The Apple iPhone has become the most popular handset in the US, overtaking the Motorola Razr and the Blackberry Curve, according to new industry research.
The device, which is yet to be legally distributed anywhere in the Middle East, was named the US market leader for the third quarter of the year by the NDP Group, a market research firm.
"The displacement of the Razr by the iPhone 3G represents a watershed shift in handset design from fashion to fashionable functionality," said Ross Rubin, the director of industry analysis for NPD. "Four of the five best-selling handsets in the third quarter were optimized for messaging and other advanced internet features."
The Motorola Razr, a cheap, sleek device that has been hugely successful among young people, had led the market in every quarter since mid-2004.
The popularity of the iPhone, which costs more than three times the market's average unit sale price of US$88 (Dh323), demonstrated that mobile users were willing to invest more in devices that delivered advanced functionalities such as internet browsing and e-mail, analysts said.
Despite a broad economic slowdown, where mobile sales fell by an estimated 15 per cent, Apple had their strongest quarter, with 6.8 million units sold - more than the combined sales of all previous quarters.
Steve Jobs, Apple's chairman, said in an earnings call that Apple was now the world's third-largest mobile maker by revenue, ahead of long-established players such as Sony Ericsson and Motorola. He also said the company was well positioned to grow in an economic downturn.
"We have almost $25 billion safely in the bank and zero debt. This provides us tremendous stability and the ability to invest our way through this downturn," he said. "This is what we did during the last downturn. We increased R and D investments and created some of our best new products and businesses... This downturn may also present some extraordinary opportunities for companies that have the cash to take advantage of them, like Apple does."
The company operates on a business model that restricts distribution of the iPhone only to countries where it has formed specific agreements with mobile network operators. It is yet to be available anywhere in the Middle East. Egypt, Qatar and Jordan will probably get the device soon through the local operations of the global networks Vodafone and Orange, both of which have made agreements with Apple.
Although both Etisalat and du have been reported to be in contact with Apple regarding the device, both companies have denied any agreement is forthcoming, and have referred questions to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).
The TRA restricts operators from signing exclusive handset distribution deals, but has said it "leaves it to the licensed operators to feel free to engage in any negotiations related to the iPhone".
tgara@thenational.ae
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
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A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
TOURNAMENT INFO
Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier
Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November
UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Our legal advisor
Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation.
Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now