Before Apple there weren't any companies that were willing or able to produce an easy to use smart phone that was fun to use. Before the iPhone, the smart phones were pretty awful. If nothing else Apple has lit a fire under the other companies.
While Apple may have less market share, their profit share is enormous which allows gives them a lot of influence. Having 50 million iPhone customers probably makes more money than 500 million dumb phone customers. Quality of customer means people who are willing to buy apps, accessories, and other content as well as premium services.
Anyone can guess. It takes no effort to throw out lots of predictions and have some of them be correct. You are not and wiser or better for having your guesses be right. Even a blind man can hit the bullseye.
