According to a recent report from IDC, both Google’s Android platform and Apple’s iOS platform now account for more than 80 percent of all smartphone shipments.
The report covers the first quarter of 2012, and Android and iOS made up a total of 82 percent of all smartphones combined for the period. Android is apparently on top with a total of 89.8 million devices shipped as opposed to 35.1 million devices from Apple.
“The popularity of Android and iOS stems from a combination of factors that the competition has struggled to keep up with,” said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC’s Mobile Phone Technology and Trends program. “Neither Android nor iOS were the first to market with some of these features, but the way they made the smartphone experience intuitive and seamless has quickly earned a massive following.”
Factors Contributing to Android and iOS Dominance
Several factors contribute to the dominance of Android and iOS in the smartphone market. One of the primary reasons is the extensive app ecosystems that both platforms offer. The Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store provide users with millions of applications, ranging from productivity tools to entertainment options. This extensive selection ensures that users can find apps that meet their specific needs, enhancing the overall user experience.
Another significant factor is the continuous innovation and updates provided by both companies. Android and iOS regularly release software updates that introduce new features, improve security, and enhance performance. These updates keep the platforms fresh and relevant, encouraging users to stick with their current operating systems rather than switching to competitors.
Moreover, the hardware integration with the software is another critical aspect. Apple, for instance, designs both its hardware and software, ensuring a seamless and optimized experience for users. On the other hand, Android’s open-source nature allows a wide range of manufacturers to create devices that cater to different market segments, from budget-friendly options to high-end smartphones.
Competition and Market Dynamics
In third place is Symbian with a total of 10.4 million devices shipped, closely followed by RIM’s BlackBerry OS with a total of 9.7 million units shipped. Next is Linux with 3.5 million units shipped, and Windows Phone sits at 3.3 million units shipped.
Symbian, once a dominant player in the smartphone market, has seen a significant decline in recent years. The platform struggled to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology and the user-friendly interfaces offered by Android and iOS. Similarly, BlackBerry OS, known for its secure messaging services, couldn’t compete with the versatility and app availability of the leading platforms.
Linux-based smartphones, while popular among tech enthusiasts, have not gained significant traction in the mainstream market. The limited app availability and lack of widespread manufacturer support have hindered its growth. Windows Phone, despite Microsoft’s efforts to create a unified ecosystem with its desktop operating system, failed to attract a substantial user base. The lack of apps and the late entry into the smartphone market contributed to its low shipment numbers.
The dominance of Android and iOS is a testament to their ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and user preferences. Both platforms have successfully created ecosystems that not only attract new users but also retain existing ones. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these platforms innovate and maintain their leadership positions in the smartphone market.
Source: The Next Web
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