Android devices are quickly gaining market share. They’re available from multiple manufacturers and every major wireless carrier in the U.S.

Combined with yesterday’s stunning smart phone numbers — that more than 20 percent of T-Mobile, Sprint and even AT&T customers will very likely buy a Verizon Wireless iPhone when available — I’m thinking Apple has really hurt itself by limiting the iPhone’s availability to a single American carrier.

It took some time, but eventually even Best Buy starting carrying Apple computers.

Even Chicago-based electronics retailer called Abt Electronics has a large “Apple Store” on its premises.

Why has Apple spent so many years limiting consumers’ opportunities to buy an iPhone?

If Apple really wants to shake up the smart phone space, it should make the iPhone available on Verizon Wireless. And Sprint. And T-Mobile.

Why not?

What’s the downside?

The upside, though, is massive. Market share will sky rocket. And Android devices, which are enjoying popularity today because of a lack of iPhone availability, will have to work harder to show they are better than the iPhone — rather than simply more available.