Here in the U.S., the iPhone’s availability on only one carrier allowed Android to move into the number one position for smartphones — with figures expected to change once Verizon releases their version of the iPhone. However, there’s a massive market of non-U.S. mobile users, where RIM and Nokia have long been the leaders. After a long struggle for position in these markets, Google has now made it to the top of the mountain, earning the title of “Top Smartphone OS.”
It should be noted that it’s not just the Google Android platform being counted, but OMS and Tapas variations as well. Even with that tallied in, the figures are astonishing. Back in the fourth quarter of 2009, on a global scale Google found themselves at a lowly 8.7% — a far cry away from Nokia’s 44.4%. However, a growth rate that surpassed 600% allowed the Android platform to take the scene in a blaze of glory, pushing Nokia down to 30.6% — a noticeable distance below Google’s 32.9%.
In this same global market, Apple has seen substantial growth, and an 85% growth rate is certainly nothing to sneeze at. However, this still puts them at less than half of Google’s share. Apple, while it has narrowly surpassed RIM, is still third in the global market, and Google is likely to increase that lead in the coming months.
In addition to having a versatile OS usable in countries around the world and 2011 devices slated for the “sub $100 smartphone” category, Google’s lead is likely to grow due to actions from RIM and Nokia. The second and fourth place in global market share, respectively, these two companies are both considering using the Android operating system for their devices. While there’s no official word from either company on the “if” or “when,” either making the move would put Google into a position for majority market share.
