iPhone - At the top of global sales

Let's talk about percentages. Because only numbers tell the truth.

In the US, iPhone sales increased by 7 percentage points, year-on-year, in a period measured from August 1 to October 31. More specifically, according to Kantar Worldpanel, sales increased from 33.5 to 40.5%, for the quarter ending October 2016.

This is the fastest rate of growth in two years, the highest rate having been seen in the quarter ending January 2015.

Although Android remains the dominant operating system in the US, with 57.9% of smartphone sales, the data shows a decline for the fifth consecutive year.

Other noteworthy facts of the report: the iPhone 7 was in the top 10 of smartphones globally, except in Spain. In the UK, in fact, it comes first, with the iPhone 6s second and the iPhone SE third. Apple also holds the lead in Japan, with iPhones accounting for 51.7% of all smartphone sales.

The lack of a headphone jack, so much discussed, doesn't seem to be troubling consumers in the US, with the iPhone 7 garnering 10.6% of smartphone sales, even though it was available during only one month out of the three surveyed. The iPhone 6s was in second place, with the Galaxy S7 in third and the iPhone 7 Plus in fourth.

The iPhone 7 was the second best-selling smartphone in China during the evaluation period, with a 3.8% rate, while the iPhone 7 Plus was also in the top 10 with a 1.9% rate. Android still holds 82.6% in China, with iOS devices accounting for 17.1% in total sales. Local manufacturers Xiaomi and Oppo had 15.9 and 11.8% respectively.

The director of Kantar Worldpanel said: "Android may dominate the numbers, but Apple remains the most desirable smartphone brand in the world."

Read also: "New iPad - Expected without a physical Home button?"

From mirelen