Apple iPhone Sales: Strategy Analytics Talks Apple iPhone Sales for 4th Quarter 2012

Apple iPhone Sales: Everybody knows that the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone is one of the top selling smartphones in the world. Most consumers are also aware that the Cupertino-based company has been feeling a lot of pressure from competitors, most notably Samsung.

Strategy Analytics released some research from its popular Handset Country Share Tracker (CST) service.

While there is a lot of information to sift through, the most interesting point is that the iPhone 5 overtook the Samsung Galaxy S3 as the world’s best selling smartphone during quarter four of 2012.

Here is what the official blog post from Strategy Analytics had to say:

“Apple’s iPhone 5 smartphone model shipped an estimated 27.4 million units worldwide during the fourth quarter of 2012. The iPhone 5 captured an impressive 13 percent share of all smartphones shipped globally and it has become the world’s best-selling smartphone model for the first time ever. A rich touchscreen design, extensive distribution across dozens of countries, and generous operator subsidies have been among the main causes of the iPhone 5’s success. In addition to the iPhone 5, Apple shipped an estimated 17.4 million iPhone 4S units for 8 percent smartphone share globally in Q4 2012. Apple’s iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S are currently the world’s two most popular smartphone models.”

As you can see, it was not just the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone 5 that performed well during the forth quarter of 2012. The iPhone 4S held its own as well.

So, how did the Samsung Galaxy S3 perform? During the same quarter the report shows that Samsung shipped 15.4 million units, which was good enough for third place on the list and roughly 7.1 percent of the market.

It is interesting to note that the Samsung Galaxy S3 was top dog during quarter three, with 18 million shipped units and a market share of 10.4 percent.

What do you expect to see during the first quarter of 2013? With Samsung getting ready to launch its much anticipated Galaxy S4, it will be interesting to see if the two Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone models can hold onto the top spots.

Check back here for more updates on Apple iPhone Sales.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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