The introduction of new smartphone models from Apple in late 2017 bolstered its share of the U.S. wireless market in the fourth quarter, according to a new analysis.
The report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners found that Apple accounted for 39 percent of the smartphone market, ahead of Samsung at 32 percent, LG at 15 percent and Motorola at about 5 percent.
The strength of Apple’s devices also allowed its iOS operating system to erode Google Android’s share of the smartphone market. Although Android-based phones continued to account for the majority of new activations, its 60 percent rate in the latest quarter was down from 71 percent in the previous quarter and from 64 percent in the final quarter of 2016.
“In the first full quarter after the launch of its three new models, Apple grew its share relative to Android brands,” CIRP co-founder Josh Lowitz said in a statement. “If we compare change in share from the September quarter to the December quarter in this year and last year, Apple clearly improved its market position.”
The Chicago research firm surveyed 500 subjects that activated a new or used phone in the U.S. between October and December.
Filed Under: Devices
