Recent research by analyst firm ABI Research predicts that 23% of smartphones will be powered by Linux by 2013. This will mean that Linux will be the second most popular OS on smartphones, with only Symbian remaining ahead.
A device’s operating system is increasingly seen as a way for carriers and OEMs to differentiate their offerings. But operating systems are also subject to a growing degree of price pressure. Linux is being positioned as a low-cost, even license-free, solution for commercial smartphones, and for real-time operating system replacement in middle-tier devices.
Ars Technica has more extensive analysis.