Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL): Since the release of its first iPhone in 2007, the company has been relying heavily on this device to build its brand and show the world what it has to offer. While Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and its Android operating system came to the party a bit late, it has not slowed the OS down in the least bit.
According to a recent report by Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, for the three month period ending in June 2013, Apple iOS has moved forward 5.2 percentage points to capture 30.5 percent of the British smartphone market.
While Cupertino continues to search for new ways to break into emerging markets (ask Tim Cook and Jony Ive about China), such as with a cheaper iPhone, it is relying on an entirely different strategy in the British market.
The more than 5 percent increase enjoyed by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been driven by first-time buyers purchasing the iPhone 4. This may be a bit of a surprise to many, as consumers in other parts of the world, including the United States, are always looking for the latest and greatest device (which would be the iPhone 5 at this time).
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Not Worried About Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)
With Apple iOS picking up steam thanks to sales of the iPhone 4, you would think Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android (led by Sundar Pichai) would slide back in this market. This is not the case.
We once again find that Android is holding onto the top spot. In Britain, its lead at the top is thanks to a hold on 56.2 percent of the market.
Not Just Britain
When comparing Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), it is important to look at both companies across a variety of markets. This makes it easier to understand which OS is dominating in which regions.
Not only is Android the winner in Britain, but the operating system is beating iOS in all five major European markets. In fact, this trend is growing with Android now accounting for 69.8 percent of the market this year, up from 64.5 percent a year ago.
With Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and its CEO Larry Page doing whatever it takes to dethrone Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) in the tablet market, this story becomes even more interesting.
The last thing Cupertino wants is to find itself losing ground in both the tablet and smartphone markets, regardless of the region.
A couple months back it appeared that Apple was gaining all kind of momentum. Now, things are not as clear.
What do pro analysts like Gene Munster, Andy Hargreaves and Nehal Chokshi have to say about Apple and Tim Cook in particular? Check it out, courtesy of CNBC:
Furthermore, what do you think mega-Apple investors like Stuart Peterson or Zeke Ashton have to say about this?
Disclosure: none
