For as much as we talk about the rise of Android, Apple (AAPL 0.12%) remains a dominant supplier that, by most accounts, collects the vast majority of operating profits attributed to smart handset sales.
How big a share are we talking? Presuming not much change from the year prior -- and there's no reason to believe there was -- more than 70%.
Samsung likely challenged for the remainder thanks to strong sales of the Galaxy S III handset. Google (GOOGL -3.37%) also looked formidable with impressive interest in the Nexus 4. An inventory shortage looks like a missed opportunity.
Can the iPhone continue to collect the lion's share of profits? Expanded carrier distribution could help, granting access to consumers who might have previously been shut out of owning the device. But distribution isn't the only factor at work here. I address the full thesis in the video below. Watch, then weigh in using the comments box below.
