Android Smartphone Shipments to Reach 1 Billion by 2013

IHS iSuppli study has forecasted that total Android shipments count will reach 1 billion by the year 2013. The demand for Android operating system has been on the rise ever since it was launched. The first version of Android was launched four years ago and it has now become the most preferred OS for smartphone users.

The latest report by HIS iSuppli has been titled “IHS iSuppli Wireless Communications Smartphone Report.” The report concludes that the global shipment of Android devices will rise up to 450 million by 2013 compared to 357 million in the year 2012. Second in the position is iOS operating system from Apple which is slated to hit the 1 billion mark by the year 2015. The report also underlines exponential growth for Android with the shipments expected to reach 3 billion by 2016.

The latest report states that the success of Android and iOS is largely attributed to their strong emphasis on a meaningful user experience and integration of new software business models. The report further stated that Apple is making profits by controlling its hardware and software design, where as Google relies mostly on ‘advertising-revenue-supported’ model. It also states the open source characteristic of Android software to be the prime reason for its success.

Daniel Gleeson, Mobile Analyst at IHS was stated as saying, “The Androids are taking over the world of smartphones.” Google seems to be the one who will benefit the most when Android crosses the 1 billion. As we know Google has offered this operating system as an open source platform for other smartphone brands, free of charge. The report stated Android’s ‘openness’ to also have contributed to its success.

Google has been offering manufacturers with Android customization capabilities without asking for licensing fees. This principle has gone down well among the smartphone handset manufacturers. Google makes most of its revenues from mobile and online advertising using its highly successful Google Adsense program.