Apple iPhone No Longer Verizon's Best Selling Smartphone

The Apple iPhone 4S may no longer be the king of smartphones. (Photo : Apple)

The iPhone may reign supreme as the most recognizable and popular smartphone in the world, but new data shows that it may slowly be slipping from its throne.

According to a new report, the Apple iPhone is no longer the top selling smartphone through Verizon Wireless.

The reason, according to the report, is because of Verizon's push to sell 4G LTE phones and better Android smartphones on the market.

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Anil Doradla, an analyst at William Blair released a note on Tuesday stating that the Apple iPhone was outsold by another phone, the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx for the first time since the iPhone launched on Verizon in February 2011.

Doradla attributes this to the fact that Verizon sales representatives are more aggressive in selling their 4G LTE phones. The current Apple iPhone is not 4G equipped, and Verizon is hoping to move its customers over from 3G to 4G. Not only does this network make their phone service more cost effective for both consumers and the company, Verizon pays smaller subsidies to its Android 4G manufacturers for their smartphones than to Apple for the iPhone.

The new Apple iPhone 5 will probably come out this fall and should support 4G, meaning Apple shouldn't worry about the minor dip in sales as a sign that the iPhone is becoming less popular.

"While we acknowledge the increased competitive landscape from 4G devices (and the iPhone 4S is not 4G), we are not worried [about] Apple conceding its top position in North America any time soon," said Doradla. "We believe the anticipated launch of a 4G device from Apple this fall will be an important catalyst for the company as consumers upgrade their phones, and we expect the company to once again maintain its top position at all operators (including Verizon Wireless)."

Android phones are also gaining steam against the iPhone thanks to better built handsets and a robust support network. The Samsung Galaxy S3 recently launched to rave reviews and is experiencing major supply shortages as it rushes to fill orders.

The Apple iPhone still remains the best selling smartphone in the U.S. 

Update: Michael Walkley, an analyst with Canaccord Genuity, however, says that the Apple iPhone is still the best selling smartphone with Verizon.