Smart-phone shoppers eye iPhone

Apple’s iPhone is the most desired device among users shopping for smart phones, beating the BlackBerry and Google’s Android as consumers prepare for the holiday season, according to Nielsen Co.

In a survey of U.S. shoppers looking for a smart phone, 30 percent said they wanted to buy an iPhone, according to a Nielsen survey from August through October. Phones running Google’s Android software placed second with 28 percent.

Apple is battling increasing competition from Android, which became the most popular smart-phone operating system among new buyers in the U.S. this year. Apple plans to start selling the device at Verizon Wireless, the biggest U.S. wireless provider, next year, people familiar with the companies’ plans have said.