Windows Phone takes China by storm–already 7% market share, ahead of iPhone

When Microsoft announced at the launch of Windows Phone Tango handsets in China that passing the iPhone in China was just an interim goal on the way to overtaking Android, it did seem rather grandiose.

It seems Microsoft was right however, with Michel van der Bel, COO Greater China Region at Microsoft saying that a mere 2 months after the launch Windows Phone 7 handsets already had a 7% market share in China, ahead of the 6% of the iPhone there.

"We have only just begun," he noted, saying he expects the synergies between Windows 8 tablets and Windows Phone will power even more growth.

“Our smartphone and tablet-pc are hybrid, making them suitable for the consumer, but also easy to insert within an existing company infrastructure. This will allow us to better anticipate the consumerization of IT than many competitors. "

IDC had predicted Windows Phone would ovetake iPhone in China, but only next year.

They expected Windows Phone would take 7.5 percent of the China market this year, trailing the 12 percent share of Apple’s IOS and Android’s 70 percent, but by next year, Windows share was expected to rise to 15 percent, surpassing Apple’s 13 percent.

Android still dominates the Chinese mobile market with a market share of around 69 percent.

In terms of the app battle, Bell admitted that Windows Phone was behind. "We indeed still have a battle. There are currently working at our R & D Department 2,500 people in China. We will  invest heavily in there, "said the COO.

Windows Phone recently ovetook the iPhone in Russia also, making for a trend we can certainly appreciate.

Via emerce.nl

Thanks Christophe for the tip.