Sales of smartphones powered by Google’s Android mobile operating system passed 10 million units in South Korea this week, after sales data was released by mobile carriers operating in the country, Yonhap News reports.
Figures put the country’s largest mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. at 6.18 million subscribers with Android devices as of Monday, KT Corp. reports 2.06 million, with the smallest operator claiming 1.86 million.
The combined figures account for around 70% of the country’s smartphone market, which is currently estimated to be 14.1 million subscribers. The rapid rise of Google’s software comes after Samsung, LG and Pantech committed to the platform, overtaking sales of devices powered by Apple’s iOS platform.
KT Telecom reported in April 2011 that it had sold 2.5 million iPhones, but carriers have declined to release their sales numbers to provide an accurate snapshot of the market.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
It is believed that Android sales will continue to increase on the back of Samsung’s Galaxy S II smartphone, which surpassed one million units sold at the end of May.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.