Apple's iPhone has been dethroned.
Since its launch in October 2011, the iPhone 4S has dominated the U.S. marketplace as the top-selling smartphone phone.
But as of this August, the Samsung Galaxy S III became the best-selling smartphone at T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon Wireless, making it the most popular high-end handset at three of the four largest wireless carriers in America. Only AT&T sold more iPhones last month, according to retail data gathered by Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley and published by Apple Insider.
"We believe this is the first month since the iPhone 4S launched in October 2011 that it was not the top selling smartphone in the U.S. market," Walkley stated, per CNET.
But it might not be long before an Apple-branded phone climbs to the top of the marketplace once again.
Apple on Tuesday announced that it's planning a big media event to take place in San Francisco on September 12. It's widely assumed this invitation is meant to spur excitement about the next-generation iPhone, informally referred to as the "iPhone 5." Rumors about the device point to a larger screen and a release date of September 21.
While Apple may have recently trumped Samsung in a California courtroom over patent violations, Walkley's stats prove that Apple will have to work hard to regain consumers' hearts and wallets. If Apple does indeed unveil a new iPhone next week, will Samsung slip from its top ranking?
Are you an iPhone or an Android user? Would you be more likely to purchase a Samsung Galaxy S III or an "iPhone 5"? Answer via our QuickPoll (below), then explain your decision in the comments section.