Who will gain from Samsung’s loss? This has been on everyone’s mind ever since Samsung Note 7 fiasco hit headlines compelling the company to recall Note 7 completely (in a fireproof box) and offer refund to users. It has paved way to other Android premium device, but the most obvious answer has been the iPhone 7. There have been reports claiming 5-7 million users may switch to iPhone 7. Now, a new IDC report about those who owned the exploding Galaxy Note 7 states that half of these users may switch to the iPhone 7.
IDC has surveyed 1,082 US consumers via an online survey on 17 and 18 October, which was mere four days after Samsung pulled the plug on Note 7. It was conducted on  507 current Samsung users, 347 who have owned the device and 228 who have never owned Samsung device. It included 24 Note 7 users. However, out of these 24 users, half said they have or will choose an iPhone to replace the recalled Samsung device, while 17 percent said they would choose another Samsung device.
Apple iPhone sales during the quarter is 45.5 million units, but it is down from 48 million in the same quarter last year. However, in Q4 earnings call Apple had already reported a record number of Android switchers. The Note 7 fiasco might just help further increase the numbers for Apple.
It was just recently that prolific analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI (via 9To5Mac) said Apple will be eating into Samsung’s share with at least 5-7 million ex-Note 7 users will switch to the iPhone 7, and majorly to the larger iPhone 7 Plus.
The Galaxy Note 7 was Samsung’s big bet to take on the Google Pixel and iPhone 7. Unfortunately, it never really went on sale in India. Samsung is now trying to appease users with the older Galaxy S7 and S7 edge models. However, a Galaxy S8 is said to be in the making and the company is trying to push it out as soon as it can to make up for the losses. However, we hope Samsung takes the extra time for a thorough security check, this time.