Apple and Samsung Tighten Control of U.S. Smartphone Market

Apple and Samsung continue to dominate the U.S. smartphone market, according to a new report from Tavis McCourt, technology analyst for financial services firm Raymond James. While iPhone retention remains roughly 86 percent, Samsung is consolidating the Android space domestically as it has already successfully achieved in much of the European market.

“The one-sentence summary is that Apple has lost a bit of its momentum in the calendar fourth quarter, while Samsung has clearly gained strength,” notes McCourt. “However, our survey remains consistent with Apple gaining both smartphone and tablet subscribers in the U.S., and its iOS ecosystem remains incredibly sticky with an enviable 86 percent intended retention rate relative to 75 percent for Android.”

“We see very limited evidence of success in our survey of Nokia and Microsoft turning product awareness into intention to purchase Windows Phones this holiday season,” he adds. “The survey data certainly appears to be trending towards a smartphone duopoly in the U.S. between Apple and Samsung, and a more fragmented tablet market with iPad dominating with over 50 percent share, and Google, Amazon and Microsoft splitting the rest.”

The report concludes that Microsoft has done an effective job marketing its Windows 8 tablets and Windows Phone 8 smartphones, but the awareness that doubled since September may not necessarily lead to purchases, explains Forbes. And BlackBerry users intend to switch, with only 33 percent of RIM’s subscriber base considering a BlackBerry as their next smartphone.

The report also indicates that 58 percent of respondents who plan to purchase a tablet in the near future will opt for an iPad or iPad mini, suggesting that Apple maintains the tablet lead despite increased competition in this space.

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