The smartphone market is dominated by two main operating systems: Android and iOS. In this article, we'll explore why the majority of smartphones come with the Android operating system and how it compares to iOS and other mobile operating systems.
Android: the most popular operating system
Android is an operating system developed by Google and is currently the most popular mobile operating system in the world. According to market statistics, Android powers around 70% to 80% of smartphones, while iOS, the operating system developed by Apple for its iPhones, holds around 20% to 30% of the market.
The reasons for the popularity of Android
Several factors contribute to the popularity of Android:
- Compatibility with various manufacturers: Android is an open operating system, which means it can be used by a variety of smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung, LG, Huawei, Xiaomi, and many others. This gives consumers a wide choice of devices with different features and price ranges.
- Flexibility and customization: Android allows for greater customization and flexibility compared to iOS. Users can change the appearance of their smartphone, install apps from different sources, and even replace the operating system with custom versions of Android.
- Integration with Google services: Android is tightly integrated with Google services, such as Gmail, Google Maps and Google Drive. This integration provides a consistent and convenient user experience for those who regularly use Google services.
iOS: a premium alternative
Apple develops and markets iOS, the exclusive operating system for the iPhone range. Although iOS has a smaller market share than Android, it is often considered a premium alternative due to its reputation for quality and security. iPhones offer a smooth and consistent user experience, regular operating system updates, and a strong app ecosystem thanks to the Apple App Store.
Other mobile operating systems
Besides Android and iOS, there are a few other mobile operating systems that have a relatively small market share. Among them:
- Windows Phone: Developed by Microsoft, Windows Phone was designed to work on smartphones and tablets. Although Windows Phone enjoyed some early success, its market share declined sharply over the years, and Microsoft ceased active development of this operating system.
- BlackBerry OS: Once popular, especially with professional users, BlackBerry OS was developed by the Canadian company BlackBerry (formerly Research In Motion). Due to increased competition from Android and iOS, the market share of BlackBerry OS declined significantly, and the company shifted its focus to producing smartphones running Android.
In summary, the majority of smartphones are equipped with the Android operating system due to its compatibility, flexibility and integration with Google services. iOS, for its part, remains a premium alternative offering a consistent and secure user experience.
Other mobile operating systems, such as Windows Phone and BlackBerry OS, have declined in popularity and represent only a small share of the market.
