iPhone 4 and 3GS Rank as Best-Selling U.S. Smartphones

[DakotaGuy]

If I were Apple I'd sell the iPhone 4 until at least next winter or Spring 2012. There is no reason to spend development dollars when your product is selling so well. I bet by next spring it will still be the best selling handset no matter what so they might as well pocket the money and sell it as long as they can. Then when they finally introduce the iPhone 5 everyone will be ready to jump on it.

 

[gpat]

If I were Apple I'd sell the iPhone 4 until at least next winter or Spring 2012. There is no reason to spend development dollars when your product is selling so well. I bet by next spring it will still be the best selling handset no matter what so they might as well pocket the money and sell it as long as they can. Then when they finally introduce the iPhone 5 everyone will be ready to jump on it.

The iPhone is getting its ass kicked by the SGS2 almost everywhere it is available. US! = world.

 

[alent1234]

Apple is not only the best (and popular) smartphone manufacturer (IMO), I really do think they are the best computer manufacturer in the world.

But why aren't Macs as popular like iOS devices? Pricing and Microsoft Windows already won the desktop OS war years ago.

Android is going to be the new Windows but for mobile devices. It might be inferior to iOS just like I think Windows 7 is inferior to Mac OS X, but it will sell just like how Windows PC's were sold. Different price points. To win volumes sales, it always comes down more about price than the actual quality. This is why popularity doesn't always equal best. iPhone sales is one of the rare times that Apple is the best and most popular at something.

i doubt it

With Windows MS sold a complete OS that you installed of a single CD or DVD. to build a system around it dell and HP just had to select some compatible hardware where the drivers were already supplied by the manufacturer. for OS upgrades MS just released a new OS to consumers. in 95% of the cases any software written for MS Windows worked on any PC as long as you met the hardware requirements

with android you get some source code for an old version, then you have to go to the hardware makers and buy their chips that you then engineer to make a phone and write the software yourself to make android talk to the hardware and to make sure it all works.

by the time your phone is ready to ship after months of carrier testing a new version of android is out because google's flavor of the month partner wrote a big check to help code it in exchange for having a monopoly of a few months. and just to make it hurt there was probably no consideration given to prior phones. the partner had a new design in mind and coded the new version around that design

once MS gets WP7 straightened out it will probably kill android since it will lessen the time it takes to engineer a phone making WP7 cheaper

 

[inkswamp]

Except if we start talking about OS (Android vs iOS) then you have take into account the little and huge brothers of the iOS family... iPod Touch and iPads.

20% difference compared to iPods and iPads where android hasn't comparable products (or comparable products that sale)

Exactly! It's like how people used to include WIndows servers and enterprise sales in the Windows market share when comparing to Apple. You could argue that it shouldn't be included since Apple doesn't compete in servers (or didn't back then) but it didn't really make sense. A Windows box sold is a Windows box sold regardless of its purpose. Likewise, for an iOS device, if we're comparing platforms, then you can't arbitrarily exclude iPad and iPod Touch. And if we're just talking phones, then it needs to be broken out by manufacturer/company or individual phones.

 

[Crzyrio]

Apple is not only the best (and popular) smartphone manufacturer (IMO), I really do think they are the best computer manufacturer in the world.

But why aren't Macs as popular like iOS devices? Pricing and Microsoft Windows already won the desktop OS war years ago.

Android is going to be the new Windows but for mobile devices. It might be inferior to iOS just like I think Windows 7 is inferior to Mac OS X, but it will sell just like how Windows PC's were sold. Different price points. To win volumes sales, it always comes down more about price than the actual quality. This is why popularity doesn't always equal best. iPhone sales is one of the rare times that Apple is the best and most popular at something.

The only Reason Windows won the Desktop wars was because they were out the door first.

This is a different senario here, where Apple came out first. I personally think Apple will continue to hold this lead for a long time because of that.

 

[ChazUK]

Exactly! It's like how people used to include WIndows servers and enterprise sales in the Windows market share when comparing to Apple. You could argue that it shouldn't be included since Apple doesn't compete in servers (or didn't back then) but it didn't really make sense. A Windows box sold is a Windows box sold regardless of its purpose. Likewise, for an iOS device, if we're comparing platforms, then you can't arbitrarily exclude iPad and iPod Touch. And if we're just talking phones, then it needs to be broken out by manufacturer/company or individual phones.

Isn't that already counted in other figures? iOS is easily number one as a whole platform and I doubt many would try to refute that (yes, some will). These numbers are simply the Smartphone figures.

Not wholly important but interesting all the same.

 

[Pimp Lucious]

If you're going to make that argument, then you need to compare the phones by maker. You can't count all phones sold by HTC, Samsung, Motorola and half-a-dozen other Android sellers and then say that's a fair way to discuss. I can see a one-to-one ratio on the basis of phone makers, but comparing sales of all Android phones versus the two Apple makes is meaningless. Again, if you're comparing platforms, then the iPad and iPod Touch need to be included. Otherwise, it seems you're intentionally knee-capping Apple.

You make no sense. Its a smartphone comparison. All Blackberry phones are being tallied also, just as all windows phones are. Why should the iPhone count also include other iOS devices. They aren't including Playbook or Android tablets. They aren't including all the devices out there that run Android that aren't smartphones. Are you actully thinking about what you posting? You can't be.

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OMG. Please stop with the 2 iOS vs 20+ Android devices. The NPD data is simple. No matter how you spin it to make your chosen platform look good, the fact is: More people chose the iPhone 4 and 3GS over all other phones out there.

More people chose Android smarthphones over iOS. See what i did there? Its all about how you choose to look at the data to make yourself feel better.

 

[Mr. Gates]

facepalm

Yeah?!?

Well I just Facepalmed you.

The guy made sense.

 

[Crzyrio]

Yeah?!?

Well I just Facepalmed you.

The guy made sense.

Yes he made sense, but if you people actually took the time to read the other post you would see why he Facepalmed.

 

[Nyalotha]

More people chose Android smarthphones over iOS. See what i did there? Its all about how you choose to look at the data to make yourself feel better.

No they don't (afaik)

Your sentence should read 'More people chose Android smartphones, over iOS smartphones'

 

[paul4339]

If I were Apple I'd sell the iPhone 4 until at least next winter or Spring 2012. There is no reason to spend development dollars when your product is selling so well. I bet by next spring it will still be the best selling handset no matter what so they might as well pocket the money and sell it as long as they can. Then when they finally introduce the iPhone 5 everyone will be ready to jump on it.

The iPhone is getting its ass kicked by the SGS2 almost everywhere it is available. US! = world.

The Galaxy S2 is selling well worldwide (5Mil in < 90 days). Trying to get extend a ban on all Galaxy devices in EU helps; but Apple has the release the iPhone 5 asap to compete with new devices coming out this fall.

 

[Mr. Gates]

Yes he made sense, but if you people actually took the time to read the other post you would see why he Facepalmed.

Oh

 

[deconstruct60]

The only Reason Windows won the Desktop wars was because they were out the door first.

Nice bit of revisionist history. Maybe in another universe's timeline but not in this one.

"... Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 .... Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal computer market, overtaking Mac OS, which had been introduced in 1984. ... "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows

there would have been no need for OS/2 if Windows 1.0 and 2.0 weren't cruft. You are correct in that Windows 3.0 launched about 10-12 years before Mac OS X. That is a huge time gap the Mac won't recover from. That war is over.


As usual the "first mover" advantage is typically grossly overstated. Very few first movers maintain dominance as the market matures.

This is a different senario here, where Apple came out first.

No, it is the same scenario. Either Android or Windows 8 Phone will push Apple aside over time in the smarphone space. The ecosystem will be larger and leverage economies of scale to become dominate.

 

[iMrNiceGuy0023]

wow, imagine if the iPhone was on every carrier

 

[LagunaSol]

Both Android and iOS are doing fine in the U.S it seems. WP7 sitting idle still, will Mango help?

What does Mango add that would draw in the consumer masses? It's all about app support now.

While I personally appreciate Microsoft's different design approach in WP7 (and was shocked by it, coming from them), I do find it hilarious to hear the Microsoft fans rant about Apple and Google's "boring, outdated grid of icons" when WP7 is, in fact, a...grid of icons. (Maybe it's the simplistic two-color approach that fools them?)

And why the sudden focus from MS on "code" names? Are they fixating on "Mango" because it sounds sweet and delicious? Is it because Windows Phone 7 sounds so kludgy (and Windows-esque)? It it just an obvious play for "cool?"

Inquiring minds want to know. Consumers in general, however, will probably continue not to care.

----------

No, it is the same scenario. Either Android or Windows 8 Phone will push Apple aside over time in the smarphone space. The ecosystem will be larger and leverage economies of scale to become dominate.

No, it's really not. Back in the day when Windows was reaching the tipping point, anyone could cobble together components for their PC in their own basement. They could even, if they so chose, slap a brand name on them and start selling them (Dell, Gateway, or one of a bajillion computer makers you could find in Computer Shopper magazine back in the day). And people can do the same today for themselves (and neighbors, friends and family), though they won't likely be making a successful business out of it.

You can't do that with smartphones, which are highly engineered and expensive to design and produce. There will be no smartphone "clones" you can build yourself. You can't order the parts from New Egg and build it yourself. Michael Dell can't undercut Apple on pricing. Apple is "dominating" in the economies of scale department if you haven't noticed. Who gets best pricing on components? Who locks down supplies due to volume sales? Apple.

Comparing the Android/WP7 vs. iOS battle to that of PC vs. Mac back in the day is foolish at best.

You may remember very similar arguments being made about a little device called the iPod. How'd that Plays For Sure thing work out?

 

[Benjamins]

Here's the break down.

Android is on every network in the US, with all the BOGO promo, and giving away low end, barely qualifying as smartphone, Androids for free. Still not a single Android device managed to out sell a 2 year old iPhone 3GS, selling only on one network, AT&T.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

What does Mango add that would draw in the consumer masses? It's all about app support now.

While I personally appreciate Microsoft's different design approach in WP7 (and was shocked by it, coming from them), I do find it hilarious to hear the Microsoft fans rant about Apple and Google's "boring, outdated grid of icons" when WP7 is, in fact, a...grid of icons. (Maybe it's the simplistic two-color approach that fools them?)

And why the sudden focus from MS on "code" names? Are they fixating on "Mango" because it sounds sweet and delicious? Is it because Windows Phone 7 sounds so kludgy (and Windows-esque)? It it just an obvious play for "cool?"

Inquiring minds want to know. Consumers in general, however, will probably continue not to care.

I would say WP7 is not a grid of icons. It more of the live tile set up. Tiles funtion quite a bit differently than icons. It is a very different way of looking at things.

As for Apps support WP7 is getting there and in many ways has already hit critical mass there. No it does not have the number that Android and iOS have but all the major ones that everyone wants it has covered. I believe Angry birds is coming if it is not there already and MS is working on bring in even more tools for developers to work with.
MS developer relation I think are a heck of a lot better than Apple and they are bring in some major engines to work on WP7 and work with in the sand box.

 

[Pimp Lucious]

wow, imagine if the iPhone was on every carrier

Android smartphone growth would still far outpace. Just look at other markets worldwide if you want proof.

----------

Here's the break down.

Android is on every network in the US, with all the BOGO promo, and giving away low end, barely qualifying as smartphone, Androids for free. Still not a single Android device managed to out sell a 2 year old iPhone 3GS, selling only on one network, AT&T.

Your point isn't really valid since all those Android devices you are talking about are individually only sold on one network.

 

[lilo777]

wow, imagine if the iPhone was on every carrier

Apple lacks technical expertise for that.

 

[scoobydoo99]

showing Android continuing to lead the U.S. smartphone market with 52% of new sales during the quarter. Apple's iPhone checked in with 29% of the market

What are you trying to compare? PHONES? or OPERATING SYSTEMS?

It's sloppy to compare "Android" (an OS) to the "iPhone" (a PHONE)

Use "Android" and "iOS"
or
"HTC EVO"(or whatever) and "iPhone"

 

[*LTD*]

As for Apps support WP7 is getting there and in many ways has already hit critical mass there.

If that's what you call critical mesas, then MS might as well pack up now and leave the smartphone market.

MS developer relation I think are a heck of a lot better than Apple

It doesn't seem to be making any difference. Nor is it really germane to success at this point. Apple's relations as they are, are rocketing their obsoleted device (3GS) into best-seller status. And their relations with developers, such as they are, have made iOS the #1 mobile platform. Judging by recent news, Apple looks secure in that position.

Developer relations don't mean a whole lot when a) no one really wants to buy your phones, and b) there's a lot more money to be made on the other guy's platform.

MS' love-fest with developers needs to include consumers. Right now, it looks like a pretty lonely twosome. Given the way MS is, we'll probably see a sad parting of ways in due course.

 

[MacNewsFix]

You also fail to see how a 2+ year old iPhone is outselling every single Android phone, ouch!

Plus it is missing the vaunted "4G," yet it somehow still outsells the Android competition with 4G and at the same price point.

I'm predicting that, come November, the list will read something like:

1. Apple iPhone 5
2. Apple iPhone 4 - now $99 w/ contract.
3. Apple iPhone 3GS - now free w/ contract.
4. HTC EVO 4G
5. HTC Inspire 4G​

Android smartphone growth would still far outpace. Just look at other markets worldwide if you want proof.

Yep, and mainly because they are not in the more globally popular prepaid market.

 

[kcswanko]

wha?

Android is not a smartphone, its an operating system. Show me an Android phone that is out selling the iphone. Tired of this inaccurate statement.

How is not not true. There are more people who many different phones using Android and some people using Iphones with iOS.

Meaning more people use a Android phone then a iOS phone.

----------

Android is not a great OS. It frequently needs a reboot to restore functions like email. The interface has a problem with loading buttons and allowing them to be pressed/activated before refreshing what is written on the buttons. So you click the wrong thing, call the wrong person. It calls on its own, texts on its own. It sucks the battery down at crazy rates even with nearly every syncing and other data accessing feature turned off. It gets stuck in email loops racking up gigs of data usage. It's just not a pleasant experience. It's the Windows Vista of the smartphone OS's.

True but same thing was said about Windows back in the day when Apple had a better OS. Windows ended up winning just because you could get Windows on many different computers of many different prices. I think Apple needs to be careful about this.

 

[KnightWRX]

i doubt it

With Windows MS sold a complete OS that you installed of a single CD or DVD. to build a system around it dell and HP just had to select some compatible hardware where the drivers were already supplied by the manufacturer. for OS upgrades MS just released a new OS to consumers. in 95% of the cases any software written for MS Windows worked on any PC as long as you met the hardware requirements

Hum. No. Dell releases their own drivers for the hardware and their own Windows system images. Same for Acer, HP and others. The version of Windows my step dad received with his Acer did not boot at all on a new Gigabyte motherboard I installed in his PC.

You need to read up on OEM images and how it actually works because you quite obviously don't understand.

with android you get some source code for an old version, then you have to go to the hardware makers and buy their chips that you then engineer to make a phone and write the software yourself to make android talk to the hardware and to make sure it all works.

by the time your phone is ready to ship after months of carrier testing a new version of android is out because google's flavor of the month partner wrote a big check to help code it in exchange for having a monopoly of a few months. and just to make it hurt there was probably no consideration given to prior phones. the partner had a new design in mind and coded the new version around that design

What a load of FUD. Have you heard of the Open Handset alliance ? This is the actual group of companies working on Android and an open handset specification. These guys are the ones providing the code for Android, and guess who are members :

http://www.openhandsetalliance.com/oha_members.html

Click on Semiconductors. Notice who's a partner. Broadcom, Qualcomm, Atheros. These guys ring a bell ? Right, the guys who make and sell radio band chipsets. You think these guys have not contributed compatible code to the OHA ? Of course they did, you get this code with Android if you plan on making a device just by being part of the OHA.

You don't have to engineer squat. The fact that you can completely replace parts of the software doesn't mean you have to and many manufacturers just ship vanilla Android on OHA compatible devices.

The more you know (the less FUD you spread).

once MS gets WP7 straightened out it will probably kill android since it will lessen the time it takes to engineer a phone making WP7 cheaper

Pure speculation based on a flawed premise to begin with.

 

[alent1234]

i used the Windows XP CD from my old dell inspiron to install a HP laptop before. and it worked just fine. only thing the OEM versions do is check the BIOS which is also slightly customized by the OEM and not boot or ask for a verification disc if they find another BIOS.

years ago my first PC was a AST. it came with restore discs and no generic windows cd. one time i bought a new hard drive for it and wanted it to be the primary. the restore discs wouldn't restore. i copied the entire c drive to the new hard drive and then the restore discs worked. no big deal, it was 2 files on the hard disk that it was looking for

the OEM version of windows is the same as the retail except it's slightly branded and customized by the OEM.

as for the drivers, they are just OEM branded. you can install generic nvidia drivers on a HP desktop PC. nothing special about the drivers.

old versions of android may be easy to ship but then what is there to make your product different? it's just a commodity and you're on razor margins.