Verizon (VZ) Will Be First True Apple (AAPL), Google (GOOG) Battleground
Tweet
Share
E-mail
Get Alerts VZ Hot Sheet
Join SI Premium – FREE
With the announcement earlier this week that Verizon (NYSE: VZ) will now carry the iPhone 4, the stage is set for the first real head-to-head showdown between Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG).
Since the launch of the iPhone in 2007 the device has been exclusive to AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) in the U.S., making the device an over-sized shark in an undersized pool with little real competition for smartphone dominance on the network.
Verizon's smartphone offerings had long been controlled by Research in Motion Ltd.'s (NASDAQ: RIMM) BlackBerry line, until 2009 when the wireless carrier made a big bet on Google Inc.'s (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android. RIM's market share of Verizon smartphones dropped from 95 percent to 20 percent in the first year following the release of the first Droid.
Currently there are numerous Android-based smartphones on Verizon, including the Motorola Mobility (NYSE: MMI) offerings, the Droid, Droid 2, Droid X, Droid Pro and even the Star Wars branded Droid R2D2. Motorola also offers the Android-powered low-end devices, the Devour and Citrus.
HTC has also embraced the Google operating system on Verizon, initially offering the Droid Eris, which has now been replaced with the popular Droid Incredible. The Samsung Fascinate is another smartphone on Verizon featuring Android.
Android will also have a strong presence on Verizon's upcoming 4G LTE network with a series of smartphone coming to the ultra-fast service.
The Android line is dense and varied. The devices come out on a random schedule and have tremendous turnover. There are currently 11 smartphones listed on Verizon's Internet retail store for sale, ranging from beginner to advanced needs.
This sets up for an interesting dichotomy with the iPhone 4, which is the lone offering from Apple on Verizon.
What Apple lacks in volume of devices, it more than make up for with quality. Despite the early launch hiccup with the antenna (which didn't seem to keep anyone from buying one), the iPhone 4 has been a tremendous success, even the given the inherent disadvantages of the AT&T network.
The iPhone will now face real competition, but also open itself up to customers that have been waiting more than three years for the chance to buy the device on a more respected network.
It will be interesting to see just how many of the Android followers will stick with Google now that they have a choice. If Apple's iPhone can outsell the dearth of Android device on Verizon by itself, the conversation will end as to which company dominates this burgeoning market.
Since the launch of the iPhone in 2007 the device has been exclusive to AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) in the U.S., making the device an over-sized shark in an undersized pool with little real competition for smartphone dominance on the network.
Verizon's smartphone offerings had long been controlled by Research in Motion Ltd.'s (NASDAQ: RIMM) BlackBerry line, until 2009 when the wireless carrier made a big bet on Google Inc.'s (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android. RIM's market share of Verizon smartphones dropped from 95 percent to 20 percent in the first year following the release of the first Droid.
Currently there are numerous Android-based smartphones on Verizon, including the Motorola Mobility (NYSE: MMI) offerings, the Droid, Droid 2, Droid X, Droid Pro and even the Star Wars branded Droid R2D2. Motorola also offers the Android-powered low-end devices, the Devour and Citrus.
HTC has also embraced the Google operating system on Verizon, initially offering the Droid Eris, which has now been replaced with the popular Droid Incredible. The Samsung Fascinate is another smartphone on Verizon featuring Android.
Android will also have a strong presence on Verizon's upcoming 4G LTE network with a series of smartphone coming to the ultra-fast service.
The Android line is dense and varied. The devices come out on a random schedule and have tremendous turnover. There are currently 11 smartphones listed on Verizon's Internet retail store for sale, ranging from beginner to advanced needs.
This sets up for an interesting dichotomy with the iPhone 4, which is the lone offering from Apple on Verizon.
What Apple lacks in volume of devices, it more than make up for with quality. Despite the early launch hiccup with the antenna (which didn't seem to keep anyone from buying one), the iPhone 4 has been a tremendous success, even the given the inherent disadvantages of the AT&T network.
The iPhone will now face real competition, but also open itself up to customers that have been waiting more than three years for the chance to buy the device on a more respected network.
It will be interesting to see just how many of the Android followers will stick with Google now that they have a choice. If Apple's iPhone can outsell the dearth of Android device on Verizon by itself, the conversation will end as to which company dominates this burgeoning market.
Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!
You May Also Be Interested In
- Google execs convened 'all-hands' meeting last week to address AI unit reorganizations amid staff concerns - Reuters
- Berkshire adds significantly to Alphabet position, starts small position in DR Horton
- Apple In Coming Months To Launch Suite Of AI Tools In China-sources - Reuters
Create E-mail Alert Related Categories
Insiders' BlogRelated Entities
iPhone 4Sign up for StreetInsider Free!
Receive full access to all new and archived articles, unlimited portfolio tracking, e-mail alerts, custom newswires and RSS feeds - and more!
