In almost every major market globally, Windows Phone market share was up in August 2014 when compared to August 2013 according to a new report by Kantar Worldpanel. The report reviews mobile market share across all platforms in various countries and regions and in some of those markets, Windows Phone took its biggest step forward in a long time – if ever.
Across the European big 5 countries – UK, Germany, Spain, France & Italy – Windows Phone market share jumped to 9.2%, up .7% over August 2013. Outside of Android, Windows Phone gained the most traction in Europe with iOS sales declining year-over-year by .4%. Equally as important, Windows Phone market share increased in the United States to 4.7%, up .8% year-over-year. It is a major step forward for the Little Operating System That Could.
The increase in market share is important for Microsoft as they fight the uphill battle against Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS platforms and these increase certainly aren’t going to cause either of them to lose any sleep. However it does cement Windows Phone as the 3rd horse in the Mobile OS race and proves that Microsoft’s focus on the platform and devices is not a fruitless effort.
The Kantar report is actually aimed at pointed out that Apple did not suffer sales losses with the recently announced iPhone 6 and
Kantar Worldpanel August 2014 Report
iPhone 6 Plus and does not call out anywhere in the report the increases for Windows Phone market share. However the chart they provide in the report, what you see to the right, clearly points out that in almost every market Windows Phone made gains. Germany and China did see drops in Windows Phone sales while France saw a .1% decline. Still, other markets like Italy and Spain saw significant growth.
The question of course is if the growth trends are sustainable. I can’t help but think they will be. Keep in mind that these market share numbers do not necessarily reflect sales of the recently announced Lumia 730, 735 or 830, all of which were announced in September. As I posted last month, I firmly believe that the 830 is going to be a real winner for Microsoft and Windows Phone. It is already available across Europe with it hitting the shores of the United States this quarter.
Be under no illusions however Windows Phone fans. It is still a small market share in the grand scheme of things. While Windows Phone hit 9.2% here in Europe, Android is a whopping 75.8% of market share. So it isn’t a matter of everything turning over quickly. But it certainly a step in the right direction.
