Android corners 75% of the smartphone market, says IDC

As Google’s Android mobile operating system enters its fifth year, the latest figures from International Data Corporation (IDC) shows that it has 136 million reasons to celebrate. According to the market intelligence firm, “Androids” accounted for 75% of the 181.1 million handsets that were shipped during the third quarter of this year. More details after the jump.

The staggering number represents a significant increase from its 57.5% share during the same period in 2011, further cementing the OS’s status as the most popular phone smartphone software ever created.

"Android has been one of the primary growth engines of the smartphone market since it was launched in 2008," said Ramon Llamas, research manager, Mobile Phones at IDC. "In every year since then, Android has effectively outpaced the market and taken market share from the competition. In addition, the combination of smartphone vendors, mobile operators, and end-users who have embraced Android has driven shipment volumes higher. Even today, more vendors are introducing their first Android-powered smartphones to market."

Android’s closest rival, Apple iOS, tallied in with a 14.9% share of the market, followed by BlackBerry with 4.3%.

Software giant, Microsoft, comes in with Windows which has a 2% share, standing next only to tail-ender Linux with 1.5%.

In the Philippines, data from wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) reflect the same uptake in the market.

As of early Q3 2012, Android accounted for more than 60% of all smartphones running the top three operating systems on Smart’s mobile network.

“Android keeps rallying and there seems to be no signs of it slowing down,” said Smart Head of Marketing Mellissa Limcaoco. “The demand for Android devices continues to skyrocket and we do our best to keep up with demand,” she said.

Smart offers the widest array of Android devices in the Philippines. Its latest addition, the Samsung Galaxy Note II which is free on Smart Unli Data Plan 2000 is by far the most hotly-anticipated smartphone for the upcoming Christmas season.

Other Android devices available for free with a Smart Unli Data Plan 2000 are the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the HTC One X.

 “We have the widest selection of Android devices in the Philippines and we are proud to offer the best services alongside these best devices on the country’s best network,” said Smart Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea.

Smart also offers the Samsung Galaxy Pocket on its affordable Unli Social Plan 349, Samsung Galaxy Chat on All In Plan 800, and HTC Desire C which runs on Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich OS (Android 4.0) on All In Plan 1200.

For more information about Smart’s other postpaid offers, visit www.smart.com.ph/postpaid or visit the Smart Store nearest you.

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