IDC says Apple gaining at RIM's expense

Apple's record first quarter gave it an equally dramatic surge in smartphone market share that came at the expense of the BlackBerry, according to new IDC data. Shipping 8.75 million iPhones was enough to see its share jump from just 10.9 percent a year ago to 16.1 percent today. Apple also saw the largest growth in sheer units as it moved 131.6 percent more phones year over year.

Most of the gains came directly at the expense of RIM. Although it shipped the most BlackBerries ever, its more modest gain compared to a year ago cost it a point and a half as it fell to 19.4 percent. Nokia was still the leader as its share was flat at 39.3 percent, but its 21.5 million units are likely exaggerated as it counted Booklet 3G netbooks as part of its figures.

Those making gains outside of Apple were the smaller players. The decision to largely drop Windows Mobile for Android helped both HTC and Motorola as they moved up to 4.8 and 4.2 percent each in the smartphone arena.

Researchers at IDC noted that smartphone sales grew twice as quickly as regular phones during the period and thus that it would take much more rapid growth to move ahead. HTC and Motorola have both been seen as having good prospects due to their Android emphasis, while Nokia is being warned that it might lose share if the N8 and Symbian^3 aren't compelling enough to stop users from switching away to the iPhone or other rival platforms.

By Electronista Staff