“Negative press prompted by a perceived lack of recent innovation by Apple has meant we are starting to see some growth in the number of previously highly loyal consumers who are now reconsidering whether or not they will purchase a new iPhone for their next device.” - Strategy Analytics
The iOS Ups
It’s a well-known fact that Apple sold more than 5 million iPhone 5 devices in the States recently, and the latest fourth-quarter reports have reported a staggering 27 million iPhone sales, overall.
Recent studies also reveal that throughout the last 12 weeks, American consumers have continued their adoption of Apple iOS, in seeming preference over Android OS. iOS increased its annual market share from a little more than 20% this time a year ago, to an approximate 40% present market share. The same study by Kantar Worldpanel ComTech also reported that Android OS adoption decreased from approximately 65% to 58%.
A Like-iOS adoption trend was found in the U.K., as well, where a 10% increase was found, but unlike the consumers in the States, Android adoption increased as well, moving up 6% in the growth index.
The iOS Downs
While iOS growth is doing extremely well in the United States and U.K., the case is not the same elsewhere around the globe.
The Android OS has in no way been a second thought amongst international consumers and the lower prices, quality features and terrific capabilities of the Android phones have generated huge competition for iOS.
In countries other than the U.S.and U.K., the iOS market share decreased nearly 19%.
Australia – Down 5% to 23%
France – Down 3% to 12%
Germany – Down 10% to 12%
In each of those countries, though, the Android OS saw substantial growth.
The iOS → Exit Stage Left?
Another reports suggests that iPhone users are losing confidence in the product. Strategy Analytics ran a report that concluded Apple iPhone owner loyalty is declining and that “only 75 percent of iPhone owners in Western Europe say they are likely to buy their next phone from Apple, down from 88 percent in 2011. U.S. repeat purchase intentions have also seen a slight decline, down from 93% in 2011 to 88% in 2012.”
Aside from personal opinions of PC fans, Android fans, etc., Apple has never really had a bad consumer report card within the last 10 years or so, but due to the fact that IOS6 maps is a disaster and Apple is trying to push out “Lightning,” faster than the speed of light — as people get electrocuted everywhere by the mere thought of having to go purchase new devices Apple devices — I suppose it can be fairly easy to see why many are choosing to skip on that next Apple iPhone purchase.