US mobile carrier Verizon Wireless has released its latest financial results for the third quarter of 2012, and they also announced that they sold a total of 3.1 million iPhones in the same quarter.
We also got to find out how many of Apple’s new iPhone 5 were sold by Verizon in the third quarter. The device was only on sale for a short period in September before the end of the quarter, and Verizon managed to sell 650,000 iPhone 5’s.
Verizon would have been able to sell more iPhone 5 units had they been available, but demand for the handset has been so high since launch there have been shortages of the iPhone 5.
Verizon’s Overall Smartphone Sales
Verizon also announced that it sold over 6.8 million smartphones in the same quarter. As well as Apple’s iPhone making up 3.1 million, they sold a total of 3.4 million Android devices. This indicates a strong market presence for both Apple and Android devices, which together accounted for the vast majority of Verizon’s smartphone sales.
Apple and Android devices made up 6.5 million of their 6.8 million smartphones sold. The remaining 300,000 handsets were made up of Microsoft’s Windows Phone devices and RIM’s BlackBerry devices. This shows that while Windows Phone and BlackBerry still have a presence in the market, their share is significantly smaller compared to the dominant players, Apple and Android.
Market Implications and Future Trends
The high demand for the iPhone 5, despite its limited availability, underscores the strong consumer interest in Apple’s latest technology. The shortages experienced by Verizon suggest that Apple may need to ramp up production to meet the overwhelming demand. This scenario is not uncommon with new Apple releases, as the company often sees a surge in sales immediately following a product launch.
On the other hand, the robust sales of Android devices highlight the competitive nature of the smartphone market. Android’s diverse range of devices from multiple manufacturers provides consumers with various options, catering to different preferences and price points. This diversity is a significant factor in Android’s strong sales performance.
The smaller market share for Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices indicates a challenging landscape for these platforms. Microsoft and RIM (now BlackBerry Limited) have been striving to innovate and capture more market share, but the dominance of Apple and Android presents a significant hurdle. Future strategies for these companies may involve focusing on niche markets or unique features that differentiate them from the competition.
In conclusion, Verizon’s third-quarter results for 2012 highlight the strong performance of both Apple and Android in the smartphone market. The impressive sales figures for the iPhone 5, despite its limited availability, demonstrate the high demand for Apple’s products. Meanwhile, the substantial sales of Android devices reflect the platform’s broad appeal and competitive edge. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other players like Microsoft and BlackBerry adapt to the changing dynamics and strive to increase their market share.
Source Apple Insider
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