iPhone #4 Cell Phone in US in 3rd Quarter

The iPhone was the fourth highest-selling handset in the US in the third quarter, according to data compiled by research firm Strategy Analytics.

About 1.1 million handsets were sold during the quarter, roughly in line with expectations, and sales since the handset first went on sale June 29 totaled over 1.3 million. The phone is about 13 percent of AT&T's overall sales, making it the carrier's top selling device.

"Although the iPhone hasn't had an expansionary impact in the market, the iPhone has quickly assumed a leading market share position and raised the ante for smart devices," SA BuyerTrax chief Barry Gilbert said in a statement.

The iPhone could very well become the top selling phone in the US market within one or two quarters, analysts at SA BuyerTrax said, unseating the Motorola RAZR which long has enjoyed the top spot.

In fact, the third version of Motorola's popular phone held on to the top spot, although Strategy Analytics said that sales appeared to be slowing as competitors are releasing newer phones that are beginning to peel customers away from the iconic phone.

iPhone buyers seem to generally be well-educated with a total household income of more than $100,000, according to Strategy Analytics. Most buyers are between 20 and 30 years of age, although almost a quarter were between 50 and 60.

"[This] demonstrates that the device attracts buyers across a broad age spectrum," wireless analysis chief David Kerr said. He added that most are satisfied with the device and features itself, however are less happy with reliability, battery life, documentation and customer support.