The iPhone launched last month in Taiwan on the Chungwa Telecom network with sales totalling 12,012 units, or 2.2 percent of the total units sold during the month of December. That puts Apple's iPhone in sixth-place in the highly competitive market.
Nokia remained in first-place and actually gained 0.4 percent, adding to it's already large lead at 29.8 percent. Rounding out the top six were Sony Ericsson in second-place, Samsung in third, LG in fourth, Motorola in fifth and then of course Apple. Taiwan's own HTC increased its market share but couldn't even break into the top six.
The iPhone itself is heavily discounted in Taiwan but the rate plans are quite a bit more expensive. It is also unlocked by default, requiring no modifications of any kind to take it to a different carrier. The Chungwa Telecom network sells the iPhone contract-free as well but at a hefty premium.
Apple definitely has an uphill battle on its hands. Having a 2.2 percent market share isn't bad for the launch of a new device as long as Apple can keep the sales on an upward trend.
[via DigiTimes]
