Ovum predicts Nokia/Microsoft will redraw smartphone market, overtake iOS by 2016

Analysts are increasingly positive about the future of Windows Phone 7, helped especially by the Nokia/Microsoft deal.

Ovum principal analyst Adam Leach said the partnership between Nokia and Microsoft has redrawn the smartphone market as Nokia transitions to Windows Phone as its primary smartphone platform.

"For Microsoft the deal provides a committed handset partner that has the potential to make Windows Phone a mainstream smartphone platform. The risk to Microsoft is that other handset makers may choose not to compete with Nokia and may turn their backs on Windows Phone," Mr. Leach said.

"We will see dramatic shifts in dominance for smartphone software platforms, with Android storming into the lead with 38.7% market share, compared to Apple iOS’ 19%, by 2016 in AP alone," he added.

He expects Windows Phone to hit  22.6% market share by 2016, with by BlackBerry OS hitting 9.2%.

The Ovum prediction echoes a similar one by IDC, which also saw Windows Phone 7 having a larger than 20% market share in 2015.

Read more at BWorldOnline here.