Android loses ground to iOS, but Google still dominates - 9to5Mac (2024)

Android loses ground to iOS, but Google still dominates - 9to5Mac (1)

Android is unsurprisingly the most popular mobile operating system in the world, as it’s available on a huge variety of devices. However, data from StockApps shows that iOS has been taking Android’s market share in recent years – although Google’s platform still dominates the market.

As of July 2018, Android dominated 77.32% of the global mobile operating system market share. However, four years later, that number has dropped to 69.74%. At the same time, global iOS adoption rose from 19.4% to 25.49% over the same period, representing a 6% growth over four years.

While the reasons behind these numbers are unclear, Apple has been putting efforts into expanding its product lineup to reach even more consumers with products like the iPhone SE and the entry-level iPad. This, however, won’t be enough to take the top spot from Android.

As noted by finance expert Edith Reads, Android still has an advantage due to its open-source nature. While iOS is only available on Apple devices, there are many devices out there running Android, not just smartphones and tablets. The price of electronic devices is another reason why Android will remain on top.

StockApps’ research notes that in regions such as South America and Africa, Android vastly dominates the local market as Apple products are much more expensive compared to competitors. In South America, only 10% of mobile devices run iOS, while Apple’s operating system has more than half the market share in North America.

But even so, Apple’s strategy of introducing less expensive devices to gain more customers has been showing good results – and the company is likely to keep introducing a few entry-level devices in its lineup.

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Android loses ground to iOS, but Google still dominates - 9to5Mac (3)

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Android loses ground to iOS, but Google still dominates - 9to5Mac (2024)

FAQs

Why does my transfer from Android to iOS keep failing? ›

This problem generally occurs due to low space issues, outdated device versions, app crashes, or an unable network connection. Low battery power can also cause the "move to iOS transfer failed" message popup.

Is Android losing to iOS? ›

Android powers nearly 70% of all smartphones worldwide, according to a report from Statcounter that spanned January 2023 to January 2024. No other operating system is even close, with iOS coming in at nearly 30% — less than half that of Android. But it's clear that Android is losing to iOS in key markets.

Why is everyone switching to iPhone? ›

Plenty of tech-savvy people prefer Android phones because they offer many more customization options, but others often prefer the ease of use of the iOS operating system. This includes how simple it is to find and launch apps and then jump between them, or find information you need quickly.

What is the biggest advantage Android has over iOS? ›

One of the biggest advantages of using Android over iOS is the high degree of customization it offers to its users. Android's open-source nature allows users to customize their devices in a way that suits their individual preferences.

Is it hard to transfer everything from Android to iPhone? ›

The whole transfer can take a while, depending on how much content you're moving. Here's what gets transferred: contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, photo albums, files and folders, accessibility settings, display settings, web bookmarks, mail accounts, WhatsApp messages and media, and calendars.

How can I speed up my data transfer from Android to iPhone? ›

The first thing you should do if the Android to iOS transfer takes forever is to reboot both Android and iPhone. It removes any minor glitch in your phone or the "Move to iOS" app to speed up the process. Press and hold the power key. On the power menu, tap the restart icon.

Which phone is more user-friendly, iPhone or Android? ›

Whether iPhones are better than Android phones is a never-ending debate. “Better” is subjective, and what works for one person may not work for another. For example, iPhones are generally considered to be easier to use, but if you're a longtime Android user this may not be the case.

What does iOS offer that Android doesn t? ›

Upon installing an app, iPhone users have the option to opt out of data tracking and other unscrupulous invasions of privacy. Unlike Android, iOS is not an open-source operating system. Apple has complete control over its proprietary OS: no one else has access to its cookie jar.

What phone does Elon Musk use? ›

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is known to be a regular iPhone user [3]. In his biography, it is mentioned that he uses an iPhone [3].

Why do iPhones become obsolete? ›

Understanding Obsolete iPhones

Apple classifies iPhones as obsolete when they've been discontinued for more than seven years. This means Apple will no longer provide hardware service or software updates for these devices. Essentially, you're on your own when it comes to repairs and security patches.

Why people don't use iPhone? ›

1) Many people don't like the closed ecosystem of apple where they make your device much less useful if you don't own other apple devices. (Take the apple watch as an extreme example: it can't be used without an iPhone).

Why do people prefer iPhone over Android? ›

Better Performance. iPhone users love their devices because they are smooth and responsive. Apple has complete control over the hardware and software of its phones, ensuring that its developers can tweak each aspect to their exacting standards and that they are both optimized.

Why do some people prefer Android over iOS? ›

Android offers more customization

You'll see this mentioned in every Android vs iOS comparison out there, and it's still true. You can still do more with the Home Screen, the Lock Screen, and the app icons on Android—you can even reskin the entire interface with a tool like Nova Launcher.

Why does my iPhone data transfer keep failing? ›

A poor network can cause iPhone transfer failed. Old system version: If your device is running a system version below iOS 12.4, this problem will also occur. Low battery level: If your iPhone is low on battery, you will also face the iPhone to iPhone transfer not working.

Why isn t iOS Transfer working? ›

Move to iOS stuck on connecting to the iPhone might be resolved by restarting both the devices. A simple reboot can remove any cached error or bug in the mobile devices and give way to a successful data transfer from Android to iPhone. On Android, press and hold the Power button.

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