The world's love affair with smartphones continues to blaze. Between April and June, worldwide smartphone shipments grew by 52.3 percent compared to the same period in 2012, according to a new report by market research firm IDC. That's the highest year-over-year growth rate for smartphones in 15 months, and IDC says it's only to going to get bigger from here.
"The smartphone market is still a rising tide that's lifting many ships," Kevin Restivo, an IDC senior research analyst said in a statement. "Though Samsung and Apple are the dominant players, the market is as fragmented as ever. There is ample opportunity for smartphone vendors with differentiated offerings."
IDCIDC's market share estimates for the top smartphone makers (click to enlarge)
But how differentiated smartphone vendors can afford to be is up for debate. Taking a look at IDC's smartphone numbers, one thing is clear—success currently comes to those making iPhones and Android devices. IDC's top five smartphone vendors included either Apple or smartphone makers focused on Android.
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