Strong iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Sales Lead to Smartphone Market Share Growth for Apple

[JoEw]

So, you're saying Android devices are replaced more often?

This. Not a single person I know with Android phone has kept it longer than a year.

While obviously no data to prove this phenomena it wouldn't surprise me at all.

 

[mi7chy]

This. Not a single person I know with Android phone has kept it longer than a year.

Still using a 2012 5.5" Galaxy Note II. Until Apple offers precision pen, 2GB DRAM, split screen multitasking, OLED, etc. there's no reason to downgrade.

 

[Tech198]

Apple does it again, fr the billionth time....

Next year when Apple releases a new iPhone, this will happen all over again.

It would also make sense that Apple users keep their device(s) round the longest too... I still haven't upgraded my iPhone yet, and not about to. Same goes with my Mac and "now out-dated" OS.

 

[fermat-au]

Makes sense. Android is a cheap way to dip ones toes in the smartphone world, but ultimately people want more than what an ad company can give them. Over time Apple keeps selling more and more...

When was the last time you used an Android phone with a recent version of pure Google Android, like a Nexus running 4.4 or 5?

Android is better than iOS in some respects. iOS is better than Android in some respects. Android is NOT a second class OS.

 

[newagemac]

Almost #1 in the USA again...

I don't think Apple has EVER had the most marketshare. One more thrashing of Android in the U.S. next quarter will fulfill it's slow and steady rise to the top here.

That's amazing for 1 company against everyone else combined and even more amazing when you consider they don't even compete in the low end market like all the others do.

 

[Max(IT)]

I always find it staggering when I see the UK figures.

Maybe it's a geographical thing, but I see infinitely more iPhones out and about than I do Androids.

Though I suppose that could be influenced if iPhone users just spend longer actually USING their phones than Androiders

That. Most of those Android units are cheap phones...

 

[fermat-au]

We all need to understand that this Kantar report (or possibly next month's) will be the 'best' one for Apple and iOS. Kantar reports on market share over a 3 month period. In this case: Sep, Oct, Nov. The iPhone 6 was released in Sep in most places, so this is the report that contains the initial surge in iPhone 6 sales. Most iOS users knew that there would be a new iPhone in Sep '14 - Even before screen size etc were announced - so many waited until then to upgrade. Android and WindowsPhone users are just as likely to upgate at this time as any other part of the year.

The fact that iOS had a % pt. Change in most countries is good for Apple - the iPhone 6 was a bigger launch than the 5 s and c the year before.

The fact that the 3 m/e Nov 2014 number for Android and iOS are about equal in the US, UK and Australia, are not so informative. This was iOS's 'best' 3m and just another 3m period for Android. I expect the number in a few reports time will show Android with a higher market share than iOS.

 

[newagemac]

We all need to understand that this Kantar report (or possibly next month's) will be the 'best' one for Apple and iOS. Kantar reports on market share over a 3 month period. In this case: Sep, Oct, Nov. The iPhone 6 was released in Sep in most places, so this is the report that contains the initial surge in iPhone 6 sales. Most iOS users knew that there would be a new iPhone in Sep '14 - Even before screen size etc were announced - so many waited until then to upgrade. Android and WindowsPhone users are just as likely to upgate at this time as any other part of the year.

The fact that iOS had a % pt. Change in most countries is good for Apple - the iPhone 6 was a bigger launch than the 5 s and c the year before.

The fact that the 3 m/e Nov 2014 number for Android and iOS are about equal in the US, UK and Australia, are not so informative. This was iOS's 'best' 3m and just another 3m period for Android. I expect the number in a few reports time will show Android with a higher market share than iOS.

Except this report is showing a comparison between 2013 and 2014 for the exact same time period. Apple launched a new iPhone in 2013 around the same time period. The percentage changes are not from 1 quarter to another quarter, they are in fact from 1 year to the next year in the SAME quarter. So this doesn't look good for Android.

 

[fermat-au]

Except this report is showing a comparison between 2013 and 2014 for the exact same time period. Apple launched a new iPhone in 2013 around the same time period. The percentage changes are not from 1 quarter to another quarter, they are in fact from 1 year to the next year in the SAME quarter. So this doesn't look good for Android.

I said in my post that Kantar's data is comparing one 3 month period the the same period the previous year. I made the point: the iPhone 6 was a bigger launch than the 5 s and c the year before.

I think that most would agree that the iPhone 6 was a much bigger launch than the 5s and 5c, new design bigger screens etc.

That reason Android as a percentage when down wasn't that absolute sales decreased, the iPhone 6 has sold in in high number, increasing the total market, resulting in Android as a percentage decreasing.

Have a look at the interactive dataviz of the Kantar smartphone date over time. You see in the US Android had 10 to 20 percentage point lead over iOS for most of the year 2014. Only at the end with the iPhone 6 spike do the Android and iOS number become close to equal. It was a similar story in 2013.

These number are neither good or bad for Android.

 

[rish]

It would also be very dependent on where you live, hangout, and work in the UK.

I live in London, and definitely see more android devices on a daily commute.

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Historical data is not useful for analytics?

From my observation I've seen a truck load of iPhone users in comparison to android. Also seen a lot of iPhone 6+ Mostly used by the girls. Whether on tube, bus stop or a restaurant I see IP6's every where. I think they actually cracked it with the larger for factor.

 

[proline]

When was the last time you used an Android phone with a recent version of pure Google Android, like a Nexus running 4.4 or 5?

Android is better than iOS in some respects. iOS is better than Android in some respects. Android is NOT a second class OS.

Sorry dude. Any OS that tries to pay for itself by combing through your data, aggregating it, and using that to sell ads to the highest bidder is not providing a first class experience.

As for "4.4 or 5", what a joke. Hardly any Android users have access to those systems, so talking about them is silly.

 

[ksuyen]

MircoSoft is doing it to themselves. They want to play with the big boys by selling the phones at the same price points as some of the other flag ship phones.

MS need to to just flood the market with cheap (zero on contract) phones to build a base following. This Windows Phones is comparable with Android OS IMHO and they just need to build a following. They will take a hit but they need to get in the game somehow.

I don't think MS can afford playing in the same field as Androids, supporting cheaper phones wave after wave every quarters while maintaining their high-cost OS development. I think it's most likely MS thinks for long term investment (as opposed to smaller profits for shorter term), deciding to pursue Apple market share, keeping up the impression of high profile (not necessary high quality) phones such as Lumia lines, esp in Europe where people tend to stay away from cheaper (price and quality) Androids. I see MS building up their reputation as Apple direct competitors in high end phones, expecting their high profile will win customers in the long run.

 

[iososx]

I know both and the main reason is cost since alot of the Android phone owners I know have cheaper (non flagship) phones.

In my circle of friends flagship Androids dominate because the demographics are such that price is irrelevant. Functionality and customizable Android phones are highly valued. That's not a knock on Apple, simply a reflection of preferences.

Conversely the senior set do like the less intimidating Apple phones that make them feel in touch with their adult children and other moneyed, fit and active seniors. They're still inclined to buy cool toys.

 

[01silver4]

Still using a 2012 5.5" Galaxy Note II. Until Apple offers precision pen, 2GB DRAM, split screen multitasking, OLED, etc. there's no reason to downgrade.

So are u using an iPhone then are what? A mean since u are saying u see no reason to downgrade from your note 2. Also isn't the note 4 better comparing to the note 2?

 

[fermat-au]

Sorry dude. Any OS that tries to pay for itself by combing through your data, aggregating it, and using that to sell ads to the highest bidder is not providing a first class experience.

Yes Google make most of their profits, but to think that Android as an OS is purely about ad sales is naïve.

Some people will prefer iOS, other will prefer Android. It is personal taste and what is import to the particular user. I personally prefer the user experience of (non Samsumg) Android to iOS, I know many people who have switched from iOS to Android, because for them Android is a better OS. To suggest that Android is can not be a first class experience and iOS can be and that Android users will ultimately move to iOS completely ignores that modern Android has some great features.

As for "4.4 or 5", what a joke. Hardly any Android users have access to those systems, so talking about them is silly.

based on the latest number 39.1% of active Android users are on KitKat, with 85% on Jelly Bean or higher.

 

[cdmoore74]

I'm kind of surprised that the USA gains were so small, to be honest. It seemed like everyone that I knew got an iPhone 6.

Not surprised at all. Many Android folks wanted a larger iPhone; not shocking. But the hardcore Android user was not impressed.
I think Apple showed the 5.5" model too early. There is still high demand for smaller high spec'ed devices. The 4.7" should have received the 1080p display and optical image stabilization. That phone with 64gig at $300 would have been a decent deal. No one would have missed the plus model.

 

[newagemac]

I said in my post that Kantar's data is comparing one 3 month period the the same period the previous year. I made the point: the iPhone 6 was a bigger launch than the 5 s and c the year before.

I think that most would agree that the iPhone 6 was a much bigger launch than the 5s and 5c, new design bigger screens etc.

That reason Android as a percentage when down wasn't that absolute sales decreased, the iPhone 6 has sold in in high number, increasing the total market, resulting in Android as a percentage decreasing.

Have a look at the interactive dataviz of the Kantar smartphone date over time. You see in the US Android had 10 to 20 percentage point lead over iOS for most of the year 2014. Only at the end with the iPhone 6 spike do the Android and iOS number become close to equal. It was a similar story in 2013.

These number are neither good or bad for Android.

I don't think you understand the ramifications. Under no circumstances in ANY year has the "spike" gotten iOS so close to Android in marketshare in the U.S. In other words, iOS has never been this successful in the U.S. in regards to marketshare. Last year's spike, the year before that, and no other "spike" has gotten iOS this much marketshare. The spikes every year keeps pushing it higher and higher. And if the 2015 spike gives Apple another gain (as usual), it will surpass Android in marketshare for the first time.

This is not good for Android which relies on marketshare since it loses in pretty much every other meaningful measure of success compared to iOS.

 

[fermat-au]

I don't think you understand the ramifications. Under no circumstances in ANY year has the "spike" gotten iOS so close to Android in marketshare in the U.S. In other words, iOS has never been this successful in the U.S. in regards to marketshare. Last year's spike, the year before that, and no other "spike" has gotten iOS this much marketshare. The spikes every year keeps pushing it higher and higher. And if the 2015 spike gives Apple another gain (as usual), it will surpass Android in marketshare for the first time.

In Nov. '12, the last time a 'completely new iPhone' (as opposed an S year upgrade) Kantar's data shows iOS having a larger marketshare than Android. The two OSs were very close for the months post the iPhone 5 launch

While this graph is old it does show the spike with the release of a new iPhone.

source.

While the size of the spike year to year is interesting, a 12m, or even 24m average would be a more reliable measure of the platform.

This is not good for Android which relies on marketshare since it loses in pretty much every other meaningful measure of success compared to iOS.

It is true that Android does rely on marketshare to some extent. The thing is that if a large number of iPhone owners go out and update their old iPhone to the 6, this increase iOS sales and has no effect on Android sales in absolute terms, but this does decrease Android sales as a percentage. Google's wants people using Google services, many of these people use Google services on Android many on iOS.

This data a good for iOS and the iPhone 6, but that does not necessarily equal bad for Android.

To me, the most interesting part of the Kantar report, as with previous reports of the difference between the different parts of the world. We all need to remember that the majority of the worlds population live outside the USA.

 

[RobertMartens]

I have noticed that Apple seems to make this kind of progress after each release. However in the other quarters to loses some of the gains as the other vendors continue to release new phones. I am not sure I want to see Apple releasing phones every month, but I also find the huge swing with a peak in Q4 and a valley in Q2 to be a bit disturbing, mostly by the amount difference between the top and bottom of their cycle.

This disturbs you? I'm not sure I understand your stake.
Apple more accurately is on a two year cycle which is both amazing brave and very convenient for all the players involved.

I believe that most people buy on a two year cycle but haven't really any evidence. Does anyone know? I mean not really anecdotal.

 

[dec.]

Here in Canada iPhones seem to be extremely dominant and among my friends anyway as we like the music stuff, iOS was fast and effective when it came to music and mobile computing. Nice stuff, but I'll keep my eyes open for the slower competition that surely will catch up eventually.

 

[BvizioN]

It's pretty much that way in the EU. Same in France, Spain, Italy. I don't know why exactly this is, but Android has been dominating there for a long time now.

Cheaper phones. Getting one for less then £50 means every one can have a spare phone with an additional number somewhere in the drawers to use it when needed.

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Actually the market share of "glove compartment phones" are usually not smartphones, but dumbphones that can be used in a pinch to call/text. Most android smartphones (whether low-end or high-end) are used the same way iphones are. So that's sort of a straw man argument and anyway it doesn't answer the question of why iOS is still doing poorly in the EU compared to GB and the U.S.

Not true. I know many people (in my country of birth and also in UK) who have spare cheap android phones with a spare sim that they rarely use it, on some occasions more then one. And lots of these cheap android smartphones are not different from what you call dumphones, they are just a bit more complicated to use.

 

[AlecZ]

This. Not a single person I know with Android phone has kept it longer than a year.

While obviously no data to prove this phenomena it wouldn't surprise me at all.

Yep, people I know with Android phones replace them every year or less. But there are also some bratty kids who beg their parents for the latest iPhone every year.

 

[Max(IT)]

Yep, people I know with Android phones replace them every year or less. But there are also some bratty kids who beg their parents for the latest iPhone every year.

I'm not a kid, I actually have two kids (well, one kid and a teenager tbh), but I'm buying the latest iPhone every year since iPhone 3G. Is that wrong ?

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In Nov. '12, the last time a 'completely new iPhone' (as opposed an S year upgrade) Kantar's data shows iOS having a larger marketshare than Android. The two OSs were very close for the months post the iPhone 5 launch

Image

While this graph is old it does show the spike with the release of a new iPhone.
Image
source.

While the size of the spike year to year is interesting, a 12m, or even 24m average would be a more reliable measure of the platform.




It is true that Android does rely on marketshare to some extent. The thing is that if a large number of iPhone owners go out and update their old iPhone to the 6, this increase iOS sales and has no effect on Android sales in absolute terms, but this does decrease Android sales as a percentage. Google's wants people using Google services, many of these people use Google services on Android many on iOS.

This data a good for iOS and the iPhone 6, but that does not necessarily equal bad for Android.

To me, the most interesting part of the Kantar report, as with previous reports of the difference between the different parts of the world. We all need to remember that the majority of the worlds population live outside the USA.

Don't forget about profits. USA and Europe are where profits from apps and services are.....

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When was the last time you used an Android phone with a recent version of pure Google Android, like a Nexus running 4.4 or 5?

Android is better than iOS in some respects. iOS is better than Android in some respects. Android is NOT a second class OS.

Android surely is a first class OS , especially 4.4 and 5.
But most of the devices running Android out there are second (or even third) class phones.... That's what makes the difference.

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I said in my post that Kantar's data is comparing one 3 month period the the same period the previous year. I made the point: the iPhone 6 was a bigger launch than the 5 s and c the year before.

I think that most would agree that the iPhone 6 was a much bigger launch than the 5s and 5c, new design bigger screens etc.

That reason Android as a percentage when down wasn't that absolute sales decreased, the iPhone 6 has sold in in high number, increasing the total market, resulting in Android as a percentage decreasing.

Have a look at the interactive dataviz of the Kantar smartphone date over time. You see in the US Android had 10 to 20 percentage point lead over iOS for most of the year 2014. Only at the end with the iPhone 6 spike do the Android and iOS number become close to equal. It was a similar story in 2013.

These number are neither good or bad for Android.

And you decided that based on what ?
Last year iPhone 5S launch set new sales records. First 64 bits phone of the market.

 

[Northgrove]

And here comes the material for their next keynote.

I can already hear Tim Cook's slow, articulate speech echoing in my head, waiting for Hair Force One to happen.

 

[timber]

I've never understood why these prices are so shocking.

I tend to think about the products I buy in terms of how much I'll use them. If I'll use a product a lot, I'll pay more. If I won't use a product that much, I get miffed when they are expensive.

I use my phone AT LEAST twice as much as I use my iPad (and I use my iPad a lot) and FAR MORE than I use my laptop or desktop.

For me, paying the $1000 that I did for my 128 GB 6+ wasn't a big deal because I use it constantly, every day for all kinds of things.

I understand and can relate to that point of view but looking at it from a different angle I also use shoes a lot more that my iPhone and I will not pay 1000 euro for each new pair (yes, I know some people do)