- Android vs iOS Market Share in the Global Smartphone Market
- Why is Android More Popular Globally While iOS Dominates the US?
- iPhone vs Android differences in hardware and software
- Demographics and Behavior: iPhone vs Android Users
- App Store and Google Play
- Artificial Intelligence Features
- Apple’s Focus on Privacy and Security
- App Store and Google Play
- Revenue and App Preferences
- Aspects to Consider When Choosing a Platform for Your Mobile App: Google Play Store vs Apple App Store
- iOS and Android Comparison Chart
- Getting to Know iPhone vs Android Users
New smartphones come out all the time, leading to debates about switching platforms. From a business view, there's a lot to learn. This includes the pros and cons of these devices and the user profiles of iPhone and Android users.
iOS and Android serve different user groups. When building a mobile app, companies should know their users well. This helps meet their needs.
This guide shows the main differences between iPhone and Android users. It looks at demographics and behavior. It also talks about what to consider when choosing a platform. This helps companies improve their mobile development strategies.
Android vs iOS Market Share in the Global Smartphone Market
Android and iOS dominate the global smartphone market. Android has about 70% market share, while iOS has around 29% (as of fourth quarter of 2023). In Europe, the percentage of iPhone users vs Android users is similar, with 32% and 67%, respectively.
Google Play has around 3.55 million apps for Android users. This makes it the app store with the most apps (as of Q3 2022). iOS users have about 1.6 million apps in the Apple App Store.
However, while Android leads in users and apps, iOS is ahead in app revenue globally. Figures from SensorTower show that the Apple App Store made $43.7billion in the first half of 2022. The Google Play Store made $21.3 billion in the same period.
Why is Android More Popular Globally While iOS Dominates the US?
By the second quarter of 2022, iPhones overtook Android devices in the US for the first time since 2007 (according to Counterpoint Research). Apple now has over 50% of the US smartphone market. The report says there's been a trend of Android users switching to iOS in the US for four years.
Android offers a wide range of phones at different prices. This makes it more accessible to users worldwide.
There are a few reasons why Americans often prefer iPhones over Android devices. Some say it's because Apple is an American company. Its devices have long been popular in American culture.
Experts also say that US consumers believe the iPhone and the iOS ecosystem are better for security and privacy.
On the economic side, US consumers are less price sensitive than others. Apple is also the least depreciating smartphone brand. This makes it a popular choice for future trade-ins and hand-me-downs.
Apple leads in satisfaction and loyalty in the US, just ahead of Samsung, Google, Motorola, and LG. This is shown in a 2022 Statista Global Consumer Survey.
iPhone vs Android differences in hardware and software
First, let's look at the main differences between iPhone and Android users. Android offers a wide range of devices. You can choose from many screen sizes, processors, and prices. iPhone users, however, only have Apple's iPhones to pick from.
One big difference is how you navigate. Android phones have physical buttons, while iPhones use touch-based navigation. Physical buttons can be easier to use with one hand.
Customizing your home screen is another big difference. Android users can change their screens a lot, while iPhone users have a simpler layout. Android phones offer more ways to personalize your phone.
Apple's App Store is strict, which means fewer bad apps. But, it takes longer for new apps to appear on Apple devices.
Demographics and Behavior: iPhone vs Android Users
It's hard to say who uses iPhones or Androids more. It changes by country and over time. Many factors influence this choice.
Here are some key points from recent global data:
- iPhone users generally earn more than Android users. iPhones attract higher-income customers. In a 2024 survey, iPhone users earned an average of $53,251 annually. Android users earned $37,040 on average.
- iPhone users also spend more on clothes, beauty products, and technology. This is according to the same survey.
- Premium and ultra-premium consumers prefer the iPhone. Apple leads the market in premium smartphones, with 57% global market share. iPhones also dominate the ultra-premium segment, with 78% market share.
- Younger users prefer the iPhone, older generations prefer Android. In a December 2023 survey, iPhone users outnumbered Android users among 18-29 year olds. Android users lead in older age groups.
- Customer loyalty to both platforms is high and steady. Android users are more loyal than iOS users, albeit only slightly. Android has a 91% customer retention rate, compared to 86% for iOS (according to a report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners).
- Reasons for switching from one OS to the other. Users switch for a better user experience, better features, and better pricing. This is according to a 2023 survey of US consumers.
29% moved from an iOS device to an Android device for affordability. This is compared to 11% for the other way around. However, the gap in wanting better features isn't as wide. 24% of respondents stated this as their motivation to go from an iPhone to an Android device and 25% vice versa.
- Apple users feel more secure than Android users. It's difficult to definitively state that iOS is better at protecting user security and privacy than Android. However, a 2022 survey found that consumers feel more secure using Apple devices than Android ones.
- Android users are more responsive to push notifications. Android apps tend to perform better than iOS apps when it comes to user engagement from push notifications (based on a 2021 report from Airship). The reaction rate for Android is 4.6% versus 3.4% for iOS.
App Store and Google Play
Android users opt in to push notifications more than iOS users, at 81% compared to 51%. This is because iOS doesn't allow apps to automatically opt users in. Android does, though.
- iPhone users spend more on in-app purchases – The global average in-app spend per user, per app in 2022 for Android users is $0.47 and $1 for iOS users (according to Statista). This is consistent with global consumer spending on the top 100 subscription-based apps. iOS apps from the Apple App Store earned a total revenue of $13.5 billion in 2021, compared to $4.8 billion earned by Google Play apps (according to SensorTower). For businesses looking to monetize their apps using premium models, subscriptions, or in-app purchases, building on iOS appears to be the more optimal route.
However, for those aiming to make money through ads or referral marketing in gaming apps, Google Play has more game installs. Yet, iOS gaming apps still make more money than Android ones, with 76% of revenue in 2023.
Artificial Intelligence Features
Artificial intelligence (AI) is key in today's smartphones, making them smarter and more personal. Apple and Google have both made big steps in adding AI to their systems.
Apple’s Focus on Privacy and Security
Apple focuses on keeping user data safe with its AI. Features like Siri and Apple Intelligence work on the device itself, sending less data to the cloud. This keeps your data secure and private. Apple's AI features include:
Siri: Apple’s virtual assistant uses AI to understand and respond to user queries, providing a personalized experience.
Apple Intelligence: This feature uses AI to prioritize notifications, surface important information, and provide a more streamlined user experience.
Core ML: Apple’s machine learning framework allows developers to integrate AI-powered features into their apps, enhancing user experience and providing innovative functionality.
App Store and Google Play
The App Store and Google Play are where you find and install apps on iOS and Android. They offer a wide range of apps, from games to productivity tools.
Revenue and App Preferences
The App Store and Google Play make a lot of money for developers. The App Store made $85.1 billion in 2023, while Google Play made $47.9 billion. iOS users spend more on apps, with an average of $12.77 per app, compared to Android users' $6.19.
iOS users prefer certain types of apps:
Games: iOS users spend more on games, with 76% of revenue generated from gaming apps.
Productivity: iOS users prefer productivity apps, such as Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
Social Media: iOS users tend to prefer social media apps, such as Facebook and Instagram.
Android users, on the other hand, like different types of apps:
Games: Android users also spend a significant amount on games, with 31.87% of revenue generated from gaming apps.
Education: Android users tend to prefer education apps, such as language learning and educational games.
Food and Drink: Android users tend to prefer food and drink apps, such as restaurant finders and recipe apps.
Aspects to Consider When Choosing a Platform for Your Mobile App: Google Play Store vs Apple App Store
Choosing between iOS and Android is a big decision. It affects a company's digital strategy. Businesses often start with one platform and then expand to the other.
They must decide between native or cross-platform development. This choice impacts the app's features and user experience.
Here are key factors to consider when deciding on a platform:
- Target market and demographic – If your app is for users outside the US, Android might be better. But, if your app is for high-income markets where iPhones are popular, iOS is a better choice.
It's crucial to research the preferred platform in each market. People with higher incomes often prefer iPhones.
- Hardware options for consumers – iOS is only on Apple devices, which are more expensive. Android is used by many brands, offering a wide range of prices.
- App development considerations (technologies, cost, duration, etc.) – The development process has many variables. The choice between Android and iOS affects the technology used. Android developers need Java, C, C++, and Kotlin, while iOS developers use Objective-C or Swift.
Access to developers is not a major issue due to the global talent pool. However, iOS developers are paid slightly more in the US.
Engaging a mobile app development consultancy can greatly benefit businesses.
Project duration depends on the app's complexity. The difference in timelines between iOS and Android projects is not significant.
Businesses should also consider cross-platform development. It can save costs, speed up delivery, and simplify development. Even if an app already exists on one platform, cross-platform technologies make expanding to other platforms easier.
iOS and Android Comparison Chart
Comparing iOS and Android is complex. For product managers and executives, the table below provides a detailed comparison.
iOS | Android | |
Developer | Apple | Open Handset Alliance and Google |
Hardware options | Apple (not available for other smartphone brands) | Samsung, Google, Motorola, LG, and ASUS, among others |
Programming language | Swift & Objective C | |
Source model | Proprietary (with some open-source elements) | Open source |
Language support | 40 languages | 100+ languages |
Marketplace for mobile apps | Apple App Store (no other app marketplaces allowed) | Google Play Store (plus other less popular marketplaces such as Aptoide and Galaxy Apps) |
Customizability | Limited | Highly customizable |
Global market share (percentage of users) | 28% | 70% |
Number of apps | 1.6 million | 3.55 million |
Global revenue of apps | $85.1 billion | $47.9 billion |
Age group | Preferred by younger users (18-34 years old) | Preferred by older users |
Economic profile | Higher income on average | Lower income on average |
Customer loyalty | High and steady (but slightly lower than Android) | High and steady (with a slight edge over iOS) |
In-app spending | More spent in mobile apps | Less spent in mobile apps |
User response to push notifications | Less responsive with a reaction rate of 3.4% and opt-in rate of 51% | More responsive with a reaction rate of 4.6% and opt-in rate of 81% |
User perception of security | Perceived as more secure | Perceived as less secure |
Compensation for developers (limited to US) | iOS developers are paid slightly more | Android developers are paid slightly less |
Getting to Know iPhone vs Android Users
When making a mobile app, there are many things to think about. Executives and project managers often focus on tech, costs, and how to get things done. But, understanding the differences between Android and iPhone users can really help a business stand out.
It's smart to pick just one platform if you're short on resources or testing an idea. To do this, you need to know who your users are. This knowledge helps when deciding between iOS and Android.