Windows Phone continues to push steadily ahead, with big plans for the early part of this year, as we expect to see version 8.1 released, along with new handsets unveiled at the upcoming Mobile World Congress. The operating system is firmly in third-place, having surpassed Blackberry.
Now it seems there is even better news for the platform. Today, Microsoft is telling us that in 14 different markets, Windows Phone is the second best seller. But even bigger, the company tells us that its mobile OS is actually outselling iPhone in 24 different markets.
A statement WinBeta received from Microsoft reads:
“We’ve seen record sales of Windows Phone this holiday worldwide, nearly doubling phone sales during Christmas week (YOY). In the third quarter this year, according to IDC, Windows Phone reinforced its position as a top three smartphone operating system and was the fastest-growing platform among the leading operating systems with 156% year-over-year gain. Windows Phone is the #2 smartphone operating system in 14 markets, and shipped more units than iPhone in 24 markets in Q3. Our portfolio continues to expand: from award-winning flagship devices like the Nokia Lumia 928/1020/1520, to affordable new innovations like the Lumia 520/625/1320 and Huawei W1/W2”.
Details weren’t available regarding the markets included in this statement, so we are still left with a bit to wonder. Still, it’s certainly good news for Microsoft and even better for customers, as it means further growth of the app market — developers follow the customers.
