Research firm IDC reckons that Android handsets will have a sudden surge in shipments this 2012. It also remains firm on its previous prediction, which it reckons Windows Phone will snatch second place in terms of OS market share by 2016.
Senior research analyst of IDC’s worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker says in the report, “The smartphone parade won’t be as lively this year as it has been in past.
“The mobile phone user transition from feature phones to smartphones will continue in a gradual but unabated fashion. Smartphone growth, however, will increasingly be driven by a triumvirate of smartphone operating systems, namely Android, iOS and Windows Phone 7.”
According to IDC, 2012 will show a temporary slump in phone shipments, but by 2016, we will see 2.3 billion mobile phone shipments. Most of these shipments will be Windows Phone devices.
In the next five years, Android’s market share will stay on top, but will decrease to 52.9% from 61%. Samsung will remain the top Android manufacturer. It currently puts other manufacturers to shame with devices such as the Galaxy S3, its predecessor the S2, and the Galaxy Note.
Apple’s iOS is said to drop to 19% by 2016 from 20.5%.
By 2016, Windows Phone will enjoy a 19.2% market share. Nokia will spearhead Windows Phone’s advance.
Previously, IDC predicted that RIM would enjoy a 15% market share. This prediction has now dropped to just 5.9%.
Do you believe Android will remain strong for years to come? Give us your thoughts.
