A report yesterday from Massachusetts based research firm IDC shows Apple losing market share from 26.7% to 19.2 percent during Q4 07' to Q1 08'.

During the same timeframe, both Palm and RIM saw substantial gains at the expense of Apple. The success of the Palm Centro and it's attractive $99 price point clearly stroke a cord among consumers. The current 8GB iPhone is priced at $399, but rumors are abound that Apple will hit the $199 price point next week with either a subsidized 3G iPhone or a further price reduction on the original first generation iPhone. Clearly, Apple must be more aggressive on price or risk a further decline in market share. Apple's exclusive contract with AT&T limits their ability to compete in the US. Both Palm and RIM have distribution through Sprint, Verizon and AT&T. RIM also sells BlackBerry devices through T-Mobile.

Source: Everything Treo