iOS and Android Combined for Record 99% of Smartphone Sales Last Quarter

[Savor]

Don't assume all Android phones are equal and Android owners are equal. If say all prices were equal, so you assume iOS will be more popular? That 65% difference is solely based on price? Your assumption only led you to arrogance. You assume us cheapskates or po' folks all desperately want an iPhone? We're not worthy, my master! We all don't know how to use our phones! We all really want iPhone because it is so user-friendly but we can't afford it! Boo hoo hoo!

There is nothing special owning an iPhone.
You don't magically become more special by owning one, remember that...

I have owned 15 different brands from 26 different phones or so. I have used six different OSes. Like phone reviewer, Michael Fisher, I currently dual wield Android and Windows Phone. I also have an iPad. I was on iOS jailbreaking when it was still on 1.1.4. Check my Android home screen. I'm probably more of a perfectionist than Steve Jobs. I can make a $30 phone have a better looking home screen than your $700 iPhone with the right launcher, wallpaper, icons pack, gesture shortcuts, and any other little tweak...

The real power comes from the phone user's mind. That's the secret similar to the best component of a camera is the photographer. I see people with expensive phones and they only utilitize 10% of its capabilities. Like Nick Vujicic says, attitude is everything. Don't ever assume that because I use Android, I'm cheap. But I am sometimes. Haha.. I am throwing down $1000 for a Note7 & Gear VR. Why? Because I prefer Android and because it has the BEST HARDWARE. New features the iPhone 7 is getting was on Android phones years ago.

I prefer tinkering it to absolute perfection. I need my torrent apps. Arrrr! I need a file manager and multiple video codec player. I don't care about software updates that slows your iPhone down in three years. I don't care about it just works mantra, ecosystem, or MP4 converter programs. If you love iPhone, good for you. Here's a cookie. Apple waits years to add new features. Then Apple will reward their procrastination and reward your patience by charging you twice more than the competition.

This changes everything again. Weeeee!

iPhone lost market share to Android in every major market except one

This chart shows that Android customers might turn out to be surprisingly loyal in terms of the next phone they want to buy..

The Donald Trump-like tagline

^ That's the reason I want Android because it's NOT an iPhone! I hate iOS. That tagline describes why some of us choose Android.

I did want the iPhone 7 just for the hell of it. I was 90% sure a month ago I was going iPhone 7. But then the Note7 was announced and got intrigued by the potential of VR. I think iPhone 7 would still be a great option but I went screw that. Stupid idea. Waste of money. I already hate iOS and didn't want to be stuck with the Kim Kardashian phones of the mobile industry. Apple can continue to make money but they no longer want to make a dent in this universe. Went for a company that thinks BIGGER...

Aim high, kids.

 

[deany]

It's a shame that Microsoft couldn't pull itself together. Thy tried too hard to differentiate themselves and probably scared customers away. Having just two OS's doesn't help promote innovation or competition.

I think Balmer took his eye off the ball slightly.
He could have picked up yahoo at a cracking price.(although his bid was a silly price).
I think he lost it towards the end and this was when smartphones were really becoming popular.
Gates must be fuming.

 

[alexgowers]

Alternate headline: iOS continues to lose marketshare to Android.
Significantly: Android gained 4% of the market, while Apple lost 1.7% of the market.

Meanwhile in the real world, apple sell as many phones as others android phone makers. It's not about apple vs the rest of the world. You know that's a stupid comparison. Apple is doing just fine.

 

[Fenez]

In a few short years both iOS and Android will be so similar it will come down to price. As of right now almost anyone can pickup virtually any device and use it without having to think about it too much. They keep moving towards each other with each build. As far a device build quality goes, for the most part you can get an aluminum Android with most of the bells and whistles for about $400. It's just going to get increasingly harder to charge almost double that for the average customer who isn't a phone geek.

 

[deany]

Board meeting at Cupatino tomorrow-

Tim

"Okay have you seen the latest smartphone os figures"

Rest of board in unison

"Um, we hoped you wouldn't mention that Tim, shall we take about the new Sept 2016 Koby rMBP instead - as the OS smartphone race is over."

 

[Alenore]

I have to say I'm not very surprised about Microsoft or Blackberry.
Blackberry pretty much spat on their customers by removing core apps (like, Facebook) and letting people create any app they felt like creating without any filter or moderation. And a lot of them are garbage. God knows I used to like Blackberry though, I had 3 BB10 phones and made 6 or 7 apps for it. A shame, because the OS was good

Windows 10 isn't bad on phone, but there's a lot of annoying bugs (like not being able to download some apps for absolutely no reason), random reboots, ... It's good, but doesn't compare to Android and iOS.


Apple, though. They used to be around 22% two years ago. Almost halved. I guess the average cheap android phone is now more than enough for the light-to-medium users.

 

[adamjackson]

I prefer tinkering it to absolute perfection. I need my torrent apps. Arrrr! I need a file manager and multiple video codec player. I don't care about software updates that slows your iPhone down in three years. I don't care about it just works mantra, ecosystem, or MP4 converter programs. If you love iPhone, good for you. Here's a cookie. Apple waits years to add new features. Then Apple will reward their procrastination and reward your patience by charging you twice more than the competition.

Holy crap, you run bit torrent on your phone? I'm not sure how to respond to that one.

I think I've met a Samsung Fanboy. I'm an Apple Fanboy so we're never ever going to agree on anything. I just don't know why you're on MacRumors posting photoshopped photos of Tim Cook and bringing up a division of Samsung that builds skyscrapers.

 

[deany]

Apple board traitor Eric Smitt has caused this-

Steve taken in by Lord Haw Haw

 

[Michael Scrip]

This is disappointing. This market share for Apple is terrible. I'd love to see iOS with six figure units sold each quarter. This has to do with iOS pricing for iPhone. A lower cost device will bring Apple higher ongoing income from other products and services

The only company with more market share than Apple is Samsung.

That makes Apple the #2 smartphone manufacturer in the world.

Or are you doing that thing where you combine hundreds of non-related Android OEMs together to make one giant fictional company?

I'm gonna say this again: Apple is the #2 smartphone manufacturer in the world. And I'll also add that they were able to achieve this while selling very expensive phones. That makes their position even more impressive.

It's certainly not "terrible"

At what point do developers stop making apps for iOS? Wasn't that the issue the Mac had in the 1990's, a smaller and smaller market share, so developers abandon it?

Market share is simply the percentage of sales over a period of time... like a quarter.

What you're forgetting is that there are over 600 million iPhones out in the world... and 250 million iPads. And those users tend to spend a lot of money on apps.

That's what developers are looking at... not the quarterly percentage.

The iPhone has never had a majority of worldwide smartphone market share ... and yet developers keep making apps.

I wonder why that is.

 

[deany]

It was always going to end up this way. Mac v Windows, iOS v Android. Apple's market share will remain at 10-15%.

I bet you £1,000,000 you wouldn't have said that in June 2007.
Eric Smitt is the Devil in all this -despicable man.

 

[mi7chy]

Apple's AppStore sells 90% more than Google's.

Why pay for crapplets when there are better free ones?

For example, Paul Laughton who wrote Applesoft BASIC for the Apple II went on to create what is considered the best basic but only for the Android platform so you can't even buy it for iOS if you wanted to.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rfo.basic

http://laughton.com/Apple/Apple.html

 

[mtneer]

Who wrote this article - Captain Obvious?

 

[Hieveryone]

Maybe Bill Gates will Make Windows Phones Great Again!

 

[hotspring21]

Most app developers release apps for iOS first. It's about the money, not market share. Market share "can" lead to money.

Nope, Android is now first choice for App developers. One by one, supposed advantages of iphone keeps falling down before Android dominance. Web traffic, app store revenue, all used to be iphone first, now is dominated by Android. The way Apple is peddling iphone only to up market, iphone has no chance against Android.

https://adtmag.com/articles/2016/08/05/android-ios-mindshare.aspx
https://www.visionmobile.com/blog/2016/08/android-first-new-normal

 

[harync]

But like apple OS v Microsoft Windows OS
surely its apple iOS v Android the devices don't count this is all about the OS?
i.e.
you meet someone in a bar and say ''hey nice phone is it an iPhone?''
answer
'no buddy its android'
.....
it doesn't matter if its galaxy or moto etc

I get your point, but usually what happens in that circumstance, is that people would say, "buddy, it's a moto (or galaxy or whatever)." Given the forked nature of Android systems, it's not exactly a precise comparison. Because Apple has exclusivity on both the hardware and the software, their sales figures will look poor in this comparison, unless you specifically break it down by company. In which case it is Samsung and Apple leaving everyone else in the dust. Same thing happens with MacOS vs Windows. MacOS has something like a 7% marketshare, but Apple is still one of the top 5 sellers of PCs in terms of marketshare.

I'm not trying to defend Apple, just pointing out the somewhat arbitrary nature of the comparison. I think Apple has the potential to be in a world of hurt if the iPhone7 underwhelms (which may very well happen).

 

[deany]

I get your point, but usually what happens in that circumstance, is that people would say, "buddy, it's a moto (or galaxy or whatever)." Given the forked nature of Android systems, it's not exactly a precise comparison. Because Apple has exclusivity on both the hardware and the software, their sales figures will look poor in this comparison, unless you specifically break it down by company. In which case it is Samsung and Apple leaving everyone else in the dust. Same thing happens with MacOS vs Windows. MacOS has something like a 7% marketshare, but Apple is still one of the top 5 sellers of PCs in terms of marketshare.

I'm not trying to defend Apple, just pointing out the somewhat arbitrary nature of the comparison. I think Apple has the potential to be in a world of hurt if the iPhone7 underwhelms (which may very well happen).

I so so so what to agree with you but I just think if these figures are correct there really is no way apple will be be the main #1 smartphone OS - which in '07 looked likely they would be #1.
Android have just walked all over apple in terms of market share.
To be fair apple haven't allowed any other manufacturer to use iOS so android / (or Symbian dont laugh!) were always going to be market leaders because they allow hardware manufacturer to uses the OS.
I just find the figures in OP very scary and unexpected (25% apple share - would have been poor).
cheers

 

[danakin]

Developers make 4x from iOS apps vs. Android. The vast majority of people choosing* Android don't spend a dime on apps nor services.

Apple's iOS strategy is no different from the Mac's: skim the customers creme, enjoy the high margins and spend more on customer service. You can't beat iOS.

*EDIT: they don't actually "choose": they pick the lowest priced item, and it's not an iPhone.

The highlighted part is a matter of opinion.

If, in your opinion, iOS is your preferred solution, then great - I'm happy for you.

For others, based on their evaluation of facts and arguments relevant to their situation, Android will be in the "You can't beat" camp.

Your edit is somewhat shortsighted and under-nuanced. Someone with $400 to spend may opt for an iPhone SE or a OnePlus 3. Both are solid devices and will suit persons with different requirements. It comes off as you speaking on behalf of the planet's mobile users.

Absolute statements are the hallmark of a non-nuanced thinker. Use this as a chance to expand your mind and learn something.

Cheers!

 

[deany]

The highlighted part is a matter of opinion.

If, in your opinion, iOS is your preferred solution, then great - I'm happy for you.

For others, based on their evaluation of facts and arguments relevant to their situation, Android will be in the "You can't beat" camp.

Your edit is somewhat shortsighted and under-nuanced. Someone with $400 to spend may opt for an iPhone SE or a OnePlus 3. Both are solid devices and will suit persons with different requirements. It comes off as you speaking on behalf of the planet's mobile users.

Absolute statements are the hallmark of a non-nuanced thinker. Use this as a chance to expand your mind and learn something.

Cheers!

was going to give you a thunbs up till you last sentence.
Maybe you are tired.

 

[Kabeyun]

I doubt many people make phone purchases based on market share.

Not per se, but if the majority of their coworkers, family, and friends have a certain gadget, they might be more likely to get one too.

 

[cdmoore74]

It's virtually impossible for Apple to pass Android at this rate. Android would have to self destruct.
And with a lackluster iPhone update I question Tim Cooks desire to further iPhone's market presence. What is the game plan?

 

[Mr. McMac]

I'll keep my Moto X Pure at less than half the cost of an iPhone 6 Plus. Better call quality, louder speakerphone, and better cell reception on at&t here on Long Island. And yes, I did compare it to a friend's 6 Plus..

 

[kuwxman]

Most app developers release apps for iOS first. It's about the money, not market share. Market share "can" lead to money.

That used to be the case. Not so much anymore. It is also about the amount of eye balls that see your product and Android wins that race hands down.

 

[admob71]

I have the iPhone 6s Plus, I just bought the Nexus 6P to try Android. The phone was inexpensive as it was less that half what I paid for my iPhone. Slightly larger screen at 5.7, and crazy clear/sharp. The operating system was very surprising, I downloaded Android 7.0 and IOS 10. I was surprised how much more I preferred Android. Downloaded all the same Apps, I have to say I am sold! I just placed my order for a Note 7. I'm sold on Android and decided to get a phone far more advanced than iPhone. I'm shocked Android is so much nicer and the broad range of high end phones. I thought Apple was king. I strangely feel bad as I am a real Apple fan, have been for 18 years.

That's what happens when you peek outside a walled garden my friend. You discover a whole new world. Enjoy the ride...

 

[Zirel]

Why pay for crapplets when there are better free ones?

For example, Paul Laughton who wrote Applesoft BASIC for the Apple II went on to create what is considered the best basic but only for the Android platform so you can't even buy it for iOS if you wanted to.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rfo.basic

http://laughton.com/Apple/Apple.html

Who the F still writes BASIC anyway?

He didn't wrote AppleSoft BASIC, Steve Wozniak wrote AppleSoft BASIC, he crated the NutSo BASIC, Microsoft created another BASIC that was the best.

The App is so good, that he doesn't even ask a dollar for it!

http://omz-software.com/pythonista/

Here's a real IDE for iOS, with a real language: Python

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/continuous-.net-c-and-f-ide/id1095213378?mt=8

Here's another real IDE for iOS, with another real language: C#

http://www.apple.com/swift/playgrounds/

And here, is Apple's Swift "mini-IDE" for iPad, to learn programming.

This leaves Android completely in the dust!

 

[admob71]

Fast charging: Supported by Apple (use the iPad power block) but not advertised
SD Cards: I wouldn't call this innovation, it's merely a user experience choice
OLED: Likely coming in 2017 to iPhone
Always-on display: Is this innovation? Why would you want this? I want my display off unless I'm looking at it. I really like the new raise-to-wake on iOS10.
Wireless charging: Still gimmicky, would like to see it implemented in a way that actually makes sense before I'm clamoring for it on my phone.
Waterproofing: 6S is VERY water resistant. And all signs point to further work on this
Multiple SIMs: Apple is working on the Apple SIM internal SIM card that can work with multiple numbers/providers. So, in the works.


Are there any Android phones that have ALL of the features you mentioned? Because, sure, Android definitely has more available features, because there are so many different android phones. But does any single Android phone beat the iPhone for useful features?

You would have to explain what you would describe as useful my friend.
If I can just turn it around one minute, can you describe a few useful features that the iPhone has got that you can't get on for example an S7??