|
|
|
|
||
Apple's Smartphone Share Declines In The U.S.Apple's Smartphone Share Declines In The U.S. (AAPL)There was more bad news for Apple Inc. (AAPL) in the latest smartphone trends report released by consumer behavior analytics firm Comscore on February 4. Although it retained the top spot in terms of the number of smartphone sold, the Cupertino company lost approximately 1% of its mobile phone subscriber base in the July to December period. In contrast, all other smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung, LG, and Motorola, gained subscribers during the same period. The rankings for mobile operating systems reflected smartphone subscriber numbers. Alphabet Inc.'s (GOOGL) Android retained its top position as the most popular mobile operating system in the market with a 53.3% share, an increase of 1 percent from previous year figures. Apple was second and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) remained steady in third place with a 2.9% share of the market. The decline in Apple's mobile subscriber base is even more surprising when you consider that it occurred during the holiday season, traditionally a period of growth for smartphone companies. But, it is reflective of the company's general performance in the market. Apple's stock has hit lows in recent times due to a mix of global and local concerns. On the one hand, investors are concerned that a slowdown in China will adversely affect the company's chances in its largest market. At the same time, they are also worried about the lack of a follow-up blockbuster product category from the company. This is because the company's new product iterations, such as the iPad Pro, have received less enthusiastic customer reviews, indicating a lack of enthusiasm for its design. That is a serious problem for a company that has built a brand based on superior design. The concerns are so strong that Apple's stock sank even after the company reported record earnings during its latest call. The latest bit of news will hardly endear Apple to its investors. The Bottom LineAlthough it is not much, Apple's declining share of America's smartphone market is indicative of larger problems within the company. Apple needs to hunker down and focus on its design chops in order to "delight" customers and regain its mojo. |
return to message board, top of board |