Research In Motion Ltd (BBRY), Apple Inc. (AAPL): Predictions for BlackBerry Don’t Look Good

After Android and iOS, the next most popular OS, according to comScore, is Research In Motion Ltd — but that doesn’t paint the entire picture. When it comes to actual smartphone market share, not just platform market share, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)‘s Windows Phone OS actually overtook Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) in Q4 2012, according to Strategy Analytics. With the launch of the Z10 looming in just a few days, it may be possible for Research In Motion Ltd reclaim the No. 3 spot, but fighting for third place isn’t a great place to be.

The big picture
Gartner research said this week that, “Although BB10 presents a modernized new platform based on touch technology, market conditions will make it extremely difficult for Research In Motion Ltd to rise above iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8 platforms.” Their statement seems spot on with the current smartphone market share numbers in the U.S., as well as polls from current Android and iPhone users.

The challenge for Research In Motion Ltd isn’t just creating a great phone and operating system — it’s making people want to buy it. Based on the stranglehold that Android and iOS have on the market and the rise of the Windows Phone platform, I don’t think Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) can pull it off. Even if Research In Motion Ltd could build its former enterprise base back up, it would still need to increase consumer-side demand for the product, which it simply isn’t doing.

The article Predictions for BlackBerry Don’t Look Good originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends  and owns shares of Apple. It also owns shares of Microsoft.

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