Apple’s iPhone expected to outgrow Android 17.3% vs. 9.5% year-over-year

“IDC estimates the total number of smartphone shipments will hit 1.43 billion units for the year, which represents a growth of just 9.8 percent over last year,” David Murphy reports for PC Magazine.
“Android and iOS smartphones are expected to see year-to-year growth of 9.5 and 17.3 percent, respectively, whereas Windows Phones are on a 10.2 percent decline—which IDC attributes to a lack of OEM partner support for the devices,” Murphy reports. “Interest in the iPhone 6 and 6s prompted IDC to raise its shipment estimates for Apple’s smartphones.”
As shipment volumes continue to slow across many markets, consumers will be enticed by both affordable high-value handsets as well as various financing options on pricier models. Vendors will look to push device financing and trade-in options across many of the developed markets as growth in these markets is expected to primarily come from replacement purchases and second devices. Apple has taken the lead with its iPhone Upgrade Program, and several other vendors are expected to implement similar plans in the months ahead. —  IDC research manager Anthony Scarsella