Android handsets outsell iPhone in US

Android handsets have overtaken iPhone sales after a strong quarter

Mobile phones using Google's Android operating system are outselling Apple's iPhone in the US for the first time, according to the latest figures from research firm NPD.

Android-based handsets accounted for 28 per cent of the market, beating Apple's 21 per cent but still below market leader Research in Motion at 36 per cent.

NPD attributed the increase in Android sales to successful marketing campaigns, new investment in the sector and the number of vendors using the mobile operating system.

"Recent previews of BlackBerry 6 OS, the acquisition of Palm by HP, and the impending release of Windows Phone 7 demonstrates the industry's willingness to make investments to address consumer demand for smartphones and other mobile devices, " said Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis at NPD.

"Carriers continue to offer attractive pricing for devices, but will need to present other data plan options to attract more customers in the future."

AT&T has the largest slice of the smartphone market of the major carriers, and almost a third of its customers use advanced handsets. Verizon's share stands at 30 per cent, followed by T-Mobile and Sprint at 17 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.

Android may have problems in the future, however. Apple is widely expected to unveil a new generation of iPhone next month and, if the leaks are accurate, it could prove to be a huge hit.