"Operating systems are like religions." -- Counterpoint’s Jeff Fieldhack
From Patrick McGee's "Apple overtakes Android to pass 50% share of smartphones used in US" posted Friday in the Financial Time ($):
Apple has overtaken Android devices to account for more than half of smartphones used in the US, giving the iPhone maker an edge over its rival as it pushes into sectors including finance and healthcare.
The 50 per cent landmark — the iPhone’s highest share since it launched in 2007 — was first passed in the quarter ending in June, according to data from Counterpoint Research. Some 150 devices using Google’s Android operating system, led by Samsung and Lenovo, accounted for the rest. “Operating systems are like religions — never significant changes. But over the past four years the flow has consistently been Android to iOS,” said Counterpoint’s research director, Jeff Fieldhack. “This is a big milestone that we could see replicated in other affluent countries across the globe.”
The numbers are based on smartphones in use, known as the “active installed base”, what Apple finance chief Luca Maestri dubbed “the engine for our company” in a July earnings call. This is a wider and more meaningful category than new phone shipments, which fluctuate from quarter to quarter and have already demonstrated Apple’s newfound strength.
My take: There's a version of this story that's not behind a paywall at AppleInsider. Haven't seen the referenced Counterpoint Research report yet.
Advantage, Apple.
And your points speaks to Apple and Tim Cook’s most important asset, paraphrasing, “We do the right thing. We don’t always count the bloody ROI.” And; “We want to make the best products, not the most.” Hence, they constantly improve the quality, durability, and long-term life of the batteries and screens. Many people love their 4 year old iPhones. Apple does not need to churn.
Upvoted. At this point all Apple has to do to continue growing is something the competition absolutely can’t do: sell more add-ons.
Apple’s ecosystem is like a technology black hole. The closer you get to it, the stronger the pull inside.
You could almost describe Apple as a Borg, except Apple is benevolent, keeping you happy with great products you WANT.
Given that Samsung and Google are being repelled from above by Apple and slowly squeezed & pushed aside from below by Chinese competition, your comment is doubly apropos.
New adjective for Apple: “unstoppable”.
Current adjectives for Samsung Foldables: existing but relatively insignificant, with a potentially limited reach.
“ Apple’s inter face
Now I’m a believer
I couldn’t leave her
Even if I tried “
Apologies to The Monkees
Me in 1987.