It’s easy to predict a meteoric rise half way through, but analysts Gartner has done just that, revising it’s prediction on the Android’s dominance in the marketplace. Back in 2009, Gartner was absolutely convinced that there would be a three way tie between Android, the iPhone, and RIM for smart phone market share. Clearly that didn’t happen as Android exploded, and now Gartner expects that by next year, Android will control a full 49% of the smartphone market. While the iPhone is quickly surpassed by the Robot (old news) Gartner’s predictions now show modest growth, but nowhere near being able to keep pace.

Another interesting forecast is that reassessment of Symbian Phone sales. Back in 2009, Gartner was convinced that a Symbian smartphone platform would maintain it’s control of the marketplace. Now, the platform is nowhere to be found and even Nokia has announced it will rather concentrate on Windows Phone 7. Other platforms that have taken a hit over the last 18 months include both RIM and Palm’s WebOS. It was once believed that the RIM BlackBerry platform would lock up a third of the market in what was essentially a dead heat with Android and iPhone. RIM has lost market share, but ironically, less than Gartner expected.

And poor WebOS has had it’s forecast slashed. Originally, Palm had doubled down and put the last of it’s chips on the Palm Pris and WebOS, which, while elegant in design didn’t capture much interest with smartphone users. Now that Palm has been sold to HP, what will the future hold for WebOS? There’s a tablet coming for sure, but will a WebOS smartphone gain any traction in the marketplace? Seems likely.

[via Apple Insider]