Sign in Subscribe
Software

Android to Surpass Symbian as Second Most Popular OS by 2014

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Google Inc's Android software will become the world's second most popular operating system for cell phones this year, leapfrogging rival offerings from Microsoft Corp, Research in Motion, and Apple Inc, according to Gartner. By 2014, Android will account for nearly 30 percent of all cell phone operating system sales, putting it in position to challenge Nokia Corp's Symbian software. This remarkable growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of Android-based handsets and the expected launch of less-expensive Android devices in the second half of 2010.

Key Takeaways:

  • Google's Android software will become the second most popular mobile operating system by 2014, surpassing Symbian.
  • By 2014, Android will account for 29.6% of the global market share, while Symbian will have a 30.2% share.
  • Gartner expects a surge in Android adoption due to the launch of less-expensive Android devices in the second half of 2010.
  • The market for mobile phone software has become a prime battleground for technology companies, with consumers increasingly using their phones to access the internet, listen to digital music, and play video games.
  • Google's Android software has experienced dramatic growth since its introduction two years ago, with over 200,000 Android phones sold every day.
  • Android became the No. 1 operating system for U.S. smartphones in the second quarter, according to a report by industry tracker NPD.
  • Nokia's Symbian operating system has maintained the No. 1 spot worldwide, but the company has struggled to deliver a high-end smartphone to compete with the likes of the Apple iPhone or devices based on Google's Android.
  • Microsoft's Windows Phone software will decline to 3.9% in 2014 from 8.7% in 2009, while Research in Motion will see its share fall from 19.9% in 2009 to 11.7% in 2014.

Statistics:

  • By 2014, Android will account for 29.6% of the global market share, while Symbian will have a 30.2% share.
  • Over 200,000 Android phones are sold every day.
  • Android became the No. 1 operating system for U.S. smartphones in the second quarter.
  • Gartner projects Apple's iOS software will add nearly 3 percentage points to achieve a 17.1% slice of the global market by 2011.
  • Microsoft's Windows Phone software will decline to 3.9% in 2014 from 8.7% in 2009.
  • Research in Motion will see its share fall from 19.9% in 2009 to 11.7% in 2014.

Sources:

  • Gartner
  • NPD
  • Google
  • Cyber Media (India) Ltd.
  • Contify.com

Read more