Android has replaced Apple’s iOS in terms of importance to developers in the Asia-Pacific region in the last 12 months, according to Ovum.

However, it is clear that iOS and Android form the core of developer support and that although these two platforms may vie for ultimate supremacy almost all developers support both platforms.

In its second annual developer survey, the independent technology analysts reveal that while iOS and Android form the core of developer support, there is significant drive behind Blackberry OS and an increasing interest from developers in Microsoft’s Windows phone.

Adam Leach, devices & platforms practice leader at Ovum and author of the research commented, “The growing momentum behind Windows Phone indicates that Microsoft has managed to convince developers that its platform is worthy of investment. However, its main challenge now is to persuade consumers.”

In this year survey, the trends mirror closely changes in the wider smartphone market. Developers have been quick to respond to the exit of once-important smartphone platforms such as Windows Mobile, Symbian and WebOS and have embraced opportunities that have arisen through emerging platforms.