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Luckily for this discussion, the word 'monopoly' has an accepted definition, which is:

> The exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service

Since Apple has, at most, below 50% market share in developed countries (and a much lower market share in developing countries), they do not possess a monopoly on the smartphone market.

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By your given definition, Google isn't a monopoly either as there are clear alternatives to them in every sector that they are in.

Although the definition the other user posted was too strong, it was mitigated by the observation that Apple is barely 50%.

If we compare Google's marketshare in end user email, video hosting and search, we can see Google is a lot stronger in many markets, than apple is in their best market.

(I wish I could use an iPhone, but having to use Mac OS for development is a real turn off, considering how sucky Mac OS, in my view, has ever been.)

>(I wish I could use an iPhone, but having to use Mac OS for development is a real turn off, considering how sucky Mac OS, in my view, has ever been.)

Buying a mobile for your personal use means you have to develop for it?

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