eMarketer is claiming that Google’s Android OS will surpass Apple‘s iOS user share in 2012. Here’s the breakdown of what the above chart is claiming.

2009:
iOS – 26%
Android – 6%

2010:
iOS – 28%
Android – 24%

2011:
iOS – 30%
Android – 28%

2012:
iOS – 30%
Android – 31%

Of course, there’s no telling what the future holds but they’re betting on Androids free licensing to be the key to its success. Maybe when Apple enters the NFC credit business or the subscription newspapers it will change the their research.