Android's 70.4 per cent share of the European market is far higher than than Apple iOS' 17.8 per cent share and the 6.8 per cent share for Windows, according to the latest OS barometer figures from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech.

The popularity of Samsung phones, which use Google's Android software and make up nearly half of all smartphones sold in Europe, is helping to increase the Android market share.

Google's software also leads the market in the US with a 52 per cent share but has barely grown in the past year, while iOS now has 41.9 per cent of the market and is growing faster. Windows, which has 4.6 per cent of the US market share, also grew faster than Android at 0.9 per cent compared to Android's 0.1 per cent.

Paul Moore, global director at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, said: “Across Europe, Android growth remains strong. However, in the US Apple’s expanded distribution agreement with T-Mobile is helping the iPhone keep Android growth at bay.

"T-Mobile is the smallest of the big four US carriers but it does have the capacity to give iOS a boost, particularly as 28% of its customers plan to buy an iPhone when they next upgrade.”

Google is currently facing an investigation from Brussels antitrust watchdog over claims that Android was preventing competition in mobile.

Mr Moore said Samsung must face a challenge from a resurgent Sony to maintain its strong market share.

He said: “The flagship Xperia Z has driven Sony’s growth in Britain by successfully appealing to Samsung customers. Some 38% of Xperia’s users are ex-Samsung owners, the majority of whom have upgraded from the Galaxy S2.

“Samsung now finds itself in a position where, after two years of relentless growth, it must focus on keeping its existing base of customers loyal if it is to maintain its success. As it stands, Samsung has the second highest loyalty rate in Britain (59%), but this falls well short of Apple (79%). With the competition dramatically upping their game in terms of build quality and content innovation, Samsung will have to work hard to convince its 8.8 million customers to stick with the brand.”

Smartphone penetration in Britain reached 65 per cent in May, and 85 per cent of devices sold in the past three months are smartphones.