Google’s Android operating system for smartphones has seen dramatic growth in Europe, where it now ranks as the second most popular smartphone OS on the continent, according to the latest numbers from ComScore.
Symbian still leads the pack, but Android blew past the iPhone to grab 22.3% of the market in Europe. Just last year, Android commanded only 6.1% of that market. Android’s popularity has contributed to a huge growth in smartphone adoption in Europe, where the number of smartphone owners has grown by 44% since last year.
“Network operators, publishers and advertisers looking to effectively reach the European mobile audience must pay close attention to the continued growth of Android in the region, as it will likely have far-reaching implications for the mobile media landscape,” said Jeremy Copp, ComScore’s VP for mobile in Europe.
The majority of these Android-power handsets come from HTC and Samsung, who collectively make up about 66% of the handsets running Google’s mobile OS. As Android surged forward in Europe, Apple and RIM did each grab about a percentage point more of the market, while Symbian and Microsoft saw decreases.
Android’s growth is not limited to Europe. In the United States, it became the most widely used mobile operating system in June. It now powers 40% of U.S. smartphones in particular, having beat out iOS earlier this year.
