Apple steals number 2 spot from RIM in smartphone battle
The results are in and news now hitting the smartphone world is that Nokia is slipping down from the peak of the mountain while Apple and RIM work their way to the top. With only the iPhone and iPhone 3G, Apple has managed to step over RIM’s shoulders to take the number two spot in the smartphone world with 17.3% of the market share. RIM, however, isn’t too far behind with 15.2% and climbing with anticipation of the Storm’s release mounting. Nokia, meanwhile, can’t help but sit and watch as it sees its market share drop to 38.9% from 51.4% the year before. Apple is undoubtedly snatching up Nokia and RIM’s business with the iPhone 3G, having sold nearly 7 million units since its official release on July 11. With those sales, Apple is not just second in the smartphone war but it now accounts for 2.3% of the overall mobile phone market – not bad after just a year and a half in business! Still, with two up-and-comers battling and plenty of momentum, Nokia and the Symbian OS remain on top of the pile as the ones to beat. All they have to do now is figure out how to hold the other two down, and that is going to take something pretty big.
@Delum: wasn’t the iPhone 2G only available at Apple stores at launch?
@ Delum:
BB is NO iPhone! You see the iPhone has not yet gotten the oh so important “smartphone” moniker from the monkeys that read this blog!
RIM need savings, nah, this could not be true now. Apple beating them in units sold was nothing but a fluke. Doing it in only 15 months!
Watching RIM stock and marketshare plummet has not convinced them. Apple selling 12 million units in 2008 with lines spanning around the block did not convince them. Apple with is 25 billion in cash in the bank (more than MS) does not matter. 7,800 apps in 4 months with 200 million plus downloads don’t matter. Apple being the largest music retailer in the US does not matter.
RIM will be launching the Storm without WiFi, no apps, no games, on one carrier in the US. Don’t think RIM gets saved by that, but VZW is hoping it will save them from losing yet another million data paying high-end customers spending an average of $95.
This so they do not have to spend BILLIONS for customers like Alltel that spend an average of $54 per month! Or the rural ones they BOUGHT last year that spend an average of about $44 per month on service.
BUT, the iPhone is nothing as they say “never fear” it is not a smartphone, no matter what JD Powers, Gartner, Calisys, or the other professional analysis say! HAHAHA
I am happy to see someone with a less bias view commenting here. Watch the monkeys don’t attack to try to convince you that the Bold will solve world hunger, is more green, and bring world piece as it has the sanction of the monkeys as being a “smartphone.”
The joke is that most of the monkeys on here probably own and carry iPods! While iPhone users carry ONE device that has WiFi that they use for everything including gaming!
If I were Steve Jobs I would sleep very well at night.
tHE rESULTS aRE iN
aND tHE nEWS iS gRIM
fOR rim
Shoot, I am mo hiphop than BG fo sho!
Black-Bury Users Unite
Do Not Take It Lite
The iPhone is here to stay
Not a smartphone is all you can say
Your Verizon Black-Bury is weak
Neutering it was quite a feat
iPhone’s UI and WiFi just shows
Your smartphone actually blows
Too bad you have no decent games
Making the Black-Bury very lame
OK, I am not a poet, but “Hi” and his rap inspired me!
I am just throwing some bananas to the BB – VZW monkeys. Will they eat it or do what they usually do, throw it at the humans?
Why is the iPhone NOT a smartphone?
First, I’ll start with, I own a BB 8830. The browser is CRAP compared to WebKit (Apple did NOT make the iPhone browser!). The screen size is much smaller than the gorgeous iPhone screen. I find the build materials to be cheap, especially the plastic screen, compared to the iPhone.
However, the PUSH EMAIL kills the iPhone for business users. Exchange is still shite on the iPhone, and mobileMe is a joke. The iPhone STILL CAN’T COPY PASTE, which isn’t very ’smart’. Want to synch your Outlook? Forget about it on an iPhone.
Sorry, those things clearly designate the iPhone as ‘NOT’ a smartphone. Like I said before, I’ll keep using my 8830 and soon my 9xxx series for BUSINESS, and you macheads can keep using your iPhones ‘with wifi’ at Starbucks to talk about fair trade and browse monster.com whilst spouting off about your ’smart’phone and how it can play games. Yeah, that’s a ’smart’phone for the office, one that can play games.
Kudos for Apple for opening an entirely new segment in the industry and selling trillions of iPhones while RIM did NOTHING. Oh, here comes the Javelin? The Bold? The Storm? Here comes RIM once again while Apple releases patch after patch on the same 3yr-old hardware and still can’t copy/paste.
RIM has done this on their own without the billions in cash from selling computers. Don’t blame RIM’s stock price on the iPhone, that’s childish and demonstrates a clear lack of knowledge regarding financial markets and the current crises(s).
I can already hear the macbots frothing at the mouth. too funny. calm down, sip a double mocha-latte, tisk tisk at the blackberry user, and flame away.
@ Scott:
Thanks Scott for weighing in with YOUR opinion. I do not disagree with some of the things you claim.
The term “smartphone” however actually means very little. BUT BB zealots love to throw it around like it actually means something and when they say the iPhone ain’t it, they think they are being witty and insulting the device that just beat RIM’s ass in only 15 months.
Crackberry addicts claim the iPhone is missing this or that one feature ignoring the missing features on the device they own. The iPhone has WiFi, no BB has WiFi on VZW, so are these still “smartphones?”
NO WiFi means a slower device, period. The best 3G is not as fast as WiFi. There are many advantages for having WiFi, especially when traveling. VoIP for one.
iPhone – 7,800 apps more that any RIM device (according to RIM about 650), as well as superior 3D gaming apps. With its robust SDK, they are created easily. NOT simple Java based 2D apps like the BB.
iPhone has a superior browser, as you point out. Problem is you are completely wrong who created Safari, as webkit is only the engine. Apple built the browser and superior UI. Webkit is NOT Safari. The Storm will have a Webkit based browser and it is NOT Safari (they wish it was).
Just maybe since the BB is missing many of these features, it is not a “smartphone?” Who gives a crap, except for the BB monkeys that call everything they don’t own a “smartphone.”
The joke is the industry claims the iPhone IS a “smartphone.” This includes Gartner, NPD Group, JD Powers, SquareTrade, and Canalys all say the iPhone is a smartphone. These are the leading industry experts.
Newspapers like the Dallas Morning News, NY Times, Mercury Times, USA Today, WSJ, say its a smartphone.
Websites like TechCrunch, BGR, Engadget, ArsTechnica, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, JKOnTheRun, GigaOM, Slasdot, all refer to the iPhone as a “smartphone!” Even Wikipedia claims the iPhone is a smartphone.
Only BB monkeys say is not while they watch RIM’s stock and marketshare tumble while all those people lined up to buy the “smarter-phone.”
Mac people are only a very small segment of iPhone buyers that are now sole in 70 countries to more Windows users than Mac users. This tired argument was made for the iPod also and there are more Windows using iTunes – iPod using customers than Mac. Stupid point you make here. Who cares what computer you use.
What three year old hardware are you talking about? Are you not aware that the iPhone 3G was released in July and outsold all of Rim’s models. The iPhone platform is only 16 months old, the App Store is only 4 months old and has already wiped out BB in this regard after many years in the marketplace.
The BB Bold is nothing more than a re-hashed Curve with prettier “curves.” The Storm is coming with no WiFi and no apps and will have an uphill battle winning over consumers as it is not aimed at business users.
NO games will hurt the Storm with especially younger buyers, even if you think it does not matter. NO games, No WiFi or iTunes type integration on the Storm puts it at a disadvantage against the iPhone from the start. The Storm was only created to copy the iPhone’s look, but is a touch screen, NOT multi-touch.
This is why I make fun of fanboys. Two minutes comparing a BB with an iPhone for most actual unbiased buyers and the choice is clear, as the BB looks totally outclassed and out featured by the iPhone, especially with WiFi included and the robust apps in the thousands.
I own a BB Curve, iPhone, Nokia, and Windows Mobile phone. So I am no fanboy!
OF course you should keep using your BB 8830. I have one too, and it is a nowhere as “smart” as an iPhone, or useful. Actually no matter what you claim here mail on an iPhone is quite great actually. I actually think the iPhone is a better business device.
I just think the BB Monkeys are amusing when they throw poop at the humans than do not drink from the same kool-aide glass.
@ FilterMan:
I could not agree more. Better than I could have said. I think this website, except for maybe the Crackberry site, has some of the biggest BB fanboys I have ever seen.
They ignore any innovative device just because they spent their money on a BB. Ridiculous.
Most of them have no idea what the iPhone can do.
@ Scott:
At least you were not nasty and start the personal attacks I have seen on this site.
You guys are funny! The fanboys are going to get mad now that you called the iPhone a good device. They hate anything that is not made by RIM or sold by Verizon.
Don’t you guys know having NO WiFi, NO games, hardly any apps, no multi-touch, makes the BLackberry a “smartphone! LOL!
I got rid of my Curve when the iPhone 3G come out and it was the best move I ever made. AT&T has been great for me. I have about 100 + apps on my iPhone now that I find boosts my productivity way beyond the crappy last generation Curve I had. It is now where it belongs in a drawer.
The BB is a decent mail device and that is about it. Try using the Internet on it!
I need to know, what is the actual definition of a smartphone?
I’m pretty impressed, if only because Apple’s goal has never been to own the entire market. They just wanted 1% of the pie and they’ve been able to double it. Their device has its own niche that happens to appeal to a variety of groups, but I don’t think we’ll ever see the day when every man, woman, and child has an iPhone.
Nokia on the other hand, is looking for exactly that and has been able to do it for a long time. They need to fix FP2 immediately if they want to keep their flag on that hill.
lots of hard core fans here for sure.
This news simply says what has happened over the last few months – if were to predict trends, obviously RIM and iPhone will keep going up in share, Nokia down, until there is a major game changer introduced. MS Mobile’s situation seems unclear, so likely to stagnate overal, which is still decent.
people here make you believe that there is a war or a death match going on between those 4 big names in a limited space. In reality, we need to remember that this market is new and growing and there is plenty of space with new customers for each of these. Experts predict that out of all cellphone vendors (MS excluded as they provide software only), only three are sure to survive the downturn in front of us: those who have reliable services based revenue, other stream of income, or strong Enterprise base. The rest will turn into low margin hardware mfctrs, get bought out or evaporate.
One other thing – RIM and Apple are not in a head to head battle, though in a tight space and shoulder touching. It is a partial overlap on consumers and less so on business side which could be highly unobvious. If you profile this in consumer world based on brand perception, it may look like there is little chance that someone who values looks, has tendency to be part of trends and has time to explore and play (mental association with coolnes) will look into BB – iPhone will be way more attractive up front and they will be very forgiving for any issues outside of this space. And vv someone associating themselves with success (power is close) and looking for communication tool first and with less interest in trends and exploration (significant web browsing, trying apps, games etc) is likely to perceive BB as the right tool. This may be changing as tools become more similar. An interesting metric here would be to understand how self-assurance swings the choice. Please avoid a debate on this subject – it will take a scientific survey to get any idea.
regards to BG crew and readers.
z
@ B:
You can check Wikipedia and you will see it basically means any phone that does more than be a phone like do email. Actually means little to nothing.
It seems to me it is just a term used by people who want to say their phone is better. Even though the term means nothing. The iPhone is far closer to a handheld computer than the Blackberry.
Take a look at this:
Blackberry Curve:
No WiFi – so it can not even connect on a local network to other computers, no multiplayer gaming, no file sharing, no VoIP, no FTP or WebDAV and you are stuck on a 3G slower network only making your phone useless in some buildings or where there is no decent 3G network. – No Skype or VoIP apps. Would you tolerate this for your laptop?
Curve has no touch screen never mind a multi touch screen. All it has is a small screen and a trackball to navigate.
Curve runs a Java Virtual Machine to run apps. iPhone is a full UNIX compliant OS that runs apps natively. Apps that do exist on Blackberry are flat looking and have nowhere near the graphics of iPhone apps that are now in the thousands.
Blackberry browser is terrible making using the Internet a pain. Many Blackberry users are forced to install Opera mini which is still no where near as good as the iPhone browser. Or they hardly use the browser al all.
Blackberry has no accelerometers or auto correction when typing like the iPhone.
OK if the Blackberry is a smartphone than an iPhone has to be a handheld computer! Either way RIM is losing customers to a better newer and more innovative device.
This is why they are throwing away the current Blackberry model when bringing out the Storm that tries to copy as much of the iPhone as they can.
I’m happy about many of the comments on here as most people are taking the news with a grain of salt. The sales and numbers are truly great though for phones only a year and a half in existence. The fact that RIM did not release any new phones does matter, however, because no matter how many carriers carry their old products, those products were already purchased by those who wanted it by the time the NEW iphone came around. If the iphone had come around the same time the Bold or the Storm was released I promise you the numbers would’ve been different. It doesn’t matter if RIM had 100 products out to compete with the iphone. Everyone will choose new over old. Just as how they will regain the #2 spot back with the Storm and Bold release because there is no new iphone offering. Most of those who really wanted an iphone already picked theirs up already so the sales surge period is over. The Storm and Bold, however, are just about to hit theirs because they are new. It is simple logic.
@ Marc are these figures for sales this year alone or an overall percentage?
Uh-no are there more problems in RIM land?
BlackBerry Storm’s “original November 14 launch date has been delayed again because of a ’software glitch,’” Jesus Diaz reports for Gizmodo.
Say it isn’t so. What will we do? Oh my god life is over…
I thought not having WiFi or any apps were a glitch… of judgment that is.
Let’s please not confuse the iPhone or any BB with a UMPC. Both have some very fatal flaws that make them fail in comparison to a full desktop-quality OS on a portable device. The iPhone has the potential, but Steve doesn’t want you to use it that way (because then you wouldn’t need a MacBook). No amount of software can currently change that either.
The iPhone is sure a is closer to a mobile computer than any Blackberry.
All the iPhone needs is updated Bluetooth to add a full sized keyboard and it is pretty much a netbook. Would love to see a small folding keyboard like I had for a Palm years ago so you can touch type.
The WiFi, file sharing and the apps are already there. This is actually quite easy as the iPhone already runs OS X. Faster CPU and performance will definitely be there in the next release and that should come early next year. RIM better hustle or they may be no ones tool of choice then.
@Scott: My sentiments exactly. I have the Blackberry Bold, the iPhone 3G, and the Treo Pro, the latter two of which are getting sold this week for a combined $1,400.
This baby does everything, and then some. GPS (w/ Garmin, TeleNav turn_by turn), copy&paste, WiFi, True Push, 3G, it’s a messaging machine, and the camera even has a flash, and I just unlocked it.
And it’s the only device with an unlimited international data plan, which is awesome for me personally.
Even when jailbroken, it’s mediocre to me with its resets, and MobileMe is STILL a complete joke, and Apple wants $100 bucks for it? What?
Did I mention that you can even run AIM in the background? Hah, what…a…joke the iPhone is when it comes to enterprise-level *anything*.
It’s great for making money, though. It paid for my last TWO mortgage payments. Haha….go iPhone!
Funny, I read all the way through this and didn’t see one comment about the iPhone’s HORRIBLE battery life and inability to carry a spare. I switched from T-Mobile and dropped my Curve for AT&T’s much better network and got a new 3G iPhone but with about 3 hours of battery life (if you want to USE Wifi or 3G) I couldn’t take it. Sure, the web browser is great but my Curve 8320 (with Wifi!) Unlocked to work on AT&T will last all day using Wifi (extended battery…which you can’t GET for an iPhone!) Which ultimately means a more useful phone. All the great stuff an iPhone can do is only good as long as that crappy battery lasts. (And don’t try travelling internationally with an iPhone unless you have deep pockets because you’ll spend a fortune with AT&T’s data plans!
Simple extended battery brings longer life to iPhone. I bought one and hardly use it as the iPhone battery life is fine and I am a heavy user. There is probably about 10 different batteries for the iPhone now.
Beejive app alloes for running AOL IM in the background with no problem at all.
Amazing the amount of misinformation I read in these comments from BB owners. Most of the stuff I read from you guys is bull.
Do you expect us to believe you bought an iPhone with a two year contract and dumped it ten minutes later! Sure I believe you. You paid for the contract and moved to something else and seem to have no idea of the most basic iPhone use.
@ insaneshayne:
You have not heard about a horrible battery life and no spare for one good reason. It is not true! The battery life is decent especially after the latest software update, for this type of device.
Also not being able to carry a spare is TOTAL NONSENSE. There are plenty of battery extenders for the iPhone. I have one. It changes via USB and simply connects to the dock connector. It is small and light and more than doubles the iPhone’s battery life.
I think it is better than having a replaceable battery as you can connect it in the middle of a call if you like. Truthfully I rarely need it.
Also International travel with the iPhone is better than you claim as the iPhone has WiFi and can use hotspots for data and VoIP. Also AT&T International data plans is not as bad as you elude to.
Pick the device you like, of course, but the iPhone beat RIM for good reason as it is a good device and has 7,800 apps which is more than 10 times that of RIM. This only took less than four months!
I don’t understand this anymore. This is a runaway thrad, which went off-topic a good amount of posts ago, including one of mine, and all we’re all doing is a flame war Microsoft vs. Apple style, the mobile version.
To each their own. iPhone users, be happy. BB users I know we’ll be happy. lol…juuust kidding ya…
Its simple, iPhones are no good and that is why they sold so many beating RIM!
Now there are 8,082 iPhone Apps. Should be over 10,000 my years end!
BB has about 700 at best. NONE for the Storm. Gee, I think this makes a difference, so having WiFi is helping drive developers too. Many of these apps take full advantage of WiFi.