Apple still top mobile platform, but Android gaining

Apple's operating system remains the leading platform for smartphone users, but Google's Android holds a big lead among those who have purchased a smartphone in the past six months according to new data from the Nielsen Co.

Apple (28.6 percent), Android (25.8) and Research In Motion's BlackBerry platform (26.1) remain virtually tied in terms of overall market share, but 40 percent of recent acquirers chose Android compared to 27 percent for Apple and 19 percent for BlackBerry.

If current trends hold, Android may become the top smartphone platform this year. All three manufacturers are benefiting from strong demand in the smartphone market — 45 percent of those who recently purchased a phone chose smartphones over a traditional handset.