Smartphone Winners And Losers This Holiday Season -- And In 2012

Reuters is reporting a poll of potential purchasers of smartphones in several nations -- and top of the list sails Apple's iPhone. There's so much excitement that Reuters even feels it can tease "Apple, which lost its position as the world's largest smartphone maker to Samsung last quarter, could regain top spot as consumers rush to buy the latest iPhone after waiting 16 months since the previous model went on sale"...something we predicted a while ago. According to the numbers, the iPhone's market share in the U.K. (taken as a guide to Europe) in October was 43%, and other predictions suggest that the rising tide of iPhone fever will see 200 million sold in 2012 -- a figure that'll be boosted, no doubt, as the 4S goes on sale Dec 19 in 20 additional nations. Perfectly timed for the holidays. It's also worth noting that we've known for some time the 3GS unit, which Apple is keeping on sale as its low-price entry phone, is also selling by the million, as is the older--and thus slightly cheaper -- iPhone 4. In other words, it's beginning to look a lot like an iPhone Christmas. With other predictions the iPad will maintain its dominance of the tablet market, Apple's execs will be toasting the season. It all bodes well for 2012, especially since there are rumors the delayed redesigned iPhone 5 may arrive (possibly as soon as March), and Apple may release a 7-inch iPad.