Android Users Switch To iPhone 5C; Apple Inc. Stocks Rise To Topsy Acquisition News
Apple's iPhone 5C is very popular among previous users of Android devices. According to a report from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, half of the customers who bought the iPhone 5C have switched from smartphone brands with Android OS.
Kantar monitored iPhone 5C sales in the U.S., Europe and Asia between August and October 2013. The recently released report also revealed that Apple's premium iPhone 5S outsold the iPhone 5C three to one.
The iPhone 5C serves as Apple's low-end smartphone based on price. This was the company's attempt to enter new and emerging markets by providing a cheaper iPhone with a plastic casing without sacrificing quality.
According to the analysts, the cheaper iPhone 5C appeals to a broader audience. Based on data, 42 percent of iPhone 5C owners have an income of less than $49,000 compared with 21 percent of iPhone 5S owners earning the same.
Customers who bought the iPhone 5C were also older. The average customer is 38 years old for the iPhone 5C while the iPhone 5S customer's average age is 38. The wider appeal is significant because it motivates other customers to switch from Apple's competitors like Samsung and LG.
Almost half of the iPhone 5C customers were identified as former Android users while 80 percent of iPhone 5S owners upgraded their previous iPhone versions.
Topsy Labs Acquisition
Meanwhile, Apple has made a strategic move by acquiring Topsy Labs Inc. The tech giant has bought the analytics company for $200 million. Topsy is a social media analytics company that reviews Twitter feeds and conversations between people, businesses and groups to determine their influence. It also measures event success and the possibility of campaign exposure.
The trend analytics may mean a big business for Apple. Topsy Labs is considered an affiliate partner of Twitter. Both Apple and Topsy have yet to comment on the acquisition as they chose to remain silent for now.
The stock market reacted positively to the news with Apple's shares closing at $560 Dec. 3. Observers said the acquisition may mean trouble for some tech firms since social media is something Apple had hardly gotten involved with.