Google’s Android software for mobile devices was running on 75 percent of smartphones shipped in the third quarter, as the search company extended its lead over Apple, according to research firm IDC.
Apple’s iOS system, used in iPhones, was second with a market share of 15 percent. Apple’s new iPhone didn’t come out until late in the quarter, while Samsung and other Android makers had major releases earlier.
A year ago, Android had just 58 percent to the iPhone’s 14 percent. Gains came largely at the expense of BlackBerry and Symbian phones, according to the report from IDC.
Google makes its operating system software available to phone makers to use in their devices for free. In doing so, Google wins prime placement for its online services.