Android vs iOS Market Share – Who Holds The Edge (2024)

Mobile apps have become part and parcel of our everyday lives since we cannot live without them. They are critical in every niche and industry and let many businesses thrive even in difficult times and situations like the COVID-19 crisis.  

That said, the success of mobile apps largely depends on the effectiveness of two popular mobile operating systems, including Android and iOS.   

People rightly perceive these mobile operating systems as the dominant players because they cover almost the entire market. Android has a better reach and acceptance among the masses worldwide. 

Likewise, iOS has helped niche target users raise their lifestyles and standards. For them, using smartphones and devices supported by iOS is a status symbol. 

This exclusive guide will compare Android vs iOS market share, discussing the performance of the two operating systems in terms of users’ population and vendors, 

The guide will also highlight captivating statistics and facts about these tech giants.

Android vs iOS Market Share in the Global Mobile OS Market

Despite the success of iOS as a prominent mobile operating system worldwide, Android has remained on the top spot in the list of leading mobile operating systems.  

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2023, Android enjoys a massive market share of 70.1%. On the other hand, Apple has occupied the global mobile OS market with a reasonable share of 29.2% at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. 

Android Market Share in the US (2021 – 2023)

iOS Market Share in the US (2021 – 2023)

Importance of Android and iOS in the Mobile OS Market

Android and iOS constitute over 99% of the mobile operating system market share. Compatibility-wise, the former is an ideal platform as it supports varied devices. 

Surprisingly, iOS only supports devices and products developed by Apple. When using Android, users can consider opting for multiple devices and products. That’s because the notable mobile operating system supports numerous platforms and devices.   

However, Apple enthusiasts are bound to use products and services manufactured by the leading tech giant.

Android vs iOS (User and Vendor Share Statistics)

More than 3.5 billion people prefer to use Android globally. Likewise, over 1.3 billion people use iOS worldwide. Therefore, these numbers will likely increase in the next few years.

Android follows an ‘open for all’ ecosystem, whereas Apple abides by its ecosystem. However, the ‘open for all’ ecosystem is supported by various mobile phones manufactured by numerous vendors globally.

Android does not produce smartphones since it is primarily a mobile operating system. Mobile phone manufacturers rely on the Android operating system to power their smartphones. 

iOS, on the other hand, is the brainchild of Apple. The latter manufactures various devices for its users, and the former powers them.  

Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, LG, Motorola, Huawei, and Xiaomi are some of the major Android device vendors.   

Android Users’ Population Worldwide

As mentioned earlier, Android has over 70% worldwide market share. Furthermore, there are around 3.6 billion Android users in 190 countries worldwide. Android is famous in India, Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey, and Iran. 

However, the mobile operating system is not popular in the US. The iPhone is the preferred choice of 87% of teenagers in the US.  

They prefer iPhones over Android smartphones due to their attractive screen sizes, resolutions, and other features.  

iPhone Users’ Population Worldwide

iOS has around 30% worldwide market share. There are about 1.36 billion iPhone users globally. The number suggests that Android users are almost twice the number of iPhone users. 

That said, Apple is the biggest smartphone manufacturer in the world. It is popular in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan. 

iOS vs Android Users Statistics

• iPhone users have higher salaries than Android users. iPhone users earn 43.7% more than Android users salary-wise. 

• Android is cost-effective, according to 29% of former iPhone users.

• iPhone performs much better than Android user experience-wise, according to 47% of former Android users. 

Google Play and App Store are the leading App Stores Worldwide

Google Play is the world’s largest app store. Currently, it has more than 3.5 million Android apps. As far as the app store is concerned, it has more than 1.8 million iOS apps for users.

The above statistics indicate that Android and iOS are the prominent mobile operating systems. Overall, these mobile operating systems have become the preferred choice of billions of users across the globe. 

How Do You Create Android and iOS Apps on a Budget?  

Android and iOS are the leading mobile operating systems in the world. Therefore, large or small businesses must target Android and iOS users. It will eventually help them increase their conversions, sales, and revenues. 

For that reason, businesses can turn to AppExperts when creating attractive Android and iOS apps under their budget. 

APPExperts is one of the most impactful mobile app builders out there. It helps businesses of varied sizes convert their WordPress websites into engaging yet results-driven iOS and Android applications.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks. We hope you liked our Android vs iOS market share guide that lets you understand the importance of both mobile operating systems. 

Furthermore, the guide carefully highlights the performance of Android and iOS in the global mobile operating system market. 

Regardless of whether it is Android or iOS, people worldwide always have high hopes for these operating systems. Android has become a popular operating system among the masses. 

iOS has also established its niche market. In addition, the prices of mobile phones and other devices supported by iOS are on the higher side pricing-wise. 

In reality, Android supports multiple mobile phones and devices. Similarly, iOS is compatible with a limited number of smartphones and devices.  

Still, the platform has successfully grabbed the attention of niche target audiences globally. Therefore, large or small businesses must develop iOS and Android apps to cater to their target markets’ needs.  

Once they create apps for both mobile operating systems, numerous benefits, such as massive conversions, sales, and revenues, become a reality.