ITWire

If Apple's App Store can achieve 10 billion downloads in less than three years, what milestones will it pass on the way to 2015 if Ovum's estimate is correct?

Furthermore, Ovum predicts Google's Android and Chrome OS will push Apple's iOS into second place by 2015.

Apple is currently the runaway market leader, with 90% of the 2010 market on Ovum's figures. "However, by 2015 we expect this market share to drop to 35% and Google's market share to rise to 36%," said Mr Cripps.

"Other software platforms, such as RIM's BlackBerry Tablet OS and HP's webOS, will find some success but between them all they will only account for 29% of the market," he added.

Ovum's reasoning is that Apple and Google will attract the most attention from developers and therefore offer the best apps and content. Observed Mr Cripps, "when all is said and done, this is what people will consider when making a purchasing decision."

Ovum does not expect the growing market for this type of device will affect smartphone sales. That sounds plausible, though the firm's reasoning seems strange.

Find out why on page 3.