The Apple iPhone receives unexpected rating

May 2, 2007 12:57 GMT  ·  By

The iPhone is a concept that will most probably turn out to be one of the biggest breakthroughs coming from Apple this year. It currently holds 6 per cent of the cellular buyers market expressing the intention of a future purchase of the model.

A US survey was conducted in order to find out exactly the position of iPhone on the mobile phone market, as it is competing against strong, already appreciated cellular producers. The research revealed that 77% of all questioned people knew about iPhone and were familiar with its basic features. Furthermore, 6% even plan to buy it sometime in the future.

6% may seem a small rate, but, opposed to the 1% estimated by Apple, it actually proves to be an unexpected success. Not only that, but more than 40% of those questioned have a good impression on the iPhone. Appreciation rises up to over 80% in the case of the people that are actually aware of the phone's features.

The interesting aspect about the matter is that Windows Mobile also holds 6% of the smartphone market. Furthermore, Linux is rated at 17% and Symbian at 72%. In this case, 6% for the Apple iPhone represents a pretty big share of the cellular market and a big threat for Windows Mobile.

If iPhone is so popular, then why isn't the market share even higher for Apple? The problem seems to be the cost and contract when opposed. The iPhone will cost USD500 with a Cingular/AT&T contract. A big price and a not so appealing contract. Cingular/AT&T mobile network holds little popularity among mobile phone subscribers in the US, which reduces the number of people willing to sign with them.