Android tops iPhone in US smartphone market

Asavin Wattanajantra

New research indicates that the Android OS has had such an impact in the US that it has now overtaken Apple to become the number two smartphone OS.

The NPD group said that based on unit sales to consumers last quarter, the Android OS moved into second position at 28 per cent behind the OS of RIM, ahead of the Apple OS at 21 per cent.

“As in the past, carrier distribution and promotion have played a crucial role in determining smartphone market share,” said Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis for NPD.

Android devices have become big in 2010, with devices by the likes of HTC, Motorola and of the quality of the Google Nexus One becoming popular.

But Android might have a battle on to keep on being a leader, with upgrades like the iPhone OS 4 coming out.

Rubin said, “Recent previews of BlackBerry 6, the recently announced acquisition of Palm by HP, and the pending release of Windows Phone 7 demonstrates the industry’s willingness to make investments to address consumer demand for smartphones and other mobile devices.”

He added, “Carriers continue to offer attractive pricing for devices, but will need to present other data-plan options to attract more customers in the future.”