Analysis forecast: Windows Phone shipments in 2017 will reach 2012 iOS levels

This one looks to be semi-obvious. It is generally accepted that the rate of growth for the smartphone market will slowly taper over the next few years. Do not let that fool you though, growth is still going to be stellar. Shipments of smartphones in 2012 will top about 700 million units which account for about 41% of all handsets. By 2017, analysts at Analysis Mason believe that three out of four smartphone purchases will be driven by upgrades with total smartphone shipments reaching 1.37 billion units (70% of total mobile phone shipments).
It puts some pressure on the carriers, but gives them opportunities as well. Having a stronger third platform gives the carriers more leverage when working with manufacturers and procuring sales agreements. On the other hand, as Windows Phone gains more popularity and entices consumers to make switches between platforms, carriers will be challenged to retain their customer base. They will likely have to meet that with better valued rate plans and contract incentives.
Things continue to be looking up in the world of mobile devices. That is a good thing since it will continue to give us more to write about.
source: FierceMobile (1, 2)