Apple (AAPL) Has Huge Jump In Smartphone Share

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is coming very close to becoming the preferred smartphone in America, which would topple RIM (NASDAQ:RIMM) from the top spot. The new iPhone 3GS is giving the company startling momentum as it gains on the Blackberry.

New research from ChangeWave shows that RIM is still the share leader in the smartphone business with 40% of the market,  but Apple has moved up to 30%.  The numbers for the Blackberry maker are even worse going forward.

During the next 90 days, 36% of those planning to buy a smartphone plan to purchase an iPhone. Only 27% plan to buy a Blackberry. The data is based on a poll of 4,255 consumers taken between September 14th and the 21st.

Apple also holds a lead in customer satisfaction with 74% of its owners saying that they are “very satisfied” with their iPhones. RIM comes in at #2 with a “very satisfied” figure of 43%. At the bottom of the ranking for customer satisfaction are Samsung and Sony Ericsson.

Many analysts thought it was only a matter of time before Apple moved into the lead in smartphone sales in the US. It appears that process may not take very long.

Douglas A. McIntyre