The ChangeWave survey of 3,803 cell phone owners takes a close look at smart phone market trends, including consumer reaction to RIM's launch of the BlackBerry Storm and how it compares to the Apple iPhone. The December 9-15, 2008 survey was conducted just weeks after the Storm's initial release.

Smart Phone Market Demand

The overall growth rate for the smart phone market has contracted since our previous survey, but it's still positive despite the recessionary climate. A total of 12.2% of respondents plan on buying a smart phone over the next 90 days, 0.3% more than previously.

Current Market Share: Apple vs. RIM vs. Palm

While RIM (41%) is still the consumer market share leader, it has fallen 1-pt since our previous survey in September to its lowest percentage of the last 12 months.

At the same time, Apple (23%; up 6-pts) has witnessed explosive growth — up 6-pts just since September. Importantly, its overall market share has more than doubled in the past six months — a direct result of the July release of the 3G iPhone.

Taken together, Apple and RIM now control two-thirds of the smart phone market, as smaller/weaker players such as Palm (9%) have proven unable to compete.

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Next 90 Days – Winners and Losers

The picture going forward points to changes in the smart phone market.