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There is always a conflict between iOS and Android, whether it's about their releases, software updates and even their prices. According to the record, it has been noticed that out of 4.8 billion smartphone users, there are around 3.4 billion users of Android and the remaining users are of iOS.
It's not just about the sleek design that grabs users' attention, which iOS offers, but smartphones must be budget-friendly as well. And that's what Android has taken advantage of. What more can both of them be compared to than the offers they make?
Apple offers a sleek design that comes with guaranteed security and user-friendly interfaces, while on the other hand, Android is available on a wide variety of smartphones that come in multiple brands, such as Samsung, Huawei, and more. It doesn’t feel heavy in the pocket and offers premium versions as well.
Let's move on to the Android vs iOS statistics to have a clear picture of how these giants truly stack up.
In 2025, a huge tug-of-war was noticed between the giants, Android vs. iOS, which was revealed via statistics. And according to the records, Android wins by dominating a massive worldwide reach, while iOS stays strong in wealthier regions.
From Android vs iOS market share in the US to regional variances across continents, the data demonstrates how culture, spending power, and consumer preference define today’s smartphone landscape. Whether you are curious about what's more popular in the global market and how these platforms are driving their dominance in the global market, this section breaks it all for you with an eye-opening insight.
With a noticeable share of 70.8–72% in the global market, Android is leading in the 2026 market, while on the other hand, iOS holds a solid 28–29.2%. Which was highly affected by Android's open-source architecture and started weakening iOS's early dominance in 2009.
By offering affordability and a large range of devices, Android is dominating the cost-sensitive regions that are mainly considered as Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, by relying on the quality and a top-tier security model, Apple’s smaller yet powerful iPhone market share thrives, built around expensive gadgets and a closely linked ecosystem.
Bonus Point: Android has overpowered the digital market since 2012 and has never slowed down for a second. Here are some of the evidence that might shock you
Open-source flexibility has given new meaning to Android in the digital market, increasing its share from 4% in 2009 to 75.47% in 2019. Whereas iOS began at 14% in 2009, and most of the users are from the wealthy market, it will remain at 25–29%.
High-end hardware, flawless software (iOS 26), and brand prestige maintain iPhone vs Android competitive despite lower volume
| Year | Android Share (%) | iOS Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 4.0 | 14.0 |
| 2012 | 68.3 | 18.8 |
| 2015 | 53.65 | 44.85 |
| 2017 | 70.0 | 28.0 |
| 2019 | 75.47 | 22.85 |
| 2023 | 70.77 | 28.52 |
| 2024 | 71.42 | 27.93 |
Source: StatCounter
These devices are not suitable for a one-size-fits-all module, as seen by the growing share of Android in the global market. Focusing on user experiences through device behavior results in more effective engagement and improved conversion rates, which may be achieved by targeting adverts and features, as well as prioritizing functionality.
Since the continued growth underscores the need for fast loading and optimized content, both of these platforms, Android and iOS, have focused on it perfectly.
Market shares for Android and iOS vary by region. Additionally, in price-sensitive areas like Asia and Africa, Android’s diverse devices receive the most attention.
In contrast, iOS is the dominant platform in wealthier nations such as North America, Japan, and others.
When we are discussing the major regions, including the US share for both iOS and Android, it wouldn’t be a bad thing
As market adoption has gone too far, the question that keeps hitting at the back of the head is related to shaping the market and product decisions: Whether iOS or Android, what is leading the digital market in the US?
With the evolution of time, technologies are taking a big shift in user base, tablet ownership, and connections like eSIM that are offering new insights and techniques for letting people interact with mobile devices.
How are our current technical adoption patterns, platform usage trends, and more reshaping mobile engagement among the users? Let's find out
In 2024, smartphone adoption has covered 90% of the US, and within this highly connected group of users, the iOS vs Android split tilts in Apple’s favor, with 57.97% of the market for iOS while Android holds 41.77%. And since then, iOS has ruled the digital market in the US. This momentum helped push North America to the forefront of the global eSIM revolution. Ever since Apple introduced eSIM-only iPhones in the U.S. in 2022, adoption has skyrocketed so quickly that half of all smartphone connections in the region are expected to run on eSIM by the end of 2025.
Some other regional splits affected the Apple vs. Android market share; some of the numbers are listed below for your clear understanding
1. Western Europe: Since Western Europe is not much of an established state, Android leads with 68%
2. Asia: Android dominates at 80–95%, with India at 95.16%, with users jumping onto affordable brands like Xiaomi and Oppo.
3. Africa: Android shares a low-cost device availability in the market; therefore, it leads by 85%, whereas iOS is at 13%
Because of the open-source ecosystem of Android, it allows brands like Xiaomi, Oppo and others to release phones at a low cost, such as $250. Android is a perfect fit for markets where consumers are on a tight budget.
| Year | iOS (%) | Android (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 30.0 | 47.0 |
| 2015 | 50.85 | 46.42 |
| 2017 | 55.0 | 44.0 |
| 2020 | 61.45 | 38.55 |
| 2023 | 56.63 | 43.07 |
| 2024 | 57.68 | 42.06 |
Looking at these numbers, a bigger question arises in the back of the head: why do so many U.S. states prefer iOS over Android?
As compared to other regions and states, New York and California in the US have higher incomes and populations, though Apple focuses on premium branding in the most populous places. Moreover, those stated in the US have more ongoing trends and evolved technologies that Apple’s marketing mainly focuses on.
Moreover, In the U.S., iPhones dominate with 113–155 million users, capturing 59.21% of the smartphone market, while Android trails with around 100 million users at 40.41%. The market of iOS is fueled by younger generations, which have grabbed their attention with its top-notch camera and social apps like iMessage, while Android remains strong in rural areas. As we can see here in the table.
| Year | iOS Users (M) | Android Users (M) | iOS Share (%) | Android Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 113.9 | 106.2 | 55.0 | 44.0 |
| 2022 | 118.1 | 130.4 | 50.5 | 49.0 |
| 2024 | 133.4 | 118.1 | 57.68 | 42.06 |
| 2025 | 155.0 | 100.0 | 59.21 | 40.41 |
Source: Statista
Since we are discussing the major regions, Japan is considered to be one of them and the most populated among the iOS devices. Why so? Well, depending on the tech-savvy cultures, the income aligns with Apple designs and premium branding. Therefore, iOS shares 68.86%, which reflects carrier deals and the love of Japanese people for iPhones.
While considering its open-source freedom, Android powers a massive 3.9–4.5 billion active users, leaving iOS behind. iOS, meanwhile, is growing steadily at around 7% each year by holding on to its premium markets like the U.S. and Japan, where Apple’s seamless ecosystem keeps high-end users loyal.
According to the tech's point of view, these changes in the number of Android vs. iOS stats aren’t just numbers, but they’re a roadmap for choosing a concentrated audience of higher-spending users.
The debate between Android and iPhone does not end on the smartphones, but it extends into tablets and wearable devices as well. In the tablet arena, iOS holds a slight edge with 52% of the market, while Android follows closely at 47% with its wide range of affordable options.
| Device Type | iOS Share (%) | Android Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones | 27.78 | 71.75 |
| Tablets | 52 | 47 |
| Wearables | 60 | 40 |
Here are a few points that guide marketers to target audiences according to demographics. When the question pops up, who chooses iPhones over Androids?
1. Due to its sleek design, 31% of women usually focus on carrying an iPhone rather than an Android.
2. iOS mainly dominates wealthy areas like New York, Japan, and others, whereas Android thrives in rural areas.
3. According to the age criteria, iPhone leads among those aged 18-34 years old, who are usually driven by social media sway
| Demographic | iOS (%) | Android (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Age 18–34 | 44 | 30 |
| Female | 31 | 54 |
| Male | 28 | 60 |
| Income >$50K | 60 | 40 |
| College Degree | 55 | 45 |
Just 12% of iOS users test Android, and the majority return because of features like iMessage and Handoff, but Android's customization possibilities keep customers engaged and motivated to try something new each day. Moreover, emotional ties come into play when Android enthusiasts adore the flexibility to customize and alter their gadgets, while many iPhone users identify with Apple's elegance and simple aesthetic. The power of each ecosystem makes switching between Android and iOS, that could be extremely difficult, but in the end, it usually comes down to pricing or features.
| Metric | iOS (%) | Android (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Retention Rate | 85–88 | 89–91 |
| Switch to Other OS | 12 | 11 |
| Return After Switch | 12 | 8 |
In the current year, both platforms cater differently by serving different vibes. According to reports, we can see the vast device range of Android, which costs from $100 for budget phones to $2000 for foldables. But on the other hand, iPhones stick to the premium category and have no coming back.
These price ranges affect every individual, from the shopkeeper to the developer of the certain platform device that is optimized for diverse hardware.
Spans budget ($100–$300, e.g., Xiaomi Redmi A4), mid-range ($300–$600, e.g., Samsung Galaxy A55), and flagship ($600–$2000, e.g., Galaxy Z Fold 7).
While appealing to tech enthusiasts, innovative designs such as foldable screens in various ranges of Android devices are pushing boundaries.
| Model | Brand | Global Share (%) | Units Shipped (M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S24 | Samsung | 2.5 | 8.1 |
| Xiaomi 14 | Xiaomi | 2.3 | 7.5 |
| Oppo Find X7 | Oppo | 2.0 | 6.5 |
| Vivo Y28 | Vivo | 1.8 | 5.8 |
With consistent designs that include notched displays and titanium frames, iPhones are focusing on targeting the premium, wealthy community and set the price range of $799–$1599.
| Model | Global Share (%) | Units Shipped (M) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | 3.9 | 12.6 |
| iPhone 16 | 3.5 | 11.3 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 3.2 | 10.4 |
| iPhone 15 | 2.8 | 9.1 |
| iPhone 17 | 3.6 | 13.0 |
Android dominates budget (85%) and mid-range (70%), iOS leads premium (57%) and ultra-premium (78%).
Ultra-premium appeals to status-seekers, premium flourishes in the US, and budget works well in emerging nations. Businesses use these divides to target different segments.
According to the reports, it is noticed that the Android sales market has risen up quarterly worldwide as compared to the iPhone, which has reached just 37%.
In 2026, the market sales of Android vs iPhone according to the country will be shaped by local preferences and economic factors. For example, in China, 41 million iPhones were sold in 2023, but Android dominates with 60% of the Android vs. iOS market share. Similarly, in the U.S., 25 million iPhones moved in the same quarter by giving iOS a strong 59% hold, while India’s festive season boosts Android to an overwhelming 95% share.
| Country | iOS Sales (M) | iOS Share (%) | Android Sales (M) | Android Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 41 | 61.5 | 40 | 60 |
| US | 25 | 17.3 | 59 | 41 |
| India | 3 | 57 | 5 | 95 |
Source: Canalys, IDC
In 2024, the global app revenue reached $150.1 billion, with iOS capturing 68% and Android taking 32%. iOS users spend an average of $10.4 per month on apps driven by wealthier audiences in markets like the U.S. and Japan.
And according to today’s market, it is projected that the App Store is at $161 billion and Google Play at $72 billion. These statistics provide key insights for developers, which highlight iOS as the go-to platform for premium apps and Android as ideal for ad-driven models.
Finding a new way to boost the revenue of your app, whether on any of the platforms, iOS or Android? Take notes on the in-app purchases and subscriptions that are known to be major revenue drivers with leading non-gaming apps, such as TikTok, for example, which earns $208 million on iOS, while on Android, services like Google One shine, generating $33 million.
| iOS App | Revenue ($M) | Android App | Revenue ($M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DouYin | 372.8 | Disney+ | 70.59 |
| TikTok | 324.4 | Max | 50.73 |
| Picoma | 228.32 | TikTok | 38.09 |
| Honor of Kings | 165.75 | Google One | 27.34 |
| Tencent Video | 165.71 | Peacock TV | 25.2 |
At the time of development, the critical choices that developers have to make are between iOS and Android. Since every platform has its guidelines and compliances, iOS drives up development costs—$30K–$50K for a basic app due to rigorous testing. But the reward is a polished product with a higher ROI, earning $12.77 per app compared to Android’s $6.19. In contrast, Android, with its vast device and OS fragmentation, charges less upfront, which could be around $20K–$40K, but requires extensive testing to ensure compatibility across thousands of devices.
| Platform | Avg. Cost (Basic App) | Primary Tool | Cross-Platform Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS | $30K–$50K | Xcode | Flutter, React Native |
| Android | $20K–$40K | Android Studio | Flutter, React Native |
Source:Business of Apps
Let's move on with the last but not least for this article, which goes by the ongoing market trends for the platform development and latest incorporation with the evolved technologies and tools.
Siri, the neural network in iOS 18, competes with Google Assistant, which is powered by Gemini on Android. Both improve photos and personalization, but Android's open AI environment entices android app developers.
The demand for 5G phones (45% of 5.3B devices) is driven by South Korea's 432.5 Mbps 5G speeds. While iOS dominates in North America, Android's inexpensive 5G choices are popular in Asia.
In China, Huawei's HarmonyOS is at 19%, competing with iOS (23%) and Android (56%). Although US sanctions restrict its reach, its IoT integration aims for worldwide expansion.
Lastly, in an Android-dominant world and with iOS leading in revenue, look for a source to be more specific about your needs and requirements. This is where our experts at Appingine step in, ensuring that you don’t have to make a choice blindly or without knowing about the market trend. We help you make the most out of the platform that targets a wider audience and help you gain maximum revenue. Whether it's about creating high-performance iOS apps for premium, high-spending users or developing scalable Android apps built for mass adoption across diverse devices. Appingine has got your back.
Android leads significantly with 70.8 – 72% of the global market, while iOS holds 28 – 29.2%, mainly due to Android’s affordability and wider device variety.
iOS users generally belong to higher-income regions, spend more on apps, and prefer premium services. This leads to iOS capturing 68% of global app revenue, even with a smaller user base.
Both have strengths:
Because Android offers low-cost devices, flexible customization and is supported by multiple brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Samsung by making it ideal for budget-sensitive markets.
Android slightly leads with 89 – 91% retention, while iOS maintains 85 – 88%. However, many iOS users return after switching due to exclusive features like iMessage, FaceTime, and seamless ecosystem integration.