iPhone held almost 25 per cent of smartphone shipments in Q4

Reduced 3GS models helped to boost Apple's stronghold.

Last week, we reported that Apple had wrestled its world's biggest smartphone maker title back from Samsung thanks to its sales in the fourth quarter, following the Korean firm's domination in Q3.

UK-based analyst Juniper Research says iPhones accounted for almost a quarter of the 149 million smartphones shipped worldwide in Q4.

Four million iPhone 4Ss were sold during its release weekend. However, Apple's continued rollout and push of the 3GS model at a lowered price supported its rise to become number one by fending off cheaper Samsung options, according to the report.

While Samsung may have been knocked into second place for the Q4, results show that the phone maker has increased its market share fourfold from 4.7 per cent in Q1 2010 to reach 21.7 per cent.

Daniel Ashdown, research analyst, Juniper Research, said: "The scale of Samsung's product range is saturating the market. Apple has had to counter Samsung's products like the Galaxy Ace in order to maintain the visibility of its brand."