Apple Shipped 16.6% Of Global Smartphones In Q3 2012

Today Strategic Analytics published its latest report revealing that global smartphone shipments increased to 162 million in the third quarter of 2012. Executive director at Strategy Analytics Neil Mawston said:

“(Apple) shipped 26.9 million smartphones worldwide for 17 percent market share, up from 14 percent recorded a year earlier.

Apple had a solid quarter in the important United States market and this helped to strengthen its global performance.”

However, Samsung led the charge with 56.9 million smartphones shipped worldwide and a record 35% global share. According to the report, Samsung successfully sold many hit models, such as Galaxy Note and Galaxy, despite competition in courtrooms and stores. The remaining smartphone manufacturers, such as Nokia, came into the "Others” category with 48% global share.

Apple and Samsung shipped more than half of all the smartphones globally in Q3, up from about one-third a year ago. Therefore senior analyst at Strategy Analytic Neil Shah said that shipping volumes “polarized” around the two companies.