The NPD Group, a market research company, has reported that in Q4 of 2011, Apple became the best-selling handset brand in the United States. In Q4, Apple launched the iPhone 4S, its newest model that featured Siri, a voice recognition system, an improved camera and faster processor. Sprint also became a carrier for the iPhone. These factors helped Apple capture 43 percent of the U.S. smartphone market.
Apple’s iPhone Numbers at a Glance
- The iPhone 4S outsold the iPhone 4 by 75 percent.
- The iPhone 4S outsold the iPhone 3GS, available for free at A&T, five to one.
Android Numbers at a Glance for First-Time Buyers
While iPhones were the top-selling smartphones of 2011, the Android Market showed signs of good news too. First-time smartphone buyers preferred the options available on the Android Market and the better choice of carriers. The numbers were reported as follows:
- 57 percent of consumers purchased Android smartphones.
- 34 percent of consumers purchased iPhones.
Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, these types of studies show people tend to remain loyal to Apple and those entering the smartphone market go with Android because they have more choices and price points to consider. With Android, it is also important to remember that studies need to drill down based on manufacturer. As I have mentioned before, consumers should take the time to find the right Android phone based on their needs.
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