iOS vs Android Comparison News: Android Still Dominates Smartphone Market

Android continues to be unbeatable in the smartphone industry as it remains ahead of Apple's iOS, according to "Strategy Analytics."

Android's 2014 third quarter earnings reached $268 million from the $206 million it earned during the same quarter last year, which equates to a market share of 84 percent from 81.4 percent last year.

According to Strategy analytics executive director Neil Mawtson, Android's dominance in the global market "looks unbeatable at the moment," given that its low-cost services and user-friendly software remain attractive to hardware makers, operators and consumers worldwide."

Mawtson, however, clarified that "challenges are emerging" for the company.

"The Android platform is getting overcrowded with hundreds of hardware brands, Android smartphone prices are falling worldwide, and few Android device vendors make profits," Mawtson said.

Still, Apple's iOS seems to be doing well enough, with third quarter shipments amounting to $39.3 million. However, this showed a market share drop as sales plummeted to 12.3 percent from last year's 13.4 percent.

Apple CEO Tim Cook noted in a recent press statement that "our fiscal 2014 was one for the record books, including the biggest iPhone launch ever with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus."

Now that the holidays are just around the corner, Cook said Apple has the "strongest lineup ever." He also said that they are "incredibly excited about the Apple Watch and other great products and services in the pipeline for 2015."

Global smartphone shipments grew from $252.9 million in 2013 to $320.4 million so far this year. This showed a 27 percent growth, driven by high demands in emerging markets including those in Asia and Africa.