Every time I make the statement that Android is the most popular mobile operating system on the planet, a certain cross-section of people look at me like I’ve lost my mind. They will also make statements like, “I don’t even know any Android users.” Without fail, those people who question my sanity come from the United States.

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android vs. iOS market trend over the years

You see, there is a unique trend that has been remarkably consistent over the past few years:

• Android has a huge market share lead over iOS around the world.
• iOS has a solid market share lead over Android in the US

According to the latest statistics from Statcounterthe global market share looks like this:

• Android: 72.17%
• iOS: 27.16%

But in the US, that market share looks like this:

• iOS: 55.86%
• Android: 43.82%

However, Android has not always been at the forefront globally. Based on Statcounter numbers from the past 14 years, at one point iOS had a larger global share over Android. As other mobile operating systems such as Symbian OS and BlackBerry OS fell by the wayside, Android started picking up the game. In recent years, iOS has started to regain some of its lost global share, but is still behind Android.

Global vs US market share by OS per year

Month/Year	Android (worldwide)	iOS (worldwide)	Android (US)	iOS (US)
December 2023	70.48%	28.8%	38.21%	61.3%
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 United States, iOS’s lead over Android has fluctuated since competing operating systems fell off the charts in the early 2010s. But Apple’s operating system was still the most popular of the two platforms in the US year after year.

However, on a global market scale, Android still tops Apple by a large margin.

Android and iOS: Cost vs Popularity

Android has the global market share largely due to its affordability compared to Apple worldwide. However, Apple’s cost dispersion in addition to its brand and presence in pop culture gives it an edge in the US market space.

Cost

The primary reason why Android rules the world market is cost. In many countries (with significantly higher populations than the US), people have much less disposable income. Therefore, the first factor in deciding on a phone is cost. In that arena, Apple simply cannot compete with Google.

Do a quick search on Amazon, and you’ll find Android phones starting at $49.99 with the BLU Advance L5 That’s right, under $50. The cheapest iPhone on Amazon is a Tracfone Apple iPhone 7 4Gfrom $97. Ignoring the fact that both devices are almost obsolete, you can have a low-end version of one for cheap, while the other device will cost you close to $100.

For some, $100 is like change in the bank. For others, it is a month’s wages or more. For that purpose, Android is the clear choice. Given the rampant poverty In so many countries around the world, the existence of cheap phones makes Android a better option than iOS.

If it weren’t for US carriers spreading payments for iPhones over time, we’d likely see US and global market shares more in line.

Because carriers in the US spread the price of devices over two years, a $700 iPhone becomes a viable purchase for most. This is made even more attractive when you are looking at a flagship device. Just about any American can own a top-of-the-line iPhone when the price is broken down into monthly payments—that equates to cost no longer being a factor.

Brand

Apple is big. There is no way to do it. As a brand, Apple has control over everything with its products. Unlike Android devices, where Google creates the operating system and OEMs manufacture the hardware, Apple maintains everything. Because of this, Apple can keep a stranglehold on quality control, so their products (mostly) enjoy a “top to bottom” reliability.

You rarely hear people complaining about Apple hardware. The intersection of Apple hardware and software cannot be beat. Even Google Pixel devices don’t enjoy the same level of consistency.

As a brand, people in the US trust Apple more than Google. That trust extends far beyond phones and data, and what is done with said data. Beyond trust, Apple’s brand is just shinier and more polished than Google’s. Consider the ads for both iPhones and Android devices. Apple never fails to release ads with the exact hip gloss that consumers in this country want to see.

Google, on the other hand, tends to lean more towards the cuter side of advertising. Their logo is even a beautiful robot. So when American consumers see the two different ads, one simply looks more professional. Apple never fails to present itself as a complete brand and this is important for consumers in wealthier countries.

pop culture

Apple consistently appears more in American pop culture than Android. I would go so far as to say I rarely see an Android phone used in TV or film. When you hear a message or an incoming call on the screen, it’s almost always the sound of Apple paying in. I do see Android devices being used on occasion, but mostly TV and movies default to Apple.

It has a powerful power over consumers. The court of public opinion keeps a watchful eye on their favorite shows and their favorite characters. When viewers see their favorite characters holding an iPhone, they may feel compelled to buy one.

The conclusions are easy to draw

Around the world, looks and trends are not nearly as important as practicality. Those in poverty probably don’t look at the brand or the features when choosing a phone. As long as the phone can place calls and (occasionally) come online, it can serve its purpose. If Apple were to release an iPhone that could compete with Android in the low-end market, it would give Google a serious run for its money. I don’t see that happening anytime soon, so Android will dominate the global phone market for years to come.