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Each time I make the assertion that Android is the preferred cell working system on the planet, a sure cross-section of individuals have a look at me as if I’ve misplaced my thoughts. They’ll additionally make statements like, “I don’t even know any Android users.” These individuals who query my sanity, with out fail, hail from the US.
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Android vs. iOS market pattern through the years
You see, there’s a singular pattern that’s been remarkably constant over the previous few years:
- Android holds an enormous market share lead over iOS all over the world.
- iOS holds a stable market share lead over Android within the U.S.
Based on the most recent stats from Statcounter, the worldwide market share appears like this:
- Android: 67.56%
- iOS: 31.6%
However within the U.S., that market share appears like this:
- iOS: 62.13%
- Android: 37.47%
Nevertheless, Android wasn’t at all times within the lead globally. Primarily based on Statcounter numbers from the previous 14 years, iOS at one level had a bigger world share over Android. As different cell working techniques like Symbian OS and BlackBerry OS fell by the wayside, Android began to choose up the slack. Lately, iOS has begun to recapture a few of its misplaced world share, however continues to be behind Android.
International vs. U.S. market share by OS by yr
| Month/12 months | Android (world) | iOS (world) | Android (U.S.) | iOS (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2022 | 72.37% | 26.98% | 43.75% | 55.85% |
| December 2021 | 70.01% | 29.24% | 40.54% | 59.15% |
| December 2020 | 72.48% | 26.91% | 38.76% | 61.07% |
| December 2019 | 74.13% | 24.79% | 44.29% | 55.55% |
| December 2018 | 75.16% | 21.98% | 42.75% | 56.91% |
| December 2017 | 73.54% | 19.91% | 45.04% | 54.42% |
| December 2016 | 71.97% | 18.89% | 45.14% | 53.7% |
| December 2015 | 65.9% | 19.21% | 45.65% | 51.86% |
| December 2014 | 59.15% | 23.51% | 47.32% | 49.54% |
| December 2013 | 42.99% | 21.82% | 39.25% | 51.75% |
| December 2012 | 33.19% | 23.26% | 40.22% | 50.49% |
| December 2011 | 21.83% | 22.71% | 40.92% | 42.52% |
| December 2010 | 13.6% | 23.57% | 25.46% | 33.55% |
| December 2009 | 4.07% | 32.05% | 10.62% | 53.26% |
In the US, iOS’s lead over Android has fluctuated since rival working techniques fell off the charts within the early 2010s. However, Apple’s OS has nonetheless persistently been the extra standard of the 2 platforms within the U.S. yr after yr.
Nevertheless, on a worldwide market scale, Android nonetheless tops Apple by a big margin.
Android and iOS: Price vs. recognition
Android holds the worldwide market share largely as a consequence of its affordability in comparison with Apple worldwide. Nevertheless, Apple’s value spreading along with its branding and presence in popular culture give it an edge within the U.S. market area.
Price
The first motive why Android guidelines the worldwide market is value. In lots of nations (with considerably greater populations than the U.S.), folks have far much less disposable earnings. Due to that, the primary consider deciding on a telephone is value. In that enviornment, Apple merely can’t compete with Google.
Run a fast search on Amazon, and also you’ll discover Android telephones beginning at $49.99 with the BLU Advance L5 That’s proper, lower than $50. The most affordable iPhone on Amazon is a Tracfone Apple iPhone 7 4G, beginning at $97. Ignoring the truth that each units are practically out of date, you possibly can have a low-end model of 1 for reasonable, whereas the opposite system will value you virtually $100.
For some, $100 is like change within the couch. For others, it’s a month’s wages or extra. To that finish, Android is the clear alternative. Given the rampant poverty in so many nations across the globe, the existence of low cost telephones makes Android a greater possibility over iOS.
The largest issue within the Android maintain over world market share may seemingly be boiled right down to Asia, a continent with a large inhabitants, the place greater than 320 million folks dwell in excessive poverty. That’s practically the inhabitants of the US (as of 2023, the inhabitants of the U.S. was 340 million).
If it weren’t for carriers distributing funds for iPhones over time, we’d most likely see the U.S. and world market shares extra consistent with each other.
As a result of carriers in the usspread the value of units out over two years, a $700 iPhone turns into a doable buy for many. That is made much more engaging while you’re taking a look at a flagship system. Nearly any American can personal a top-of-the-line iPhone when the value is damaged into month-to-month installments — that equates to value not being an element.
Model
Apple is big. There’s no approach round it. As a model, Apple has management over all the pieces with its merchandise. In contrast to Android units, the place Google creates the working system and OEMs produce the {hardware}, Apple maintains all the pieces. Due to that, Apple can hold a stranglehold over high quality management, such that their merchandise (for essentially the most half) take pleasure in a “top to bottom” reliability.
You hardly ever hear of individuals complain about Apple {hardware}. The intersection of Apple {hardware} and software program can’t be bested. Even Google Pixel units don’t take pleasure in that very same degree of consistency.
As a model, folks within the U.S. belief Apple greater than Google. That belief goes effectively past telephones and into information, and what’s finished with mentioned information. Past belief, Apple’s model is simply shinier and extra polished than Google’s. Think about the commercials for each iPhones and Android units. Apple by no means fails to launch commercials with the precise hip sheen that buyers on this nation need to see.
Google, then again, tends to lean extra closely on the cuter facet of commercial. Their brand is even an lovable robotic. So when American shoppers see the 2 totally different commercials, one merely appears extra skilled. Apple by no means fails to current itself as an entire model and that’s necessary to shoppers in wealthier nations.
Popular culture
America is a rustic continually underneath the thrall of popular culture. I’d go as far as to say I hardly ever see an Android telephone being utilized in TV or movie. Once you hear a message chime or incoming name on the display screen, it’s virtually at all times the sound of Apple cashing in. I do see Android units getting used now and again, however for essentially the most half, TV and movie default to Apple.
That holds highly effective sway over shoppers. The court docket of public opinion retains a watchful eye on their favourite exhibits and their favourite characters of their favourite exhibits. When viewers see their favourite characters holding an iPhone, they may really feel compelled to purchase one.
The conclusions are simple to attract
Across the globe, look and tendencies aren’t practically as necessary as practicality. These in poverty seemingly aren’t trying on the model or the options when selecting a telephone. As long as the telephone can place calls and (now and again) get on-line, it may possibly serve its objective. If Apple have been to launch an iPhone that would compete with Android on the low-end market, it might give Google a severe run for its cash. I don’t search for that to occur any time quickly, so Android will proceed to dominate the worldwide telephone marketplace for years to come back.