Australian smartphone shipments grew 67% year-on-year in Q3 2010, with over 60% of new mobiles now being smartphones, according to a report by International Data Corporation’s (IDC).
The Australian smartphone market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3% throughout the 2009-2014 forecast period.
According to Q3 mobile phone tracker report, Apple’s shipments accounted 36.5% of the smartphone market, while Nokia stood second with 30.5% market share.
However, Nokia continues to hold first place in the overall market with 37.6% market share, but the lead has narrowed, with Apple now leaping to second place overall, with 21.6% market share.
The research firm said that Nokia will be banking on its flagship N8 to claw back market share in Q4, however the rapidly growing range of available Android smartphones pose a real threat to Nokia.
Android-powered smartphones saw strong growth in Q3, collectively accounting for 21% of the smartphone market, up from 7.1% in Q2 and only 2.1% in Q1.
Content from our partners
HTC also registered increase in shipments in Q3, with market share soaring to 8.9% to take third place in the smartphone market, up from fifth place in Q2.
The research firm said that 2011 will be a critical year in the Australian market, Android will continue its strong upward trend, with Apple’s iOS leading the charge and Nokia must fast-track the development of its high-end Meego-powered smartphones, in order to regain market share and avoid being overtaken by Android.
IDC telecommunications market analyst Mark Novosel said the combination of a strong Australian dollar, intense competition amongst carriers and high demand for smartphones means 2011 will be a fierce battleground for smartphone vendors, with strong downward pressure on prices in order to win over consumers.
