Apple Surpasses Android In US, iPhone Now Accounts For 50% Of Smartphone Market Share: Analysis Firm

As Apple AAPL gears up to launch the next iteration of its iPhone, new data suggests the flagship product is dominating the smartphone market in the U.S., surpassing Android devices.

What Happened: iPhone’s share of the U.S. smartphone market touched the 50%-mark for the first time since the product was launched in 2007, according to data from Counterpoint Research shared with Benzinga.

While iPhone’s market share stood at 50% in the June quarter, smartphones powered by Alphabet, Inc.’s GOOGL GOOG Android operating system made up the remaining half. These were from manufacturers including Samsung SSNNF and Lenovo Group Limited LNVGY.

"We have seen continued strong Android to iOS migration over the last four years," Counterpoint Research told Benzinga.

"This is a big achievement for Apple as its hardware gains continue to fuel service revenues through services like the App Store, Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Apple Pay."

See also: Apple's Bet On This Chinese Company Cost It $800M, But There's A Lesson To Learn, Gene Munster Says

The Financial Times first reported the news.

According to the report, which used data from NPD Group, Android made its debut in 2008, a year after the iOS-powered iPhone. By 2010, Android had quickly risen to the top of the market. Before Android reached the pinnacle, Apple was not the market leader and ranked behind the now-obscure Nokia, Motorola, Windows, and Blackberry.

Why It’s Important: Apple’s CFO Lucas Maestri said in the June quarter earnings release that the installed base of active devices for the company has risen to an all-time high in every geographic segment and product category. Analysts’ optimism concerning Apple hinges on its record-installed base of devices.

On Sept. 7, Apple has scheduled a hardware launch event in Cupertino, California, during which it is widely anticipated that the company would introduce the newest version of the iPhone. The iPhone 14 will probably have significant camera enhancements, and one of the variants might even have a satellite communication feature.

Price Action: In premarket trading on Friday, Apple shares were edging up 0.06% to $158.05, according to Benzinga Pro data.