Some questioned whether Apple would continue to energize its devoted customers and be as strong a factor in the market after Steve Jobs’ passing, but so far, the trend continues. Apple has become the leading U.S. mobile-phone seller for the first time in Q4, 2013, with a record 34% of market share, overtaking Samsung. According to Strategy Analytics, Apple shipped 17.7 million phones in the fourth quarter, up 4% annually. Samsung shipped 16.9 million, LG shipped 4.7, and others shipped 12.8 million for a quarter total of 52 million. Time will tell if Apple’s shine will fade in the long term, but at least for now, it still has the sweet taste of success.  More information.

Grudi Associates Advanced Data Devices.