Samsung leads smartphone market with 33% market share; Apple has 18% and Nokia slumps to 7%
The worldwide mobile phone market grew 1% year over year in the second quarter of 2012, as Samsung and Apple shipped almost half of the world's smartphones. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) vendors shipped 406.0m units in 2Q12 compared to 401.8m units in the second quarter of 2011. Samsung and Apple have more than doubled their combined market share over the past two years, which has created more distance between the companies and the competition. "Samsung and Apple have quickly become the global smartphone heavyweights though both employ somewhat different approaches to the market," said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. "Samsung employs a 'shotgun' strategy wherein many models are created that cover a wide range of market segments. Apple, in contrast, offers a small number of high-profile models. While both companies have expanded their geographic presence in pursuit of market share, the two companies will inevitably come into greater conflict as both try to generate additional gains."
-----To continue reading, subscribe to our premium service-----
