Article: Two Years After Release, iPhone 3GS Remains 2nd 'Most Popular' Smartphone in the US

[Michael Essany]

Americans have an ongoing love affair that just won't quit with their iPhone 3GS. Two years after its release, the iPhone 3GS remains the second most popular smartphone in the United States according to data derived from a new report published Monday by NPD Group.

Google, however, was right along for the journey, joining Apple as a leading maker of a hugely popular mobile operating system (Android). Apple and Google were the big winners during the second quarter of 2011, in terms of market share gains, while Research In Motion slipped further.

But don't feel bad for Apple because the iPhone 3GS is only the second most popular smartphone in the US. Guess what holds the top spot? Last year's iPhone 4, which continues to enjoy great demand even so close to the iPhone 5 release expected during the next 4-6 weeks.

Still, it's important to avoid becoming too optimistic about Apple's ascension up the smartphone food chain here in the US. "Android's momentum has made for a large pie that is attractive to Motorola's Android rivals, even if they must compete with their own operating system developer," Ross Rubin of NPD said in today's report, obviously referencing Google's plan to acquire Motorola. Simply put, Google has designs on becoming the world's top - and most consistently dominant - force in the smartphone world.

Source: NPD Group

[Ikemann888]

Still own 3 of iPhone 3GS.

[R.Mortera]

Now thats wassup!

[ipodtouchman77]

I know many who still have a 3G!

[tudtran]

I want my iPhone 5.

[Spazmonic]

I know many who still have a 3G!

I miss the 3GS sometimes becuz it didn't spoil my eyes like the retina in the 4. I cant look at a lesser display without wanting to throw up in disgust

[Jahooba]

There's a LOT of people out there that still don't have the Retina Display. I'm sorry. Truly.

[Bluemoldycheeze88]

What's the #1 Cell Phone?

[Paco]

Yyyyyea screw the iPhone 4 with it's spectacular retina display

[R.Mortera]

I miss the 3GS sometimes becuz it didn't spoil my eyes like the retina in the 4. I cant look at a lesser display without wanting to throw up in disgust

This. My friend has the iPhone 4 and that shieet kills my eyes I got used to 3GS that's prob why

[chstriker11]

This writer is not comparing apples and apples here (no pun intended). Saying that the android market is increasing rapidly and will overtake Apple's IOS is completely different from having the most popular smartphone on the market. Android's OS can't overtake the iPhone 4 because it isn't a phone. When the Evo overtakes the iPhone 4 (or gets even relatively close) then we can talk about android even having a fighting chance in specific smartphone sales. Comparing the IOS to Android is still pretty ridiculous. How many smartphones does the Android market have? 500? Apple is selling 1 new device per-year in comparison to the 1 per-month on android market. It's sad that Android hasn't already overtaken the mobile OS market. However, no single device will pass Apple any time soon...

[alcapown]

This writer is not comparing apples and apples here (no pun intended). Saying that the android market is increasing rapidly and will overtake Apple's IOS is completely different from having the most popular smartphone on the market. Android's OS can't overtake the iPhone 4 because it isn't a phone. When the Evo overtakes the iPhone 4 (or gets even relatively close) then we can talk about android even having a fighting chance in specific smartphone sales. Comparing the IOS to Android is still pretty ridiculous. How many smartphones does the Android market have? 500? Apple is selling 1 new device per-year in comparison to the 1 per-month on android market. It's sad that Android hasn't already overtaken the mobile OS market. However, no single device will pass Apple any time soon...

I agree 

[The Amazing Atheist]

<3 my iphone 3gs

[wherwel]

still go for iphone