Smartphone Duopoly Isn't Going Anywhere: 'Pick One And Get Used To It'

The smartphone platform war has become a clear duopoly over the past few years — a battle between iOS and Android. And it's unlikely to change in the future.

Android Vs. iOS Battle Will Continue

Only 0.2 percent of 1.52 billion worldwide unit shipments of smartphones in 2017 were using platforms other than the two giants Apple Inc. AAPL and Alphabet IncGOOG GOOGL, according to a report from Statista. By 2021, that number will be cut to 0.1 percent on 1.74 billion worldwide unit shipments, the report said.

Android dominates in volume, controlling over 85 percent of units shipped in 2017, although at a lower average selling price than iOS. According to IDC, the average selling price of Android phones will be $198 by 2021. Apple’s iOS units are expected to grow 3.8 percent to 224 million units by years' end and are expected to reach 240.4 million in 2018, after the highly anticipated super-cycle runs its course. The iOS market share should remain stable until 2021 at 14.5 percent. 

No Love For Microsoft

While Microsoft Corporation MSFT continues to manufacture the Windows Phone, with 1.1 million expected units shipped in 2017, IDC does not project the Windows Phone will survive until 2021. Many have speculated the smartphone industry is reaching an inflection point, but until that happens, you dominate the globe if you dominate the smartphone market. Apple and Alphabet are the two most valuable companies in the world.

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