Windows Phone to surpass iOS by 2015, says report

Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system will surpass Apple's iOS by 2015, new figures suggest.

Statistics from analytical firm IHS suggest that Windows Phone-powered devices will account for 16.7% of the smartphone market in three years' time, up from just 2% last year.



Apple's iPhone 4S saw strong sales figures in the final quarter of 2011, but IHS predicts that Nokia's decision to support the Microsoft mobile operating system could tip the balance over the coming years.

"Combined with Nokia's efforts to drive the development of the Windows Phone ecosystem, the Lumia 900 and its successors will help Microsoft to reclaim its number two ranking in smartphone operating system market share in 2015, " said IHS's Wayne Lam.

Although Nokia is not the only seller of Windows Phone smartphones, the company is expected to dominate the market, accounting for 50% of all Microsoft OS-based handsets sold in 2012.

He added: "The company's share then is set to rise to 62% in 2013. Nokia's portion of the market will begin to decline in 2014, as other companies increase their sales of Windows Phone products."

Google's Android became the world's most popular smartphone platform last year when it overtook Nokia's Symbian. Analysts predict that it will maintain its position as market leader for the foreseeable future.