Apple's iOS continues to hold the largest share of the smartphone operating systems market in the United States, claiming more than half of the market as of July 2023. Apple's share of the US market has risen steadily since early 2012, when it accounted for around 30 percent. This growth is not reflected in all markets, however, with Apple's global share remaining stable year-on-year.
Apple growing at home
Under CEO Tim Cook, Apple has continued to follow a stunning growth trajectory. Apple became the first U.S. company with a market capitalization in excess of two trillion dollars, just two years on from becoming the first trillion-dollar company. The iPhone, responsible for much of the company’s growth, has cemented its status as the smartphone of choice for many Americans during recent quarters. Google's Android operating system is a close competitor in the US OS market, accounting for around 45.8 percent of the market as of July 2023. However, Apple commands a far wider lead in the US smartphone manufacturer market, with the Android user base split between various vendors such as Samsung and Motorola.
Apple’s popularity across markets
Apple has seen success with the iPhone in developed markets across the globe. iPhones accounted for three of the five most-sold handsets in the United Kingdom as of April 2023, and three of the leading five in Germany. Yet the high price of Apple devices puts Apple at a disadvantage outside of wealthier markets. In Africa, iOS accounted for around 16 percent of the mobile OS market in April 2023, while Android dominated with an 80 percent share.
FAQs
iPhone vs Android Market Share in the US
| Year | iPhone (iOS) | Android |
|---|
| 2018 | 54.82% | 44.73% |
| 2019 | 55.23% | 44.51% |
| 2020 | 59.54% | 40.27% |
| 2021 | 58.58% | 41.11% |
12 more rowsMar 13, 2024
| Mobile Vendors | Percentage Market Share |
|---|
| Mobile Vendor Market Share in United States Of America - March 2024 |
|---|
| Apple | 59.08% |
| Samsung | 23.33% |
| Unknown | 5.73% |
3 more rowsResearch firm Strategy Analytics said its survey showed global smartphone shipments grew 43 percent to 700 million units in 2012, with Samsung capturing more than 30 percent of the market. The report showed smartphones accounted for close to half of the 1.6 billion mobiles sold in 2012.
What was the US smartphone market share in 2010? ›
63.2 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones during the three months ending in December 2010, up 60 percent versus year ago. RIM led the ranking with 31.6 percent market share of smartphones, while Google Android maintained the #2 position with 28.7 percent, up 7.3 percentage points versus September.
Which mobile OS has the largest market share? ›
Mobile OS Quarterly Market Share Worldwide: Android continues to reign in the operating system market worldwide, with a 69.88% market share in 2024's most recent quarter. Apple's iOS takes the second largest market share at 29.39% market share. It follows behind Android with a huge 40% difference.
What is the most popular phone OS in the US? ›
| Mobile Operating Systems | Percentage Market Share |
|---|
| Mobile Operating System Market Share in United States Of America - March 2024 |
|---|
| Android | 40.56% |
| Samsung | 0.24% |
| Windows | 0.05% |
3 more rowsBut in the U.S., that market share looks like this: iOS: 62.13% Android: 37.47%
What is the most common smartphone in the US? ›
Apple and Samsung produce the most popular smartphones
Together the two manufacturers account for almost 80 percent of smartphone unit sales in the country. Apple's iPhone is the most popular smartphone among U.S. American consumers, with over 50 percent of subscribers using an Apple device in 2023.
How to calculate market share? ›
You can determine a company's market share by dividing its total sales or revenues by the industry's total sales over a fiscal period. Use this measure to get a general idea of the size of a company relative to the industry.
Were smartphones popular in 2012? ›
Two-thirds of young adults and those with higher income are smartphone owners. On the eve of Apple's unveiling of the iPhone 5, 45% of American adults own smartphones. They are particularly popular with young adults and those living in relatively higher income households.
Although the iPhone was introduced in 2007, for a few years it was seen as a novelty given its outrageous price at the time. The Android was introduced not long after, but it wasn't really until 2010 that smartphones took off. I'd say by 2012–13 smartphones had become the norm.
What happened with cell phones in 2012? ›
Total worldwide mobile sales to end users fell 1.7 percent to 1.75 billion units in 2012, Gartner said. Samsung and Apple continued to dominate the market, with the Korean company selling 385 million phones in 2012, of which 53.5 percent were smartphones, with Apple selling 130 million smartphones.
What was the US smartphone market share in 2008? ›
RIM and Apple did particularly well in the region with both vendors accounting for more than 70% of the smartphone market in the third quarter of 2008. Apple regained second position behind RIM with 25.4% market share.
What is the most sold mobile brand in the US? ›
Apple is America's Favorite Smartphone Brand
The iPhone reigns supreme in America (50% market share) , with Samsung a distant second in terms of popularity. The iPhone's success is so central to the company now, that Apple earns more than half of its revenue from its sales.
What was the market share of iPhone in 2011? ›
According to a new report from research firm NPD, iOS's U.S. market share (by sales) jumped from 26% in the third quarter of 2011 to 43% by October and November.
Does Apple or Samsung sell more phones in the US? ›
Apple vs Samsung: a decade-defying achievement
The iPhone sold more than Samsung's devices globally in 2023. Source: Bloomberg. Reith believes that Apple certainly played a part in Samsung's drop in rank, but also that the overall Android space is diversifying.
