Android and iOS: Google, Appl and Research In Motion: Operating System Shipment Update

Android and iOS: When it comes to smartphone operating system shipments, consumers and investors alike are always interested in seeing which companies come out on top. The first quarter of 2013 is no different. This time around, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Android and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iOS are leading the pack.

And by leading the pack, we mean leading the pack. According to a report by IDC, Google Android and Apple iOS combined for 92.3 percent of all smartphone operating shipments during the first quarter of 2013.

As you can see, this does not leave much room for competitors such as Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY).

Here is a brief excerpt from the IDC report, talking further about where Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) stand with their respective operating systems:

“Android and iOS, the number one and number two ranked smartphone operating systems (OS) worldwide, combined for 92.3% of all smartphone shipments during the first quarter of 2013 (1Q13) as Windows Phone crept past BlackBerry for 3rd place. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, Android smartphone vendors and Apple shipped a total of 199.5 million units worldwide during 1Q13, up 59.1% from the 125.4 million units shipped during 1Q12.”

As you can see, there is no mention of Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) despite the fact that the company has seen a nice bump in activity thanks to its new Z10 and Q10 smartphones.

Ramon Llamas, research manager with IDC’s Mobile Phone team shed some light on what is going on with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), and Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY):

“Android and iOS accounted for more than the lion’s share of smartphones in the first quarter, but a closer examination of the other platforms reveals turnaround and demand for alternatives. Windows Phone has benefited from Nokia’s participation, and BlackBerry’s new BB10 devices have already hit a million units shipped in its first quarter of availability.”

BlackBerry is not completely out of the race but the company finds itself sitting in the fourth position due to a surge from the Windows Phone operating system.

All in all, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Android remains top dog with 75 percent market share. The company is followed by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and its iOS with 17.3 percent of the market.

On the next page, you will find a graph, courtesy of IDC, which explains where each company stands:

Check back here for more updates on Android and iOS.

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