IPhone Vs. Android: What Are the Differences and Similarities
Smartphones are the most popular mobile devices, and they have revolutionized the way we work, socialize, communicate, and live. But they are also devices that have become more complex as time goes by.
The battle of iPhone vs. Android has been a long time coming because everyone has their favorite, and they would not stop talking about it. But choosing one over the other is not as simple as it seems because there are so many factors at play, and the choices are endless.
The cost, performance, design, apps, privacy concerns, and more make up for a complicated decision you need to take with care and caution.
IPhone Vs. Android: Market Share
The graph mentioned above from Statista shows a clear difference between the market shares of Android, iOS, and other phones with Android in the lead.
When analyzing the phone app's market shares, it was concluded that the critical factor was the location. Therefore, you will have to consider whether your mobile app targets a US-based audience or a global audience. The reason is that the United States is a substantial market for iOS users, with a significantly higher market share. At the same time, Android holds an excellent 3-to-1 majority.
Let's have a look at iOS vs. Android market share for 2021 (first half), according to StatCounter:
- iOS (US) – 53.00% of the market share
- Android (US) – 40.54% of the market share
- iOS (Global) – 26.99% of the market share
- Android (Global) – 72.2% of the market share
The cost is one of the most essential and primary factors that drive the iOS vs. Android market share differential. For instance, Apple's iPhones and iPad with iOS operating systems sell at a much higher price than most Android smartphones. This is why it's of great importance to check the demographics of your target market along with the location.
Accessories also play a role in market share. Apple has several accessories and features that work seamlessly with other Apple devices, leading to higher brand loyalty among iPhone users. Meanwhile, Android devices have various manufacturers and offer more options for customization. Finding the top rugged cases for your device has become a popular consideration for both iOS and Android users. Furthermore, Android devices tend to have more affordable third-party accessories available.
IPhone Vs. Android: Worldwide Market Share
According to StatCounter, the worldwide market share for iPhone, Android, and beyond is mentioned below. As of August 2021, Android-based Samsung and iOS-equipped Apple mobiles accounted for 54.39% of mobile devices worldwide.
iPhones have had a dominant share in the smartphone market since they were first released in 2007. However, apple has maintained its lead with its focus on design and high-quality apps and devices.
However, despite Apple's release of new devices, Google's Android operating system has continued to dominate the smartphone market with an 87% share of global shipments in 2019.
The following are five facts about Android that iPhone users sometimes overlook.
- Android phones offer more functionality and versatility than iPhones.
- You can run apps anywhere, not just from your online store or app store. It also means there's no need for a carrier to unlock your phone!
- You can use your phone's data on different pages without switching providers: The freedom to choose is incredible!
- You can have more than one SIM card on your device with an Android phone - that means you can travel around the world with a single phone!
How Android Became the Market Leader
Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world. It was developed and released by Google, which remains its sole owner. When it first came out, it was a revolutionary idea, but only after a few years did the rest of the market catches on to what Android offered.
Android is so potent that it became the world's dominant mobile operating system in less than a decade. It is hard to think of a single product that has been more vital and influential in recent years. With its open-source software and free distribution model, Android has raked in millions of users. Today, the Android ecosystem is home to over two billion devices and apps, with more estimated coming soon.
Android's success can be attributed to its open-source software available for free for anyone who wants it to use and modify. This has made Android a community-driven platform, which has allowed its users to have more control over their smartphones rather than having things dictated by large companies like Apple.