Apple's iPhone 5S, iPhone 5 Beats Samsung S4: Apple-Microsoft Merger On the Horizon?

Apple Inc's iPhone 5 and the iPhone 5S have finally outwit Samsung Galaxy S4 based on global sales in October, according to Counterpoint's report.

Counterpoint's Market Pulse noted the Apple's iPhone 5S retained the no. 1 spot for worldwide smartphone sales despite dealing with supply shortages that gave customers no choice but to wait for their orders to arrive. Since the supply of the iPhone 5S finally meets the demand, research firm Counterpoint expects Apple to meet stronger demand this November and December.

Also ahead of Samsung's S4 is the iPhone 5, which ranked second place. The older-generation iPhone remains a popular choice among smartphone consumers, leaving the Galaxy S4 in 3rd place. The iPhone 5C, Apple's cheaper iPhone, also enjoys strong sales at the no. 4 spot followed by Samsung Galaxy Note 3 at 5th place.

Based on Counterpoint's rankings, Apple did well around the world, especially in China. Apple's market share increased to 12 percent in October from a measly 3 percent in September. China has become Apple's third largest iPhone market.

A deal with China Mobile is expected to bring Apple more sales and greater market share since the Chinese carrier is the largest in the world.

Aside from Counterpoint, Kantar Worldpanel ComTech previously released a report about Apple getting a boost from iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C sales based on data ending Oct. 31. According to Kantar's research, Apple's iPhone sales represented 21 percent of world smartphone sales. In the U.S., the Android market captured almost 53 percent of sales. In European countries like Germany, UK, Italy, France and Spain, Android captured 71 percent of sales.

Apple-Microsoft Merger: Insane Prediction?

With Apple continuing the fight against Google's Android OS, someone made a fearless forecast based on current trends.

Analyst Keith Fitzgerald has claimed that Apple and Microsoft will possibly merge in 5 to 10 years. According to Fox Business, the Money Maps analyst said the competition from Facebook and Google will drive Apple and Microsoft to work together.

He said it is one of those "unthinkable, but absolutely possible deals."

Fitzgerald defended his point by saying that both companies may seek a merger since he thinks it will be the "only way" for Apple and Microsoft to achieve their goals in the future.