iOS Statistics 2024 By Usage, Versions and Facts

Introduction

iOS Statistics: iOS, formerly known as iPhone OS, is a mobile operating system developed exclusively for Apple smartphones by Apple Inc. This leading operating system is written in Swift, Objective-C, C, C++, and assembly language. The first version was released in 2007, and Apple continues to release a new version with improved features every year. Currently, Apple has launched version 17.4 of iPadOS and iOS. Let’s check out the current market share statistics for iOS. 

Editor’s Choice

• 98.6% of iOS devices launched in the market ran mainly on iOS 14 and iOS 13.
• iOS Statistics show that, on average, 1,327 apps are released on the Apple App Store every day.
• On average, 92.5% of iPhone owners prefer to purchase another iOS-based device. 
• As of February 2024, the iOS 17.2 version has the highest global market share, contributing 38.01%. 
• As of March 2024, Games, Business, and Utilities are the top 3 leading Apple App Categories.

General iOS Statistics

• On average, 92.5% of iPhone owners prefer to purchase another iOS-based device. 
• iOS Statistics show that, on average, 1,327 apps are released on the Apple App Store every day.
• Furthermore, out of 1,886,159 apps, 798,614 have 3-star ratings, while 1,087,545 do not. 
• As of today, more than $1 billion of iOS devices have been sold around the world.
• 98.6% of iOS devices launched in the market ran mainly on iOS 14 and iOS 13.

iOS Statistics By Cumulative Usage

(Source: iosref)

iOS Statistics By Market Share By Version

Worldwide

(Source: gs.statcounter.com)

As of February 2024, the iOS 17.2 version has the highest market share worldwide, contributing 38.01%. iOS 17.3 and iOS 16.6 have captured 16.29% and 6.65% market share, respectively. Furthermore, versions 17.1, 16.7, and 16.1 have less than 5% market share each.

Africa

(Source: gs.statcounter.com)

iOS Statistics 2024 shows that version-wise, 17.2 is the leading iOS version in Africa, contributing 22.5%. Furthermore, iOS 17.3 it’s a share of up to 11.34% in the mentioned region.

Asia

(Source: gs.statcounter.com)

Similar to other regions, iOS 17.2 and iOS 17.3 are the leading versions in the Asian market in February 2024. On the other hand, iOS 15.8 has the lowest market share, contributing 5.07%.

Europe

(Source: gs.statcounter.com)

North America

(Source: gs.statcounter.com)

Oceania

(Source: gs.statcounter.com)

Comparing the above markets, including American, European, and Oceania markets, iOS 17.2 is the leading iOS version with 41.73% market share, along with iOS 17.3. iOS Statistics 2024 states that in any region, version 17.2 has captured the largest market share compared to other versions.

Leading Operating System Market Share In 2024

(Source: gs.statcounter.com)

As of 2024, android and Windows are the leading operating systems with the largest market share around the world, resulting in 43.74% and 27.39%, respectively. According to iOS Statistics, iOS holds third place for leading the global market with a 17.82% share. 

iOS Statistics By App Store Categories

(Reference: 42matters.com)

As of March 2024, Games, Business, and Utilities are the top three leading Apple App Categories. There are 206,742 free and 14,751 paid versions of games. Overall, the majority of the apps are free to download. Other leading Apple App Store categories include education, lifestyle, food and drink, health, and fitness.

Download Share Of App Categories On iOS In 2023

(Source: statista.com)

According to iOS Statistics 2023, fashion was the leading app category on iOS, with 49% of total downloads worldwide in H1 of 2023. Other app categories had less than 15% of the market share, including marketplaces, retailers (B2C), Sneakers, Streetwear and Sports Apparel, Commerce and shopping, Furniture and home design, and wholesalers (B2B).

iOS Statistics By Versions

(Source: wikipedia.org)

iOS vs. Android: A Comparative Market Reach

Executive Summary

This report explores the market reach of iOS and Android, the two dominant mobile operating systems. It analyzes their core features, user experiences, and factors influencing their success in the United States and globally. The report concludes that while iOS enjoys a strong position in the US due to brand loyalty and premium appeal, Android’s openness, affordability, and diverse offerings make it the global leader.

Market Landscape

The mobile operating system (OS) market is a duopoly dominated by Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. As of Q1 2024, Android holds a commanding global market share of approximately 70.69%, while iOS sits at 28.58% [Backlinko]. This dominance is primarily driven by Android’s presence in the budget and mid-range smartphone segments, particularly prevalent in developing markets. However, iOS retains a significant share in developed regions like the US, where brand loyalty and premium phone preference play a bigger role.

Feature Breakdown And User Experience

iOS:

Strengths:

• Simplicity: Known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, making it easy for non-technical users to navigate.
• Security: Apple’s closed ecosystem allows for tighter integration between hardware and software, leading to robust security measures. App approval is stringent, minimizing malware risk.
• Seamless User Experience: Devices (iPhones, iPads, Macs) work flawlessly together, enabling effortless task handoff, file sharing, and data synchronization across the ecosystem.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Customization: Users have less control over how they interact with their devices compared to Android.
• Cost: iPhones tend to be expensive, limiting their reach in price-sensitive markets.
• Closed Ecosystem: Relies heavily on Apple’s services and hardware, reducing user flexibility.

Android:

Strengths:

• Openness: An open-source platform allows manufacturers to create custom interfaces and features on top of the base Android OS, fostering a wider variety of devices at various price points.
• Customization: Users can personalize their experience through launchers, themes, and deeper system settings.
• Affordability: Compared to iOS, Android caters to a broader budget spectrum, with a wider range of devices at various price points.

Weaknesses:

• Security: The open nature of Android can expose users to malware if apps are downloaded from untrusted sources.
• Fragmentation: Due to the diverse manufacturer landscape, updates and features may vary across devices, leading to inconsistencies.
• User Experience: User interfaces can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer’s customization, potentially leading to a less intuitive experience compared to iOS.

Factors Influencing Market Reach

United States Market Dominance (iOS):

• Brand Loyalty: Apple has cultivated a strong brand image associated with quality, innovation, and ease of use. This resonates with many American consumers who prioritize a smooth user experience.
• Premium Appeal: iPhones have historically been status symbols, and their premium pricing is often seen as a mark of success. Major US carriers often offer attractive deals on iPhones, further propelling their dominance.
• Focus on User Experience: Apple prioritizes a seamless experience within its ecosystem, appealing to users who value simplicity and integration between devices.

Global Market (Android):

• Price: iPhones tend to be expensive, limiting their appeal in developing countries where affordability is a major concern. Android’s wider range of budget-friendly devices makes it a more attractive option.
• Customization: Android caters to users who prefer to personalize their devices and have greater control over their experience. This resonates with a global audience who may be accustomed to tinkering with technology.
• Market Fragmentation: Unlike the US with a few major carriers, the global landscape is fragmented. This allows Android manufacturers to tailor their offerings to specific regions and carrier requirements.

Marketing Strategies and App Ecosystem

• iOS: Apple focuses on a controlled brand experience, with tightly curated marketing campaigns highlighting the premium design, user-friendliness, and security aspects of iOS. The App Store is known for its stringent quality control, fostering a perception of premium and secure apps. However, this can limit app diversity and innovation compared to the open Android ecosystem.
• Android: Manufacturers have more freedom in marketing their Android devices, highlighting unique features and hardware specifications. The Google Play Store offers a wider variety of apps, including some not approved for the App Store due to content or privacy concerns. However, this openness can also lead to a higher prevalence of low-quality or malicious apps.
  

Future Outlook

The future of mobile OS dominance hinges on continuous innovation and adaptation.

Here are some potential trends that may influence the future market reach of iOS and Android:

• Convergence of Features: Both platforms may borrow strengths from each other. iOS might introduce more customization options, while Android prioritizes user-friendliness and tighter security measures.
• Emerging Markets: Continued growth in developing economies will favor affordable devices, potentially strengthening Android’s position. However, Apple might introduce more budget-friendly options to maintain a foothold in these markets.
• Rise of Foldables and Wearables: As foldable phones and wearables gain traction, both platforms need to adapt their user interfaces and features to cater to these new form factors.
• Focus on Privacy: With increasing user concerns about data privacy, both platforms will likely need to implement stronger privacy controls and offer users more granular control over their data.

Key Considerations For Businesses

When choosing a target market for mobile app development or marketing campaigns, understanding the dominance of mobile operating systems is crucial. Here’s how this report’s findings can inform business decisions:

• US Market: If your target audience is primarily US-based, focusing on iOS development may be advantageous, especially for apps targeting premium users or those requiring a seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem.
• Global Market: Aiming for a global audience necessitates prioritizing Android development. While iOS development can still be a part of the strategy, a well-designed and optimized Android app will ensure wider reach across diverse markets.
• Customization vs. Control: Consider the type of app you’re developing. If your app relies heavily on a consistent user experience across devices, targeting iOS might be a better choice. However, if customization and flexibility are priorities, developing for Android allows for greater control over the app’s look and feel.

Both iOS and Android offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. While iOS holds a stronghold in the US due to brand loyalty and premium appeal, Android reigns supreme globally due to affordability, openness, and diverse device offerings. Understanding these factors and future trends will be crucial for businesses to optimize their mobile app development and marketing strategies and effectively reach their target audience.

Conclusion

iOS is the most popular and user-friendly operating system in the world. The almost yearly updates, as stated in the iOS Statistics, are making iPhone users stick to the same brand, while non-iPhone users are choosing Apple over others. As we all know, Apple makes the most advanced devices to stay ahead in the competitive market. In the future, iOS will continue to perform better with newer updates added with advanced technological features.