Tizen Will Become Fifth Largest Mobile OS in 2013

A group of new open source mobile operating systems look set to make an impact on the mobile industry. Jolla recently released its first smartphone running on its Sailfish OS. Additionally, Firefox will be launching in Latin America and other emerging regions later this year on ZTE devices, and Tizen will be available on new Samsung smartphones in the next quarter. Also, Ubuntu-based mobile devices are projected to be released in 2H 2013. Amongst the clutter, market intelligence firm ABI Research projects Tizen to become the most notable player out of the emerging OSes.

“Tizen’s strong backing from Intel and Samsung will enable it to quickly outpace its other Linux mobile OS challengers,” says senior analyst Joshua Flood. “Additionally, other segments of the mobile ecosystem are keen for a new mobile OS to usurp Apple and Google’s dominance in the market. Mobile network operators, particularly in Asia, have been looking for other options. Apple’s refusal to modify its OS for operators to add customized services or differentiate operators’ brands is one of the key factors for their discontent.”

Tizen has been quick to build its membership group and some very notable mobile vendors are volunteering their support. Orange and Vodafone are two potentially key network operators for making an impact in Europe. Furthermore, KT, NTT DoCoMo, and SK Telekom have promised to promote the emerging OS in Asia. ABI Research forecasts Asia-Pacific will provide the biggest opportunity for the new OS and almost 65% of its future smartphone installed base will be to this single region.

Although Tizen—or any of the emerging OSes—are not projected to make a significant impact on the global mobile OS market this year, the new group of OS platforms is forecast to make steady progress over the next five years, with 135 million smartphone shipments worldwide.

These findings are part of ABI Research’s Mobile OS, Browsers and Applications Research Service.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.