Cupertino may be forced to introduce its much-rumored low-end iPhone

Jan 18, 2013 11:53 GMT  ·  By

According to the latest research by market intelligence firm ABI Research, Apple’s iPhone will peak at 22% market share because of the avalanche of Android-powered Samsung devices.

ABI Research senior analyst Michael Morgan says, “Barring an unlikely collapse in Samsung’s business, even Apple will be chasing Samsung’s technology, software, and device leadership in 2013 through the foreseeable future.”

The market intelligence firm acknowledges that Samsung has grown its smartphone market share from 8% to over 30% from 2011 to 2012.

However, Apple’s smartphone share is expected to “peak in 2013 at 22%, remaining flat through 2018,” according to the company.

Again, the main reason cited for this halt is Samsung, with its numerous Android-powered smartphones and diversified ecosystem, targeting both premium and budget markets. Which is why many analysts believe Apple will have no choice but to follow suit and introduce a cheaper iPhone.