Apple's iPhone 3GS Sales Strong Even in a Recession

Apple sold one million iPhone 3GS devices during its launch weekend, leading many to wonder whether the iPhone is recession-proof. Although it's not clear how many of those phones went to consumers who canceled wireless contracts with companies like Verizon and Sprint to get in on the exclusive AT&T deal, it's clear that many people may be ready to purchase an iPhone.

Specifically, four out of 10 BlackBerry and other smartphone users would switch to Apple's iPhone as their next smartphone purchase, according to a survey by Crowd Science. On the other hand, only 14 percent of non-BlackBerry smartphone users would switch to a BlackBerry for their next purchase. Meanwhile, 82 percent of iPhone users are loyal to Apple's device.

"These results reflect the great challenges BlackBerry faces in stemming the iPhone stampede," said John Martin, CEO of Crowd Science. "In the days ahead, we'll lean on our research platform and continue to gauge the mindset of smartphone users and address the changing mobile landscape, including the Palm Pre, the iPhone 3GS, and other up-to-the-minute developments."

BlackBerry Still Dominates

Crowd Science offered additional insights into the smartphone population. For starters, iPhone users outpace other smartphone owners in their use of a wide variety of phone functions, from Internet and e-mail to music, Wi-Fi and GPS.

What's more, when compared with BlackBerry users, iPhone users report a significantly higher overall satisfaction level with their phone. In particular, iPhone users are more satisfied than other smartphone users with the screen size, navigation, availability of add-ons, and video playback. Finally, 71 percent of smartphone owners use their devices for both business and personal matters, with only three percent using them for business alone.

Apple isn't dominating the smartphone market, though, at least not yet. According to Gartner, Apple doubled its share of the worldwide smartphone market in the first...