Apple's share of the smartphone market decreased to 20% during the first quarter of 2013, compared to 25% in the same period of 2012.
The figures, released by the International Data Corporation, show that Samsung now enjoy a 46% share of the mobile market in Western Europe, up from 40% at the start of 2012. Android devices account for 69% of overall smartphone sales.
However, Korean company LG has enjoyed the most notable success so far this year. Although their 2.4 million shipments put them at a distant fourth place overall at 8% (behind Sony's 10%), their share of the smartphone market has jumped by 380% over the course of a year. Nokia, meanwhile, remain the dominant force in 'feature' and non-smartphones.
Overall, many consumers have moved towards low-cost smartphones on the back of continuing economic uncertainty, with the more expensive phones from Apple and Samsung falling behind as a result. Francisco Jeronimo of IDC says when customers "go to a phone shop most of the options available are smartphones only. With a small push from sales people, the sale is almost guaranteed. But they will buy one of the cheapest smartphones as they still see no value for money."
