Looking for the latest facts on iPhone users vs. Android users? The battle never ends, and it’s not just about who has the better camera anymore.
As of 2024, Android may hold a massive 72% global market share, but iPhone fans are often younger and wealthier, loving Apple’s sleek ecosystem. So, what’s driving these tech giants to cater to such different crowds?
As we look at Android vs. iPhone users worldwide, read on to discover where your favorite brand stands and why your next phone choice might surprise you.
Key Takeaways
- In 2024, Android has a larger global market share of 72%, while iPhone holds 28%.
- In the US, iPhone users are mostly younger, with 33% being Gen Z and 37% Millennials.
- Android is more popular with older generations, such as Gen X (37%) and Baby Boomers (15%).
- Income differences show that in 2024, 43% of iPhone users are in the high-income group, compared to 27% of Android users.
- Gender distribution in 2024 shows 53% of US iPhone users are women, while Android has an equal split of 50% men and 50% women.
- In 2024, iPhone users prefer a mix of social and work apps, while Android users are more into social media and creative apps.
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Global Market Share Comparison
When comparing iPhone users vs. Android users, Android has seen a huge rise in popularity.
The Android market share grew from just 2% in early 2009 to 72% by the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024). On the other hand, the iPhone market share started strong at 37% in 2009 but held 28% by Q3 2024.
How Many iPhone Users vs. Android Are There?
If you’re wondering how many people have iPhones, here’s a breakdown of iPhone vs. Android smartphone ownership:
In 2022, Android recorded 131.3 million users in the US. Meanwhile, iPhone users amounted to 124.7 million.
Demographics of iPhone Users vs. Android
Age Distribution
As of August-September 2024, the demographics of iPhone users vs. Android show some notable differences in age.
When we compare iPhone vs. Android users in the US, it’s clear that iPhones are more popular with younger groups like Gen Z, while Android appeals more to older users like Gen X and Baby Boomers.
Gender Breakdown
Looking at the demographics of iPhone users vs Android, there are some interesting gender differences.
When comparing the gender of iPhone vs. Android users in the US in August-September 2024, Apple has a bit more appeal to female users, while Android is perfectly balanced between genders.
Income Levels
Looking at iPhone users vs. Android users, there are clear differences in income levels.
On the other hand, Android is more evenly distributed across different income levels, especially among middle and low-income groups.
User Behavior & Preferences of iPhone Users vs. Android Users
App Usage
When comparing iPhone vs. Android users, their app preferences stand out clearly.
Overall, comparing Android users vs. iPhone users in June 2023 shows that Android users were more into social media and creative apps, while iPhone users tended to mix social media with productivity and utility apps.
Android Users App Preferences
Instagram was the most popular app among Android users in June 2023, with nearly 69 million downloads, followed by Facebook at over 38 million. Social media apps like WhatsApp Messenger and TikTok were also high on the list, showing that Android users really enjoy apps for chatting and sharing content.
Creativity apps like Viamaker and Snapchat were also favorites.
iPhone Users App Preferences
Among iPhone users, the top apps were a mix of social and productivity. Google (over 6 million downloads) and CapCut (also over 6 million) led the way in June 2023.
Apps like ChatGPT and Google Chrome were also very popular, suggesting that iPhone users not only use social apps like TikTok and Instagram but also rely heavily on tools for work and learning.
Purchasing Habits & Online Shopping
When we compare iPhone users vs. Android users, their shopping habits and ad recall differ.
As of August-September 2024, both groups paid close attention to ads on social media and video streaming services.
However, when it came to non-digital ads, iPhone users were a bit more interested in ads they saw when they were out and about, like on billboards. On the other hand, Android users were very interested in ads on TV, but overall, they didn’t pay as much attention to non-digital as they did to digital.
iPhone Users Advertising Appeal
iPhone users were more likely to remember ads they saw on social media (49%), making platforms like Instagram and Facebook key places to reach them. They also noticed ads on video streaming services, video portals, and search engines.
For non-digital advertising, iPhone users recalled seeing ads on TV (49%) and on advertising spaces on the go (37%) more often.
Android Users Advertising Appeal
Android users also recalled ads on social media (46%), video streaming services (40%), and video portals (39%).
They were also likely to remember ads seen on TV (48%) and on advertising spaces on the go (33%).
Device Performance & Satisfaction
User Satisfaction & Brand Loyalty
Overall, in 2022, iPhone users topped the list in both satisfaction and loyalty, followed closely by Samsung users.
While Motorola users showed moderate loyalty, Google Pixel users were the least likely to stick with their brand (despite high satisfaction), followed by LG users.
Here’s how users of different smartphone brands felt about their devices:
- iPhone users: 92% were satisfied with their current iPhone, and 13% had strong brand loyalty, making them unlikely to switch.
- Samsung users: 91% were happy with their Samsung phones, and 10% showed brand loyalty.
- Motorola users: 81% were satisfied with their devices, and 12% showed loyalty to the brand.
- Google Pixel users: 85% were satisfied with their phones, but their loyalty score stood at -36%.
- LG users: 79% were happy with their devices, but their loyalty score was -12%.
Device Lifespan & Upgrades
When it comes to how long people keep their phones, iPhone users tend to hold onto their devices longer than Android users.
As of 2023, according to CIRP (Consumer Intelligence Research Partners):
Privacy & Security Concerns
When deciding between an Android or iPhone, privacy and security are major considerations for many users.
A 2023 survey found that over half of respondents chose iOS as the mobile operating system that best protects consumer data privacy, compared to 34% who selected Android.
Only 11% said that neither of these systems protects consumers’ data privacy.
Differences in App Permissions & Data Collection
A 2023 report by NordVPN shows how Android and iOS apps handled permissions differently.
iPhone users rely more on Apple’s built-in security, so they see fewer permission requests, while Android users have more direct control, but they see more requests for access to sensitive data.
This difference highlights how Android focuses on giving users more transparency, while iOS keeps things simpler by limiting what apps can request from the start.
Gaming & Entertainment Preferences
Mobile Gaming Trends
When comparing iPhone users vs. Android users, it’s clear that iPhone users lead the way in mobile gaming.
As of March 2024, iPhone users made up a bigger part of the mobile gaming market, but Android users were not far behind, showing that both platforms have strong appeal when it comes to gaming.
iPhone Users Mobile Gaming Experience
The iPhone market share for mobile gaming was 52% in March 2024, meaning over half of US mobile gamers preferred to use an iPhone for gaming.
Even though phones were the go-to devices for gaming, iPhone users slightly outnumbered Android users in terms of tablet use for gaming (iPads used by 26%, whereas Android tablets used by 20%).
When it came to the most popular games played on iPhone, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile was the top choice for iPhone users, with 2.76 million downloads in March 2024. Games like MONOPOLY GO!, Township, and Roblox were also big hits.
iPhone users seem to enjoy a mix of action, simulation, and puzzle games, with titles like NYT Games: Word Games & Sudoku and Hexa Sort showing a strong interest in puzzles and word challenges.
Android Users Mobile Gaming Experience
The Android market share for gaming was slightly lower at 43%, but many gamers still used Android smartphones, proving it’s a strong choice for mobile gaming as well.
Android tablets were also used less than iPads (20% vs. 26%).
In March 2024, the most downloaded game for Android users was Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, with over 3.36 million downloads. Other favorites included Left or Right: Magic Dress Up, Roblox, and MONOPOLY GO!
This shows that Android users enjoy a mix of action, creativity, and classic games. Puzzle games like Wood Nuts & Bolts Puzzle and casual games like Block Blast! were also popular.
Main Entertainment Interests
When comparing iPhone vs. Android users in the US, their entertainment interests show some interesting differences.
As of August-September 2024, both groups enjoy entertainment like movies and TV, but iPhone users are more into fashion, while Android users are more interested in science and tech.
Android Users Entertainment Preferences
For Android users, the top interests were movies, TV shows, and music, with 57% listing them as favorites. They also enjoyed food and dining (46%), history (37%), and health and fitness (35%).
An important difference is that science and technology were a bigger interest for Android users (35%), showing that they’re into both entertainment and learning.
iPhone Users Entertainment Preferences
iPhone users also showed their love for movies, TV shows, and music (55%), but they stood out for their higher interest in fashion and beauty (32%), which wasn’t as popular among Android users (it didn’t even make it into the top 10 interests).
Food and dining (46%) and health and fitness (40%) were also big for them. While Science and technology were on their list at 29%, they didn’t rank as high as they did for Android users.
Cost & Affordability
Price Ranges for iPhones & Android Phones
When comparing Apple vs. Android in terms of cost and affordability, the difference in their global Average Selling Price (ASP) is pretty clear.
IDC predicts that by the end of 2024, the iPhone’s ASP will be around $1,037, while Android’s ASP will be significantly lower, sitting at around $305. This shows that Android offers more budget-friendly options, while iPhones are seen as more of a premium choice.
Subscription Services & In-App Purchases
When looking at Android users vs. iPhone users for subscription services and in-app purchases, iPhone users were more likely to make a purchase as of April 2023.
The global iOS conversion rate among all mobile app categories was 4.1% in October 2022 but reached 4.6% by April 2023. Meanwhile, the global Android conversion rate started out at 2.6% in October 2022 and reached 3% by April 2023.
Overall, iPhone users are more willing to subscribe or make in-app purchases than Android users. This shows a difference in spending behavior between the two groups.
Ecosystem Integration
iPhone Users & Apple Ecosystem
In 2023, iPhone users were heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, which is known for making it easy to switch between devices:
- 79% of iPhone users who had a smartwatch or fitness tracker used an Apple Watch.
- 64% owned an iPad.
- 60% used AirPods.
- 42% had a MacBook.
Android Users & Google/Other Ecosystems
Android users weren’t as tied to Apple products but still showed some interest:
- 22% of Android users owned an Apple Watch.
- 20% had an iPad.
Android users tended to prefer Google, Samsung, or other brands, enjoying more flexibility in their device choices.
Cross-Device Functionality & Usability
Apple leads when it comes to connecting multiple devices. Whether it’s moving between an iPhone, MacBook, or iPad, everything works seamlessly.
For Android users, the experience depends on the mix of devices they use, with those in Google’s ecosystem getting the best cross-device functionality.
However, Android users who mix different brands may find it harder to achieve the same level of smooth usability as Apple offers.
The Bottom Line
When comparing iPhone users vs. Android users, the differences are quite significant.
Globally, Android holds a larger share of the market and tends to appeal to a more diverse range of people, especially older generations and those with varied income levels.
iPhones, on the other hand, attract younger users and people with higher incomes, largely thanks to the seamless experience offered by Apple’s ecosystem.
While Android users enjoy more customization and flexibility across devices, iPhone users value the simplicity and integration Apple offers with products like the iPad and MacBook. Both platforms cater to different needs, making the choice personal for each user.
FAQs
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References
- Mobile Operating System Market Share Worldwide | Statcounter Global Stats (Gs.statcounter)
- Apple made quarterly record 85M iPhones in Q4 (Emarketer)
- Target audience: Android users in the United States | Statista (Statista)
- Smartphones: Apple users in the United States | Statista (Statista)
- Top Android apps by global downloads 2023 | Statista (Statista)
- Global top iPhone apps by downloads 2023 | Statista (Statista)
- Chart: How Happy And Loyal Are U.S. Smartphone Users? | Statista (Statista)
- iPhone Owners Keep Phones Longer than Android Owners (Cirpapple.substack)
- Content – 2023 Privacy Trends Report (Reports.tinuiti)
- Mobile privacy: What do your apps want to know? | NordVPN (Nordvpn)
- U.S. mobile device for playing games 2024 | Statista (Statista)
- U.S. most downloaded iPhone games 2024 | Statista (Statista)
- No title found (Statista)
- Worldwide Smartphone Market Forecast to Grow Nearly 6% in 2024, Driven by Stronger Growth for Android in China and Emerging Markets, According to IDC (Idc)
- iOS subscription apps global revenue 2023 | Statista (Statista)
- Android subscription apps global conversion 2023 | Statista (Statista)
- Chart: Apple’s Tightly Knit iPhone Ecosystem | Statista (Statista)