Apple iPhone gains market share

The latest sales figures from research firm NPD Group show Apple's iPhone 3G gaining market share rapidly.

The handset now accounts for 17 per cent of the market, second only to Motorola's RazR2. Before the iPhone 3G launch Apple's market share was 11 per cent.

The survey of over 150,000 consumers also found that 30 per cent of iPhone buyers switched networks to AT&T to get the phone.

Verizon Wireless was the biggest loser, at 47 per cent of that figure, followed by 24 per cent from T-Mobile and 19 per cent from Sprint.

"The launch of the lower-priced iPhone 3G was a boon to overall consumer smartphone sales," said Ross Rubin, NPD Group director of industry analysis, in a statement.

"While the original iPhone also helped win customers for AT&T, the faster network speeds of the iPhone 3G proved more appealing to customers who already had access to a 3G network."

Rubin noted that the iPhone is now outselling the BlackBerry Curve, BlackBerry Pearl and Palm Centro, making it the number one smartphone in the US.

See also:

Rumours hint at HP iPhone rival

Vendor's iPaq line may gain touch model  06 Oct 2008

Apple stock plunges on Jobs health rumour

False heart attack report wipes value  04 Oct 2008

Apple scraps iPhone non-disclosure agreement

Applications get a little more open  02 Oct 2008

Apple declared 'coolest' name in tech

Apple corporate brand and iPhone feature highly in consumer poll  01 Oct 2008

Apple sells SIM-free iPhones in Hong Kong

Unlocked handsets available through Apple Store  29 Sep 2008

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