Nokia (NOK +3.85%) is to lose its position as the world's top seller of cell phones on an annual basis when the final 2012 results are tallied, according to preliminary forecasts from IHS's (IHS +0.00%) market researche, iSuppli. Nokia, which held a leading market share of 30% in 2011 according to iSuppli, will drop down to 24% for this year.
This marks the first time in 14 years that the company will not be the clear market leader on an annual basis.
Taking its place as No. 1 will be Samsung, which has been particularly successful with its recent smartphone offerings. The South Korean company is poised to take 29% of the market this year. iSuppli anticipates that Apple (AAPL +2.08%) and China's ZTE will follow the two leaders, taking shares of 10% and 6%, respectively.
