor is not necessarily indicative of a "massive change". Those were some major changes where it really counts for the 6s. Apple may be doing what your saying, but they've been giving the people what they want as evidenced by 6s sales to date.

 

[LovingTeddy]

iPhone 4s is receiving updates for 5 years plus app updates and will continue to receive app updates for years.

What about 2011 android devices? HTC thunderbolt or inspire? Atrix 4g? Galaxy s2? Lg Optimus s?
[doublepost=1463755712][/doublepost]
When it's time to go, he'll be gone.

We all know how well iOS 9 runs on iPhone 4S... It almost render iPhone 4S to useless crap. I know. Even dail phone number will lag.

I rather wants no update than update slows down the devices. This is why my iPad mini 1 and iPod Touch still in iOS 7, last version of iOS runs OKish.

I understand you guys will spin this as iPhone 4S is too old to handle iOS 9. This is exactly why there is no Android for these old devices.

 

[apolloa]

The differences between the 6 and 6s are massive as well. Changing the case or firm factor is not necessarily indicative of a "massive change". Those were some major changes where it really counts for the 6s. Apple may be doing what your saying, but they've been giving the people what they want as evidenced by 6s sales to date.

The differences between the 6 and 6S are the usual faster processor that every flagship phone in the industry gets so it's incremental, the 3D Touch is the only thing, otherwise no change to the design, screen, oh but they did reduce the battery size incrementally of course
You are really arguing the pointless if you are going to attempt to claim their are massive differences between the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S. Really pointless....

And as for the sales? You mean the DROP in sales and market share, yeah Apple is obviously giving people what they want, riiighht..

 

[I7guy]

The differences between the 6 and 6S are the usual faster processor that every flagship phone in the industry gets so it's incremental, the 3D Touch is the only thing, otherwise no change to the design, screen, oh but they did reduce the battery size incrementally of course
You are really arguing the pointless if you are going to attempt to claim their are massive differences between the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S. Really pointless....

And as for the sales? You mean the DROP in sales and market share, yeah Apple is obviously giving people what they want, riiighht..

So you believe just changing the size of a case and going from plastic to metal means a "massive" redesign? Riiiiight. Our expectations are vastly different.

Yes, the battery size was reduced, but battery life is same as predecessor. But didn't the Note 5 get a smaller battery as well?

As far as sales, selling 74M iphones Q1 and 51M iphones Q2, sounds like giving the people what they want to me, with revenue of products and services of 53B and 40B respectively.
[doublepost=1463846052][/doublepost]

We all know how well iOS 9 runs on iPhone 4S... It almost render iPhone 4S to useless crap. I know. Even dail phone number will lag.

I rather wants no update than update slows down the devices. This is why my iPad mini 1 and iPod Touch still in iOS 7, last version of iOS runs OKish.

I understand you guys will spin this as iPhone 4S is too old to handle iOS 9. This is exactly why there is no Android for these old devices.

We who?

I'm running ios 9 on my ipad 2 and happy for the support and it's my daily workhorse, still. I"ve seen youtube videos of ios 8 and ios 9 on 4s, no difference.

 

[domino67]

You literally just made those numbers and didn't even quote a source. It's actually ...


UK: android 40.04%, iOS 52.11%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-GB-monthly-201504-201604

US: android 40.52%, iOS 57.87%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-US-monthly-201504-201604

Canada: android 32.03%, iOS 60.73%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-CA-monthly-201504-201604

Australia: android 32.04%, iOS 66.37%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-AU-monthly-201504-201604

Japan: android 29.9%, iOS 69.22%
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-JP-monthly-201504-201604


These countries (and similar) are the important markets for Apple, they will never have an impressive global market share because iPhones Don't appeal to people who are simply trying to get fresh water each day.

http://www.kantarworldpanel.com/global/smartphone-os-market-share/

http://uk.businessinsider.com/apple-ios-v-android-market-share-2016-1

Try to use some common sense. If Samsung alone sell more phones than Apple how can Apple have over 50% marketshare?

 

[LovingTeddy]

So you believe just changing the size of a case and going from plastic to metal means a "massive" redesign? Riiiiight. Our expectations are vastly different.

Yes, the battery size was reduced, but battery life is same as predecessor.

As far as sales, selling 74M iphones Q1 and 51M iphones Q2, sounds like giving the people what they want to me, with revenue of products and services of 53B and 40B respectively.
[doublepost=1463846052][/doublepost]
We who?

I'm running ios 9 on my ipad 2 and happy for the support and it's my daily workhorse, still. I"ve seen youtube videos of ios 8 and ios 9 on 4s, no difference.

Yeah... Because iOS 8 is already lag fast on iPhone 4S... It was so bad that I had to downgrade my iPad Mini to iOS 7 before the downgrade window closed.

I don't believe anyone claiming iOS 9 does not lag on iPad 4S. It tools few seconds to load message, it even las when you dial the phone number, not even motion the keyboard lag. You can pay all you want, there are plenty videos on YouTube claiming otherwise.

 

[I7guy]

Yeah... Because iOS 8 is already lag fast on iPhone 4S... It was so bad that I had to downgrade my iPad Mini to iOS 7 before the downgrade window closed.

I don't believe anyone claiming iOS 9 does not lag on iPad 4S. It tools few seconds to load message, it even las when you dial the phone number, not even motion the keyboard lag. You can pay all you want, there are plenty videos on YouTube claiming otherwise.

Right and, then there are those videos that otherwise as well. I'm not claiming 4s on ios 9 to be 6s fast, but from my ipad 2 and the youtube videos far from a "lagfest".

 

[domino67]

You literally just made those numbers and didn't even quote a source. It's actually ...


UK: android 40.04%, iOS 52.11%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-GB-monthly-201504-201604

US: android 40.52%, iOS 57.87%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-US-monthly-201504-201604

Canada: android 32.03%, iOS 60.73%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-CA-monthly-201504-201604

Australia: android 32.04%, iOS 66.37%:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-AU-monthly-201504-201604

Japan: android 29.9%, iOS 69.22%
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-JP-monthly-201504-201604


These countries (and similar) are the important markets for Apple, they will never have an impressive global market share because iPhones Don't appeal to people who are simply trying to get fresh water each day.

Not certain what page views have to do with DEVICE SALES!

"Do you calculate StatCounter Global Stats based solely on page views to the StatCounter homepage? #
No. StatCounter Global Stats are based on over 15 billion page views per month, by a random sample of people worldwide, to over 3 million global websites, covering multiple interest areas and geographic locations."