Market share analysis for Microsoft’s smartphone OS

Nov 28, 2014 10:47 GMT  ·  By

Windows Phone is still behind rivals iOS and Android, but Microsoft is working hard to improve its market share and bring more people on its very smartphone operating system. This mission, however, is almost impossible without regular updates, and Redmond is well aware of this thing, so many more changes will be implemented when Windows Phone 10 is ready.

But at this point Microsoft’s Windows Phone does not stand a chance on strong markets such as the United States, where iOS and Android platforms are still holding the leading position and are challenging each other.

Microsoft, however, is hoping to get more of these markets in the coming years, but let’s see how Windows Phone is doing in Europe as compared to North America.

North America performance: third, but slow

At this point, Windows Phone is the third top mobile operating system in North America, and while this does sound like a big achievement, it’s not.

The difference between the leading Android and iOS platforms and Microsoft’s own software is enormous, and by the looks of it, it’s going to be impossible to win back so many users in the short term.

Android is currently number one in North America with a market share of 48.76 percent, while iOS comes second with 47.08 percent.

Windows Phone is third in the chart with a share of 1.81 percent, so it’s really far behind platforms developed by rival companies. The only good thing is that Windows Phone is ahead of BlackBerry OS, which currently holds a share of 1.2 percent.

Europe performance: third, but better

As far as the Old Continent is concerned, Android is also number one with an overwhelming market share of 62.88 percent, while iOS is the runner-up with 30.28 percent.

Windows Phone, on the other hand, comes next with a market share of 3.79 percent, so it’s doing much better than in North America, but it's still not good enough to challenge the other two rivals.

Microsoft’s efforts to bring more affordable devices to the market are clearly paying off, as phones such as the Lumia 520 sold like hot cakes here in Europe. Unsurprisingly, Android, which is also available on several budget phone models, is also doing much better than its rival iOS, as iPhones are sold at about the same price in the majority of countries.

Microsoft hopes that Windows Phone 10 will give its platform another chance to boost its market share, and if things go according to the plan, the new OS should be here by mid-2015.

Windows Phone performance (11 Images)

Windows Phone market share in Europe
Windows Phone market share in North AmericaWindows Phone home screen
+8more