Nearly one in three iPhone 3G buyers switched from another carrier to AT&T, says a report out this morning from researcher NPD Group. Of those who switched, 47% bolted from Verizon Wireless, 24% from T-Mobile and 19% from Sprint, NPD says.
Prior to the launch of the faster 3G device, iPhone sales represented 11% of the consumer market for smartphones. Apple's share has risen to 17% since the 3G launch. (A smartphone usually has computer-like features, such as the ability to download and run software.)
From June through August 2008, the iPhone was the top selling smartphone (in units) to consumers, followed by the RIM BlackBerry Curve, the RIM BlackBerry Pearl and the Palm Centro. And the iPhone 3G trails only the Motorola RAZR V3 as the second best-selling mobile handset to US consumers.
Meanwhile, prices continue to drop for all smartphones. During that same June through August period, the average price of a smartphone fetched $174, down from $236.
NPD's sales data does not account for phones sold to corporations.
By Ed Baig
Photo: AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson holds up the iPhone 3G while giving a speech in June. (Laura Rauch, AP)
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