Overall, the dynamics are very unstable particularly in the emerging markets including China, Asian markets and Latin America where AOSP (Android Open Source Project) devices remain a force, despite Google’s best efforts to entice vendors away from it.
For those are unfamiliar, AOSP devices are the modified versions of Android open
source on which vendors can build their own user interfaces, app stores, and
key applications.
Brands such as Xiaomi and Amazon, and other smaller Asian
vendors have embraced the AOSP platform; and are facing mounting competition as
Google’s Android One continues to target both emerging markets and low-cost
smartphone manufacturers. One can also recall that, mobile operators remain
reticent to carry AOSP devices, notably in the U.S., which will reduce their
acceptance and success in certain markets.
ABI Research estimates that AOSPs’ share of the global smartphone
market fell to 14% by end of 2015, while Google Android improved to a
commanding 67%.
ABI Research expects some AOSP vendors to migrate toward Android
OS/Android One and leverage on the wider ecosystem as their shipments grow.