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Home » Blogs » A Deep Dive into Android vs iOS Market Dynamics
By Gaurav Parvadiya | Last Updated On March 18th, 2024
Operating systems are the foundation of every device, and since smartphones are so widely used, the popularity of mobile operating systems has overtaken that of desktop operating systems. In the worldwide marketplace, Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS are clearly the two main players.
For a number of reasons, Android asserts its leadership position in the world. It has Google’s support, a more flexible and reasonably priced infrastructure, and a wider selection of devices. These elements play a part in its broad appeal in practically every nation.
However, because of its distinct and alluring appeal, iOS commands a large portion of the market, particularly in first-world countries and specialist markets. However, because there are fewer and more expensive options accessible in terms of devices and applications, its accessibility is restricted to a narrower audience.
An analysis of global data indicates that iOS holds the remaining market share, with Android controlling about three-quarters of it. With more than 6 billion users globally, these two operating systems jointly control the market.
Let’s discuss the comparison of Android vs iOS market:
Android asserts its undeniable dominance when evaluating global usage strength among mobile operating systems. According to the most recent Statcounter reports, Android commands a formidable 69.74 percent of the worldwide mobile operating system market, while iOS secures a 29.58 percent share. Together, these two giants amass more than 99 percent of the total market.
In contrast, other mobile operating systems, such as Samsung and KaiOS, collectively constitute less than 1 percent of the market share. This underscored reality emphasizes that Android and iOS stand as unrivaled leaders in the mobile operating system realm, forming an impregnable duopoly that remains unmatched.
The global user base for Android surpasses 3.5 billion, while iOS boasts more than 1.3 billion users. With annual smartphone sales reaching approximately 1.39 billion units worldwide, these numbers are poised to escalate in the foreseeable future.
This indicates a continual expansion of Android and iOS users worldwide, propelled by the increasing sales of mobile devices and smartphones. Remarkably, these two operating systems have virtually eclipsed all other mobile OS competitors, commanding nearly 100 percent of the market.
In terms of devices, Apple operates within its exclusive ecosystem, while Android thrives on an “open for all” model, accommodating smartphones from various vendors worldwide.
Unlike iOS, which is both an operating system and a product of Apple, Android functions solely as an operating system, relying on diverse vendors for device manufacturing. Notably, Apple manufactures all the devices that run on its operating systems.
Examining Android device vendors reveals Samsung’s consistent leadership since the early days of Android. Recent statistics indicate that Chinese manufacturers contribute to over 55 percent of the Android market share. Key players include Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Motorola, and LG, among others.
In this segment, we will delve into the regional distribution of market shares for Android and iOS mobile operating systems. As previously discussed, Android maintains its global dominance, while iOS boasts a larger market share in first-world countries. Notably, iOS surpasses Android in the USA, UK, and Canada, taking the lead.
Let’s explore additional statistics pertaining to the regional market shares of mobile operating systems:
As evident from the data, iOS enjoys greater popularity in developed nations, while Android remains the preferred choice globally. Despite a preference for Apple products, the relatively high cost prompts users to opt for Android devices over iOS devices.
Operating systems function across various devices such as desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. Thus, gauging the popularity of these systems on different devices provides insights into their market dominance.
Let’s delve into key statistics to better understand this:
Android stands out as the indisputable leader globally, commanding a usage strength of 69.74 percent, according to the latest reports from Statcounter. In contrast, iOS holds a 29.58 percent share of the global mobile operating system market. Together, they account for over 99 percent of the total market share. Other mobile operating systems like Samsung & KaiOS collectively make up less than 1 percent, underscoring the dominance of Android and iOS.
The dynamics shift when considering operating system popularity across tablet devices. iOS takes the lead with 54.85 percent, owing to the widespread popularity of iPads. Nevertheless, Android remains a strong contender, securing a market share of 44.91 percent for tablet operating systems. Windows, Linux, BlackBerry OS, and others constitute the remaining market share in the tablet OS landscape.
Examining the overall market share of operating systems across all devices, Android and iOS maintain their prominence. As of May 2022, Android claims a significant share at 37.66 percent. Windows follows closely with 30.76 percent, while iOS captures 16.63 percent. OS X (macOS) holds 9.06 percent, and Chrome OS accounts for approximately 1.75 percent. Notably, Android and iOS collectively exceed 50 percent, emphasizing their dominant position across all devices. This reaffirms the pivotal role of mobile devices and apps, highlighting Android’s substantial market share across diverse devices
Note that this data, applicable to both groups, is imprecise. Thus, not all iPhone owners have the following traits. The user profile is flexible; people may fit certain qualities but not all. These traits vary by country and change throughout time. Though valuable, they should be regarded broadly.
First, these are common iOS user features:
iPhone users are mostly young to middle-aged, with the largest popularity among those aged 16-34. Women in metropolitan areas are slightly more prevalent. Users with above-average earnings and education are politically liberal and environmentally conscientious.
New models are eagerly embraced by Apple fans, demonstrating brand loyalty. People pay more for Apple products because they value quality, innovation, and reliability. Design, aesthetics, and device, software, and service integration are crucial. Beyond iPhones, this commitment extends to Macs, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods, improving the user experience.
The intuitive, responsive, and user-friendly iOS interface drives iPhone and Apple product satisfaction. Security, privacy, and performance are important. Camera quality, battery life, and bright displays improve media consumption. Siri, Face ID, and Apple Pay improve customers’ daily life with convenience and personalization.
iPhone consumers are deeply engaged with the Apple ecosystem, which integrates devices, software, and services. iTunes and Apple Music store media, while iCloud syncs data. Apple TV+ and AirPlay stream material smoothly. Messages, FaceTime, and Safari enable browsing and communication. Pages, Numbers, and Keynote boost productivity, while Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and AirDrop ensure user continuity.
With 90% brand loyalty, iPhone owners are loyal to Apple. Apple’s creativity, excellence, and status inspire this emotional allegiance. Apple’s community values creativity, growth, and exclusivity. The Cupertino Titan’s marketing and user reviews boost excitement.
54% of Android users are male. In this category, 36% are 25–34 and 30% are 16–24. They live in developing countries and rural areas with lower incomes and education than iOS users. Android users are politically conservative and less environmentally conscientious.
Android users are less devoted than iOS users, often switching manufacturers and operating systems. Associating iOS devices with stability, security, and grandeur, they choose a non-premium price. Diversity, customizability, and an open ecosystem make Android users special. Android customers like the many options, even though other Google products are less popular.
Users enjoy several customization choices with Android’s versatility. Customising backgrounds, widgets, launchers, icons, and audio is their focus. Material You in Android 12 lets users customise their devices to their moods and preferences with dynamic colour schemes.
Android has thousands of devices from different vendors in a fragmented environment. Android users have a wide range of screen sizes, resolutions, hardware specs, and unique designs like foldable or gaming phones to suit their requirements, tastes, and budgets.
Android users benefit from the open-source OS. Innovation, competition, and collaboration create a dynamic ecosystem of apps, services, and features. Users have complete control over custom ROMs, rooted devices, sideloaded apps, and third-party marketplaces with the open-source basis.
Finally, comparing Android and iPhone market share shows that mobile operating system trends change rapidly. We examined significant figures, showing Android’s global market share and iPhones’ large user base. Each platform adapts to consumer preferences, maintaining fierce competition.
The competition is high as platforms adjust to consumer preferences.
Market share data must be updated as technology and consumer behaviors change. Trends and new players may change market dynamics. Readers should discuss Android vs. iOS to boost community dialogue.
In the fast-paced world of mobile OS, updating is crucial. Explore the detailed mobile OS market trends, read informative materials, and follow pertinent reports. Your interest and curiosity help us grasp this changing reality. Join the Android vs. iPhone market share adventure today! For further insights and lively discussions, check out Twinr, a website to app converter, and be part of the conversation.
Gaurav is the founder and CEO of Twinr, a tech entrepreneur with a decade of experience and a passion for SaaS. With a Master's degree in Computer Science, he specializes in no-code development, driving innovation in the mobile app industry. When he's not busy growing the company, you'll find him writing about tech, growth, software development, e-commerce, and occasionally sneaking in a game of badminton.
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