Canalys: iPhone may become UK's best-selling smartphone
updated 12:25 pm EST, Wed November 18, 2009
Exclusivity deals now hampering growth
The iPhone could soon become the UK's most popular smartphone, claims a Canalys analyst. Presenting at yesterday's Canalys Mobility Forum event in London, Pete Cunningham observed that the iPhone was the most popular smartphone in France during Q3 2009, a result of the end of an exclusive deal between Apple and regional carrier Orange. The French government ruled that the deal violated competition regulations.
An identical sales surge could hit the UK, Cunningham suggests, as a consequence of the addition of both Orange and Vodafone to the list of local iPhone vendors. Exclusivity is now said to be more of a hindrance than a help to Apple profits, as a neglected section of the market is described as interested in the iPhone, but unwilling to switch carriers. Some iPhone carriers may have poor coverage in particular areas.
The iPhone is also said to be making good progress in general, having taken 17 percent of the combined Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) smartphone market in Q3 through a 22.5 percent growth in shipments. Rival Research in Motion managed to achieve a 100.1 percent growth, but still represents only 12.3 percent of the EMEA market. Nokia dominates with a 57.5 percent share, although its units declined 10.4 percent year-over-year.
