Apple Inc has gotten a boost from the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S sales. Kantar Worldpanel ComTech has released data on smartphone sales in key markets for 12 weeks ending Oct. 31.

Based on the figures, Apple has seen a significant increase in sales but Android still has a commanding lead with worldwide sales of 71 percent. Despite the launch of the colorful and cheaper 5C and the premium iPhone 5S, the impact of what many see as incremental upgrades were no match for the iPhone 5's impact in 2012.

According to Kantar's research, Apple's iPhone sales represented 21 percent of world smart phone sales. In the U.S., the Android market captured almost 53 percent of sales. In European countries like Germany, UK, Italy, France and Spain, Android captured 71 percent of sales.

Comparing the sales of the iPhone 5 in 2012, the launch of the iPhone 5 had a huge impact to boost Apple at the top of smartphone sale rankings in the U.S., beating Android. Some analysts predicted a similar situation for 2013 but Android held Apple back with only 40.8 percent of sales in a three-month period. By October, Apple went beyond the 50 percent mark with 52.8 percent of iPhone sales.

According to Analyst Dominic Sunnebo, Apple's incremental releases do not have the impact that many expect them to have as evident in the company's sales performance in the overall market. The company's market share is lower than what it had when the iPhone 5 was released. Sunnebo noted that shoppers tend to respond more positively to significant or full releases rather than incremental ones.

Thanks to NTT Docomo, the largest carrier in Japan, Apple dominates the Japanese market with 76.1 percent iPhone sales. However, in other countries in Europe, Apple continues to struggle. In Spain, 90 percent of smartphones sold have Android OS. It reportedly has the same market share with Windows Phone at 4.3 percent.

Market Cap Value Surpassing $500 Billion

Apple Inc has surpassed its $500 billion market capitalization which is half the market cap predicted by analysts in 2012. Despite Apple's shares reaching a new peak price in 2013, the company's valuation remains the same to what it was in spring 2012. Analysts had previously predicted that Apple's market cap will double in a year.

Both Analysts Brian White of Topkea and Gene Munster of PiperJaffray predicted Apple reaching the $1,000 price per share target within a year. If the price target was achieved, this would have put Apple to have a valuation of almost $1 trillion.

Despite not meeting predictions, the analysts still think Apple's performance is worth noting. Apple Inc's rumored deal with China Mobile may only be one of the good news that the company has coming into the holiday season. The latest version of the iPhone, the iPhone 5S, still enjoys high demand from consumers wanting to purchase the device.

RELATED STORIES