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U.S. Smartphone Apps Likely to Lead Mobile Disruption

Mobile network service providers are concerned by the dominant position that Facebook and Google maintain on the majority of American smartphones. Why are they anxious? Instant messaging was the Trojan Horse software app that has enabled both companies to position their future expansion into traditional telecom service offerings, such as voice and video communication.

During 2016, both Facebook and Google will expand their app-enabled capabilities, thereby further eroding the network operator's role in value-added mobile services. Meanwhile, comScore released data on key trends within the U.S. smartphone industry for September 2015.

Apple ranked as the top smartphone manufacturer with 43.6 percent OEM market share in America, while Google Android led as the number one smartphone platform with 52.3 percent platform market share.

Facebook ranked as the top individual smartphone application. Google has six apps in the top 15 list this quarter. Software apps are likely to lead the ongoing U.S. mobile market disruption trends.

Smartphone OEM Market Share

192.4 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones (77.4 percent mobile market penetration) during the three months ending in September. Apple ranked as the top OEM with 43.6 percent of U.S. smartphone subscribers.

Samsung ranked second with 27.6 percent market share, followed by LG with 9.4 percent (up 1.1 percentage points from June), Motorola with 4.8 percent and HTC with 3.3 percent.

Smartphone Platform Market Share

Android ranked as the top smartphone platform in September with 52.3 percent market share (up 0.7 percentage points from June), followed by Apple with 43.6 percent, Microsoft with 2.9 percent, BlackBerry with 1.2 percent and Symbian with 0.1 percent.

Top Smartphone Applications

Facebook ranked as the top smartphone app, reaching 76.2 percent of the app audience, followed by YouTube (61 percent), Facebook Messenger (60.9 percent) and Google Play (52.2 percent).


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