Nokia (NOK -1.11%) 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.DL) 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 -1.35%) and China's ZTE will follow the two leaders, taking shares of 10% and 6%, respectively.