As you guys may know by now I like numbers. I’ve posted a few different articles focusing on numbers. Well here’s another one to chew on. According to IDC’s research for Q2, Android is leading iOS globablly at an astounding 4:1. Here’s the full breakdown of the numbers:
- Android – 104.8 million units, 68.1% market share (46.9% in the same period last year)
- iOS – 26.0 million units, 16.9% share (18.8% Q2 2024)
- BlackBerry – 7.4 million units, 4.8% share (11.5% Q2 ‘11)
- Symbian – 6.8 million units, 4.4% share (16.9% Q2 ‘11)
- Windows – 5.4 million units, 3.5% share (2.3% Q2 ‘11)
- Linux – 3.5 million units, 2.3% share (3.0% Q2 ‘11)
- Others – 0.1 million units, 0.1% share (0.5% a year earlier)
This is quite a difference compared to most North American stats that have Android and iOS numbers much closer. In my opinion, this really just speaks to how a lot of us North Americans are more easily swayed by advertising and being “cool” rather than buying our items based on usability and true value. It reminds me of how car companies in North America all have multiple brands (ie. Lexus/Toyota or Honda/Acura) that each aim at a specific group. Everyone wants an Acura over a Honda when some of the models are the exact same car (maybe minus a few bells and whistles). Yet we’re willing to pay a premium for a name. In the mobile world Apple is, in many peoples minds, the top line and they’re willing to pay more for it despite it not being much more functional than another phone at a lower price.
I know it’s not a perfect comparison but I definitely think that that mentality is reflected in these numbers here. What do you guys think?