The Android versus iOS battle seems like it’s almost as old as time itself. Many people stake deep positions on which operating system they think is superior. But which OS truly reigns supreme? How many Android users are there?
According to several sources, Android holds more than 70% of the global market share, with over 2.7 billion active users worldwide. However, Android doesn’t have as much popularity as Apple’s iOS in several countries, including Japan and the United States.
Whether you’re an Apple fan or an Android die-hard, the facts tell us some important information about these rivals of the mobile phone industry. Let’s take a closer look at the data and why Android is, in fact, the most popular operating system out there.
How Many Android Users Are There?
Since Android was created by Andy Rubin in 2008, the mobile operating system steadily gained popularity in the early 2010s, and it’s now the most popular operating system available. The platform was initially developed as an open-source competitor to the iPhone and Palm OS.
Android gained respect from industry leaders like Samsung, LG, and Motorola, allowing the system to hit over one billion active users in 2014. Here are some more key facts about Android use:
- Android currently has over 2.7 billion active users.
- Android has a global market share of around 72%.
- Over one billion Android devices were shipped across the world in 2021.
- Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi are the most prominent Android manufacturers.
Which Country Has the Most Android Users?
Android is the primary operating system in most regions. Android operating system has over 85% of the market share in countries like Brazil, India, Indonesia, Iran, and Turkey.
Which Countries Prefer iOS?
Although it’s the most popular platform in the world, Android loses out to Apple iOS in some countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada. According to Statcounter, Android accounts for a little bit more than 40% of users in the United States.
In Japan, there are even fewer Android users, with the number sitting at roughly 35%. The figures in Canada and the United Kingdom are roughly split in half. Nonetheless, the Android operating system mostly loses to Apple in Japan and the United States.
Are There More Android Users Than Apple Users?
Yes, there are more Android users than Apple users across the globe. Several sources state that the total Android user base is close to 3 billion, while Apple has close to 900 million active users.
According to Statcounter, Android had 71.52% of the total market share as of August 2022, while Apple held 27.83%. The remaining 0.65% covers Samsung, Windows, and smaller operating systems.
Why Is Android More Popular in Other Countries?
Now that you know some Android statistics, you may be wondering why Android is so popular, especially outside of the US. There are several reasons why Android is the most popular operating system, including costs, market variety, accessibility, and more.
Let’s take a closer look at some of those reasons:
Android Devices Are Affordable
One of the primary reasons Android is the most extensive operating system in the world is affordability. Many countries outside the United States have less disposable income and infrastructure, making Android devices much more appealing to users.
You can find Android devices for under $100 or even $50 online. On the flip side, pre-owned Apple devices often cost well over $100, even if they’ve been outdated for several years. These price points make it difficult for people in third-world and lower-income countries to get their hands on Apple devices.
More Manufacturers Use Android OS
Several industry-leading manufacturers use Android as their primary operating system. Google and other mobile, software, and hardware companies created the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) in 207 to compete with Apple’s iPhone. OHA entrenched Android as the mobile operating system of choice, allowing open-source licenses to several manufacturers.
Several manufacturers switched to Android OS as older operating systems lost steam and popularity. Large-scale manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Motorola, and HTC developed phones in 2014 running the Android platform and haven’t stopped since. Meanwhile, iOS is only available for Apple products like the iPhone (on Amazon) and iPad (also on Amazon).
Device Variety
The open-source Android platform allows industry-leading manufacturers and startups to quickly develop devices. Not only does this mean there’s a higher quantity of Android tablets and smartphones, but it means a greater variety as well.
You can only use iOS on Apple devices, meaning there’s a limited number of new releases each year. Customers who aren’t fans of the latest release must wait for further developments or improvements. Android devices have a more diverse market, essentially removing this problem.
You can find Android smartphones and tablets at nearly any price point and form factor. The open source license allows manufacturers to implement brand-specific features and experiment with their designs or hardware choices.
Android manufacturers and developers can curate specific products that meet their audience’s expectations. For example, niche models like folding smartphones developed by Samsung or smartphones specializing in gaming.
The increased market variety and diversity allow Android users to find a device that suits their unique preferences. Closed source operating systems like Apple iOS and Microsoft have more limitations and suffer in the market as a result.
Android Software Is Catching Up
Android devices used to lack some of the benefits of iOS, like Siri. However, Android devices have caught up in recent years with the addition of Google Assistant. What’s more is that previously iOS-only apps have launched Android-compatible software.
Google has also backed the Android platform, creating official software that improves the Android operating system as a whole. The Android operating system has slowly become higher quality and more sophisticated, with new accessibility features added with each update.
The Final Word
Android is the most popular operating system in the world, with over 70% of the total market share and 2.7 billion active users. The operating system has gained tremendous popularity due to affordability, open source licensing, device variety, and software enhancements.
Android is prevalent in most countries but loses to Apple iOS in the United States and Japan.