Apple’s popular iPhone device outsold Research In Motion’s BlackBerry brand for the first time ever in the third quarter.

On a worldwide basis, Apple sold nearly 6.9 million iPhones in the three month period ending September 27. That compares to 6.1 million smartphones sold by RIM.

But RIM is fighting back with the BlackBerry Storm, its first ever touchscreen smartphone, which is due to hit the North American market in the net couple of weeks.

Also, the Blackberry Bold was launched on election day. Furthermore, RIM is planning to launch its own applications store, similar to Apple’s, allowing users to download software designed by third-party developers directly onto their devices.

The crucial fourth quarter looks to be interesting. Apple sales have traditionally been strong in the fourth quarter with its consumer product focus. Corporate budgets are being slashed.

Is Blackberry going to play second fiddle to the Apple iPhone from here on? For this prediction to come true, iPhone sales (in units) must outsell Blackberry's combined sales (in units) for Q4'08 on a worldwide basis.