Global Distribution Helped iPhone Outshine RIM

Partially hidden by the fantastic iPhone sales numbers Tuesday was the fact that Apple outsold RIM’s BlackBerry during the third quarter. Analysts say the information may serve as a roadmap for Apple.

Tuesday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said 6.9 million iPhones during the quarter. RIM sold 6.1 million BlackBerries during the same period, according to reports.

Global Markets

“Apple sells to a much wider audience than RIM,” Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney told Cult of Mac. Apple’s iPhone 3G is sold in 51 nations.

Although its Mac sales are largely U.S. based, Apple has made an effort to expand its base for the iPhone 3G. Around 4.5 million of the 6.9 million iPhones were sold outside the U.S., Avi Greengart, Current Analysis analyst said.

Product Timing

RIM committed the classic mistake of launching some of its products long before they could ship phones. “That dried up demand,” Dulaney said.

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Steal Share From Others

The analysts say Apple did not steal market share from RIM as much as from other handset makers.

“They are stealing from Motorola and other designs that are not so compelling,” the Gartner expert said.

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