The iPhone saw its first quarter-to-quarter drop in smartphone market share in two years.
According to data from analytics firm ABI Research, the market share for the iPhone dropped from 18.1 percent in the third quarter to 16.6 percent in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the smartphone market grew a whopping 26 percent.
"We're getting to a point where the iPhone is starting to look a little tired, a little dated," says ABI's Kevin Burden according to J.R. Raphael of PC World. I remember when people were mugged over their Motorola Razr. Then it
seemed only months later you were embarrassed to be seen with one. I'm not sure the iPhone will reach such depths.
Apple will have a tough fight on its hands as Android competition continues to multiply. Already, several cell phone manufacturers are pipe-lining Android phones to grab their piece of the smartphone market. Tech Junkie has blogged about the growing Android market before.
Apple is seen as an innovator. It re-defined what a smartphone should be. The iPhone has changed very little since its introduction. Will Apple have the next revolution in smartphones? The iPad unveiling leaves me wondering. The iPad is a neat device, but it did not overwhelm me with innovation.
Steve Jobs better have something special coming to battle the army of Androids about the swarm the smartphone market.
Do you think Apple has it?
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.