iPhone grabs top spot amongst Japanese smartphones in 2011
updated 05:20 pm EDT, Thu May 10, 2012
Android takes largest percentage of OS share
The iPhone was the bestselling smartphone in Japan during 2011, according to data from MM Research. Apple sold 7.25 million units, giving it 30 percent of smartphone sales, and 17 percent of all cellphone sales. Android, though, was the most popular smartphone platform, beating out iOS with a 69 percent share. Together the two operating systems accounted for 99 percent of Japanese smartphone sales.
The reason's for the iPhone's success in Japan isn't mentioned, but Apple handhelds have traditionally been very popular in the country, reaching back to the iPod. Both the iPhone and Android devices have benefited from a previously stagnant Japanese phone industry, where relatively few changes were being made in phone design. iPhone sales could be helped still further by the arrival of a native Japanese version of Siri in March.
