IDC 2012 Q2 Report: Samsung’s Numerous Smartphones Enable Lead Over Apple in Marketshare

According to the latest IDC report on worldwide smartphone marketshare, Samsung and Apple continue to dominate over traditional cellphone makers such as Nokia and HTC. The latest IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker report notes on 2012 Q2 smartphone marketshare and Samsung dominates with 32.6% (50.2 million phones shipped), while Apple trails at 16.9% (26 million phones shipped). Both companies experienced year over year growth, with Apple at 27.5% but Samsung growing at a phenomenal 172.8%.

The reason for Samsung’s surge? Timing of their smartphone releases in contrast with Apple’s once-a-year release schedule, and also pushing out as many phones as they possibly can in all segments of the market, according to Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst for IDC:

“Samsung employs a ‘shotgun’ strategy wherein many models are created that cover a wide range of market segments. Apple, in contrast, offers a small number of high-profile models. While both companies have expanded their geographic presence in pursuit of market share, the two companies will inevitably come into greater conflict as both try to generate additional gains.”

Samsung also had huge sales of its flagship Galaxy SIII and their phone/tablet hybrid the Galaxy Note. Apple lawyers would argue it’s easy to sell lots of smartphones when you copy the ideas of others and release devices en masse. With Apple expected to release a completely re-designed iPhone this Fall, it could very well become one of the most anticipated debuts of our time, but it is unknown if only selling a single device will catch Samsung’s lead.

[via IDC]

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