Strategy Analytics reports that Apple overtook Samsung to take the top spot as market leader in mobile phone shipments for the last quarter of 2012. Samsung still led the year as a whole. This marks the first time in its history that the iPhone has held the top spot in overall mobile phone shipments.
The technology analysts estimate that a total of 52 million mobile phones were shipped in the U.S. last quarter, with Apple accounting for 17.7 million of them, Samsung for 16.8 million and LG a distant third with 4.7 million. Samsung had held the top spot since 2008 before being dethroned by Apple.
SA estimates that Apple shipped 17.7 million mobile phones for a record 34% share of the United States market in the fourth quarter of 2012, up sharply from 12.8 million units shipped and 25% share in Q4 2011.
The analytical firm does believe that Samsung may retake the title when it launches its rumored Galaxy S4.
