iPhone for the first time in three years became more popular Android smartphones in the US – RBC

Photo: Roman Kuznetsov RBC

Sales of smartphones from Apple grew late last year in all key markets. In the last quarter of the pre-both old and new models of iPhone became the most popular devices and presents in its category, according to Kantar Worldpanel ComTech. Head of Research company Carolina Milanesi called the success of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus «unprecedented.” According to her, the portfolio of Apple devices was more powerful than ever.

«With a range of devices available in various price categories Apple has managed to take advantage of the weak offer Android devices in the premium segment of the market” – said Milanesi .

In the United States, Apple sold more iPhones than all Android-smartphone manufacturers combined. Mobile operating system from the company from Cupertino has overtaken platform from Google for the first time in the last three years. In the 4th quarter 2014 sales of iOS-devices in the United States amounted to 47.7% of total sales, while smartphones on Android – 47,6%. In second place after the iPhone appeared Galaxy S5 from Samsung.

In Europe, the share of Android-smartphone decreased by 3.8% – to 66.1%. Sank all key manufacturers – Samsung, LG and Sony. In this case, iOS has grown by 6.2%. Most strongly Apple devices have advanced in the UK – where sales jumped by 13.1% compared to the 4th quarter of 2013. Android’s share increased only in the Italian market.

The company said that sales of devices on Windows Phone have been quite successful across Europe in 2013. But lately, the minimum growth was recorded only in France and Germany.

To press Android Apple and managed in the Chinese market.

«Despite the fact that Xiaomi remains the best-selling, Apple managed to slightly reduce gap and increase its share from 19% last year to 21.5%, “- said the director of strategic penetration of the Asian market Kantar Worldpanel ComTech Tamsin Timpson.

The researchers note that almost a quarter of people in China, who bought the iPhone in the 4th quarter of 2014, he became the first smartphone. A year ago, the figure was 16,5%.

According to the company, the penetration of smartphones in the US now stands at 59% in key European markets (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain) – 67%. In emerging markets such as Brazil and Mexico, this figure is around 35-37%.

In countries with developed market smartphones to attract new customers is reduced, and manufacturers should pay attention to increase customer loyalty, said Carolina Milanesi. Most dedicated fans still have Apple. In the US and Europe, customer loyalty devices of this brand is 87%, whereas Samsung (leader on this indicator among Android-producers) – an average of 62%.