Despite massive growth over the past few years Apple has relinquished it’s spot as the world’s number one smartphone vendor to Samsung. On Tuesday IDC released a report that sees Samsung as the top vendor on the planet for smartphone shipments during the first quarter of 2012…
During the first quarter of 2012 Samsung rode a massive wave of growth that allowed them to ship 42.2 million phones giving them 29.1 percent of the worldwide global market, while last year’s leader Nokia only shipped 11.9 million units giving them 8.2 percent of the worlds mobile market share. Cupertino-based Apple came in a relatively close second with 35.1 million units shipped which accounted for a market share of 24.2 percent.
According to IDC senior research analyst Ramon Llamas:
“The race between Apple and Samsung remained tight during the quarter, even as both companies posted growth in key areas. Apple launched its popular iPhone 4S in additional key markets, most notably in China, and Samsung experienced continued success from its Galaxy Note smartphone/tablet and other Galaxy smartphones. With other companies in the midst of major strategic transitions, the contest between Apple and Samsung will bear close observation as hotly-anticipated new models are launched.”
Apple and Samsung are currently locked in a legal battle that spans over ten countries. Just recently a U.S. judge scheduled court-mediated settlement talks for the 21-22 of May. The two electronic giants are said to be running away with the global smartphone market. Both are expected to have significant gains in the coming year forcing the smaller less competitive vendors to fight over the scraps.
