Weekly Review: Android Continues to Dominate, iPhone 5 Release Delayed in Taiwan

According to recent reports, the popularity of Android smartphones continues; although iOS device sales have recently surpassed Android sales in the U.S. due to the arrival of the iPhone 5, the market trend is unchanged. The Android OS runs on more than 50% of smartphones in nearly all countries worldwide; Microsoft’s Windows Phone and RIM’s Blackberry are trailing far behind. As the iPhone and Android devices have even taken over in the corporate world, previously the domain of Blackberry devices, prospects are grim for RIM’s January 2013 release of the Blackberry 10.
Android is performing just as well on the tablet market, surpassing the iPad in market share. The Surface RT model of Microsoft’s highly anticipated Surface tablet has not done as well as expected; last week Microsoft announced a starting price of US$899 for the upcoming Surface Pro model, but with such a high price tag and only 4 hours of continuous use time, it remains to be seen whether the Surface Pro will be successful or not.
In China, the world’s largest mobile phone market, the Android vs. iPhone battle is taking place as well. However, unique to the Chinese market is the emergence of domestic brands that have seen impressive sales thus far. Additionally, the banning of Google services has created a unique environment that provides a window of opportunity for domestic brands to grow.

In the next few years, Chinese brands are expected to see their domestic market share expand, replacing Samsung as the market leader. International brands like Apple and Samsung may retain their hold on the high-end market, but for entry to mid-level smartphones, domestic brands are likely to take over.

As for the iPhone 5’s long-awaited release in Taiwan, the device has already been approved by Taiwan’s National Communications Commission, but no further developments have occurred. Telecom Far Eastern temporarily began taking pre-orders from their platinum members last week, but as the iPhone 5 is in short supply around the globe, the original pre-order date of October 30 has been pushed far back. Current estimates place the new pre-order date in mid-December, leaving Taiwanese consumers with no choice but to wait patiently.