Apple extends lead over Samsung in U.S. smartphones

Apple extends lead over Samsung in U.S. smartphones
Maybe it's time to hold off on the Apple negativity.The iPhone franchise captured 39 percent of the U.S. smartphone market in the first quarter, extending its lead over Samsung, which garnered 21.7 percent of the market, according to research firm ComScore. Interestingly, Apple's iOS took market share away from Google's Android, which traditionally has seen more rapid growth. Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plans Apple saw its smartphone market share rise by nearly 3 percentage points in the quarter, while Samsung's share inched up slightly. The next three largest handset vendor, HTC, Motorola, and LG, all lost market share in the period. The first quarter was fairly quiet when it came to new smartphones hitting the market, with heavy hitters such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One not debuting in the U.S. until early in the second quarter. As a result, it appears the incumbents continued to flourish, giving the edge to the iPhone 5 and its older models, as well as the Galaxy S3.The numbers come as Apple continues to get hit with concern that the company has lost its edge, and that it won't be able to continue the torrid pace of growth it has enjoyed for the last several years. In addition, there's an increasing view that the competition, particularly Samsung, has caught up.But the first-quarter results show Apple still has some mojo left, although it may fade in the second quarter as several high-profile phones go on sale. Google's Android remains the largest platform, with 52 percent of the market, although it lost more than 1 percentage point of market share. Microsoft's Windows Phone was the only other gainer, inching up to 2.9 percent.