Android applications are software applications designed to run on devices that use the Android operating system, such as smartphones and tablets from brands such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Google. iOS applications are mobile applications built for Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad, running on the iOS operating system.
The biggest difference between Android and iPhone is software control. Android runs on open-source software and supports various manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. Apple tightly controls iPhone hardware and iOS software to ensure deeper integration and consistent updates.
You should choose Android over iOS because it holds over 70% of the worldwide mobile market, with dominant usage in regions such as Asia, Africa, and South America. Android apps allow advanced customization, support more device types, and are published faster through Google Play.
You should choose iOS over Android because Apple devices run on a tightly controlled ecosystem that delivers fast performance, high security, and stable updates. 80% of iPhone users upgrade to the latest iOS version quickly, which simplifies testing and reduces compatibility issues for developers.
Listed below is a table of 13 main differences between iOS and Android.
| Features |
iOS |
Android |
| Operating System |
Closed-source by Apple; iOS 18.4 (2025) |
Open-source via AOSP; Android 15 (2025) |
| Market Share |
28% globally; 71% in the premium market |
72.15% globally; over 85% in emerging markets |
| Security |
Closed system, Secure Enclave, frequent patches |
Open system, Google Play Protect, improved with Android 15 |
| Sales |
231.8M iPhones shipped in 2024 |
1.24B Android phones shipped in 2024 |
| Performance |
A19 chip, 120Hz ProMotion, Adaptive Battery 2.0 |
Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, Vulkan API, AI battery optimization |
| Cost |
$429–$1,599; ASP ~$903 |
$50–$1,800+; ASP ~$293 |
| UI/UX |
Simple, minimal, Human Interface Guidelines |
Customizable, dynamic, uses Material Design |
| App Marketplace |
Apple App Store: 1.92M apps |
Google Play Store; 2.06M apps |
| Founding Company & Net Worth |
Apple Inc., ~$3T (2025) |
Google (Alphabet Inc.), ~$1.8T (2025) |
| Launch & Growth Milestones |
Launched 2007; 71% premium market share |
Launched in 2008; surpassed iOS in global share by 2011 |
| Available Forms |
iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Vision Pro |
Phones, tablets, TVs, watches, cars, VR, IoT, foldables |
| Trending Apps |
Roblox, Disney+, Procreate, Royal Match |
Free Fire MAX, TikTok, Candy Crush, Google One |
| Development |
Swift/Xcode; faster but stricter |
Kotlin/Android Studio: flexible but more complex |
1. Operating System
Android and iOS are the 2 most used operating systems installed on modern smartphones, responsible for managing device functions, system behavior, and application environments. Android is known for its flexibility and openness, while iOS is preferred for stability and control.
Android Operating System
The current version of the Android operating system is Android 15, which was officially released in October 2024. Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and introduced in 2008 under the Open Handset Alliance. The Android operating system is an open-source platform based on the Linux kernel, which allows developers and manufacturers to access, to modify, and to distribute the source code freely. Commercial Android operating systems depend on Google Mobile Services (GMS). GMS is a proprietary layer that includes essential apps such as Google Play Store, Maps, and Gmail.
Google releases Android operating system updates, but manufacturers and carriers often delay or skip updates, which results in fragmentation across devices. Google releases security patches monthly, but their timely delivery depends on individual device makers.
iOS Operating System
The current version of the iOS operating system is iOS 18.4 and was officially released on March 31, 2025, after the major release of iOS 18 in September 2024. iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple and released for Apple devices. The iOS operating system is a closed-source system, which means its source code is not accessible or modifiable outside of Apple’s controlled environment. The iOS operating system follows a centralized model, where Apple manages hardware and software. iOS operating system integration ensures consistent performance, optimized battery life, and uniform user experience across all iPhones and iPads.
The iOS operating system offers limited customization, and users cannot change default system apps, apply third-party launchers, or alter core system layouts. Customization of iOS applications is limited to app arrangement, widgets, and light/dark modes. Limited customization in iOS applications helps to maintain design consistency, improves app compatibility, and strengthens security by minimizing third-party interference. The App Store is the exclusive channel for app distribution on iOS. All iOS applications are strictly reviewed to ensure privacy, quality, and compliance with Apple’s guidelines.
Apple releases regular operating system updates and security patches to all eligible devices simultaneously. Apple regularly updates to eliminate dependency on device manufacturers or carriers. This consistent delivery model strengthens platform security, improves app compatibility, and reduces software fragmentation.
2. Market Share
Android and iOS dominate the global mobile operating system landscape and collectively power over 99% of smartphones worldwide. Android leads with a 72% global market share, while iOS holds 28%, which means Android has over 50% more users than iOS globally.
Android Market Share
Android holds 72% of the global mobile OS market, which gives it a massive lead over iOS. Android has a 38.81% share in the United States and 50% market share in the United Kingdom. In Canada, Android dominates at 58.72%, while Android 14.0 alone holds 42.73% of Android users. Across Europe, Android maintains its lead with a 68.05% market share, which reflects its global dominance. In Australia, Android maintains a 53.4% share as of March 2024. In India, Android controls the market with 95.32%, which is due to affordability and device variety across brands such as Samsung and Xiaomi.
Android app retention rates decline over time. Globally, 20% of users stay on Day 1, dropping to 5.6% on Day 7, and 2.1% by Day 30. Android performs slightly better in the Asia-Pacific region with 26% Day 1 retention, stabilizing at 6% by Day 30. North America shows lower engagement with 23% on Day 1 and 5% by Day 30. Android is preferred by older users, with 60% of Gen X and 55% of Baby Boomers choosing Android. Gen Z (57%) and Millennials (55%) also use Android.
Android appeals to students, who frequently use educational apps such as language learning tools and academic platforms. Business professionals prefer Android because they depend on productivity apps such as Google Drive and Microsoft Office. According to Similarweb (Feb 2025), the most used Android apps include Google Chrome (browser), Samsung One UI Home (interface customization), Google Search (search engine), and Facebook (social media).
iOS Market Share
iOS holds 28% of the global mobile OS market, which means Android has approximately 44% more users than iOS worldwide. In the United States, iOS leads with 59.21%, followed by 46% in the UK, 40.79% in Canada, and 31.48% across Europe. iOS shows a strong presence in Australia at 47.9%, while in India, iOS holds only 4.13% due to high device costs and a limited model range.
iOS keeps 18% of users on Day 1, which drops to 4% on Day 7, and 2% on Day 30. iOS users generate 65% of global app revenue, which proves higher monetization despite a lower user count. Younger generations prefer iPhones; 60% of Gen Z and 58% of Millennials choose iOS for its ecosystem, performance, and social media experience.
Business professionals use iOS and depend on Apple Mail, Calendar, and secure work integrations. Affluent users choose iOS for its premium design and long-term brand loyalty. Based on Similarweb data (2025), the most used iOS apps include Safari (browser), Messages (Apple messaging), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. iOS users show high engagement in entertainment, productivity, and social media, making it a top choice for developers targeting premium and lifestyle-focused users.
3. Security
Mobile operating system security is critical in protecting user data, device access, and overall application behavior. Android and iOS implement multi-layered security systems, but their approach differs due to their underlying architecture. Android offers greater flexibility but faces higher exposure, while iOS relies on strict control and uniform updates to reduce vulnerabilities.
Android Security
The Android operating system is flexible and open-source, which allows broad customization but increases exposure to security threats. Android is hackable, and despite improvements, it remains a primary target for malware, phishing, spyware, and ransomware attacks. The Android operating system uses App Sandbox to isolate each application in its environment. App Sandbox prevents malicious apps from accessing Android system components or user data stored in other apps.
Google Play Protect is a core Android security feature that scans over 100 billion apps daily to detect and block threats. Google uses a verified Boot check system integrity at startup and uses the Titan-M security chip to ensure that the Android operating system has not been modified. Android OS uses biometric Authentication, including fingerprint scanning and facial recognition. The Android operating system uses full-disk encryption and encrypted user data in transit with algorithms such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard ) . Android 15 introduced AI-powered threat detection that allows the OS to recognize abnormal behavior, detect theft attempts, and respond in real-time.
Android has experienced several high-profile security breaches, even after multiple system upgrades. The Cellebrite exploit, discovered in 2024, used chained vulnerabilities to leak kernel memory and target activist devices. The BadBox botnet infected over 190,000 Android devices by exploiting poor configuration settings in older operating system versions. The Android operating system has advanced its security over the years. Monthly updates, biometric security, and AI threat detection are now critical to maintaining protection in the Android ecosystem.
iOS Security
The iOS operating system is recognized as one of the most secure mobile platforms due to its closed ecosystem, strict control over apps, and deep hardware-software integration. iOS is hackable, but its strong security measures make it much harder to break into compared to Android. Apple manages every layer of the iOS environment, which helps prevent fragmentation and simplifies security enforcement across all devices. The iOS operating system uses App Sandbox to isolate every application, which prevents one app from accessing another app’s data or system resources.
The iOS operating system uses full-disk encryption to protect all stored data. End-to-end encryption is applied to services such as iMessage, FaceTime, and iCloud Keychain. Passkeys were introduced with iOS 16 to replace traditional passwords using secure cryptographic keys. The Stolen Device Protection feature was introduced in iOS 17 and now requires biometric confirmation for actions such as Apple ID resets or turning off Find My iPhone.
Rapid Security Response allows Apple to deliver urgent patches without waiting for full iOS updates. Apple ID theft cases occurred in 2023 when stolen pass codes were used to disable security features, and this issue was addressed through biometric requirements in iOS 17. Attackers exploited a WebKit vulnerability labeled CVE-2025-24201 during 2025 to escape the browser sandbox, and Apple resolved the flaw through a patch delivered in iOS 17.2. Apple continues strengthening iOS security with hardware-anchored protections, monthly security updates, and enterprise-grade tools such as Mobile Device Management.
4. Sales
Smartphone sales highlight the scale of Android’s global adoption and iOS’s premium pricing advantage. Android leads in unit sales across emerging markets, while iOS dominates app revenue and user monetization in high-income regions.
Android Sales
Android smartphone sales reached 1.05 billion units in 2020, 0.98 billion in 2021, 1.14 billion in both 2022 and 2023, and reached 1.24 billion units by 2024. Total Android device sales reached 5.55 billion units worldwide, which shows steady demand across global markets over the past 5 years. India remains the top country for Android sales, where the platform maintains a 94% to 95% market share across all smartphone segments. Growing regions such as South and Central Asia, Latin America, and Africa contribute the highest Android device sales due to affordability and brand diversity.
The Google Play Store generated $6.75 billion in Android app revenue in 2020 and $13.54 billion by 2023, excluding games. Including mobile games, total Android app sales revenue hit $46.7 billion in 2024, which reflects the Android ecosystem’s strong commercial growth. Android made up 56% of all global smartphone sales in 2023, which reinforces its position as the dominant mobile platform.
The average revenue per Android user (ARPU) reached about $12.80 in 2024, with higher returns seen in developed regions due to more subscriptions and in-app purchases. Android’s flexibility allows manufacturers to target every price segment from $50 entry-level phones to $1,800 foldables. Android is expected to maintain strong sales in the coming years due to growing AI features, improved device integration, such as smartwatches and car systems, and extended software support.
iOS Sales
iPhone sales were 196.9 million units in 2020, peaked at 242 million in 2021, then 232.2 million in 2022, 231.3 million in 2023, and 231.8 million in 2024. Across five years, Apple sold over 1.13 billion iPhones globally, with steady performance even during supply chain challenges and market slowdowns. China saw the highest iPhone sales volume, with 41 million units sold during Q2 of 2023. The United States recorded strong demand with 25 million units sold, and India added 20 million units during the same period. Oceania recorded the highest iOS market share, which is reaching 55.55% of smartphone users. North America was the second-highest region in iOS sales, where iOS held 54.76% of the market.
The App Store generated $125 billion in global revenue during 2024, which includes subscriptions, in-app purchases, and advertising. Apple’s Services segment contributed $96.2 billion to total company revenue, which shows the central role of iOS users in Apple’s ecosystem.
The average revenue per iOS user (ARPU) crossed $135 globally, which is more than 10 times higher than Android in several regions in 2024. The average iPhone selling price (ASP) reached $903 in 2024, which shows Apple’s premium positioning in the smartphone market. The iPhone lineup now covers a range from mid-tier models such as iPhone SE to ultra-premium devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which allows Apple to scale its reach without compromising on profit margins.
5. Performance
Android and iOS have made major performance advancements in 2025 to boost speed, stability, and energy efficiency. Android focuses on customizable performance across various devices, while iOS uses its vertical control over hardware and software to deliver consistent high-end results.
Android Performance
The hardware performance of Android devices improved significantly with the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chip, which delivers 30% faster CPU and 28% faster GPU speeds. The software performance of Android has become smoother with Jetpack Compose, which reduces UI delays. Android 15 introduced lazy loading, which prioritizes important UI elements for faster app visuals. The battery performance of Android devices is enhanced through Adaptive Battery, which uses AI to reduce background activity and extend battery life by 15–20%. Android Battery Saver modes increase standby time by disabling non-essential services.
Android uses AI to dynamically adjust clock speeds to ensure high performance without draining battery. Multitasking on Android is handled through WorkManager and Coroutines, which allow apps to run in parallel without lag. The memory management of Android devices is improved with tools such as LruCache and sparse arrays, which lower RAM usage. The gaming performance of Android has reached new heights with Vulkan API enhancements and GPU overclocking that allows up to 144 FPS on select devices.
Android uses Firebase Performance Monitoring to track app startup times and ensure cold launches stay under 500 milliseconds. Android boot speed improved by 25% through deferred service initialization. The overall system responsiveness of Android is enhanced by reducing background animations and widgets, which lowers CPU load by up to 18%. Android AI monitors device heat and adjusts processing power accordingly. AI integration in Android 15 plays a key role in resource management, adjusting CPU and GPU usage based on task type.
iOS Performance
The hardware performance of iOS devices is supported by the A19 Bionic chip, which delivers 18% faster CPU and 25% faster GPU speeds compared to A18. The software performance of iOS apps is more efficient, with 85% of new apps built using SwiftUI. iOS 19 introduces intelligent prefetching to render screens faster and enhance interaction. The battery life on iOS is extended by Adaptive Battery 2.0, which predicts behavior up to 12 hours ahead and pauses inactive apps. USB-C charging on iOS delivers 50% battery in 18 minutes without degrading long-term battery health.
The processor speed of iOS on A19 Bionic chips balances peak performance with low power consumption. iOS’s multitasking performance is controlled through strict background activity control. iOS memory management improves efficiency by reducing RAM use by 15% during simultaneous app sessions. iOS’s gaming performance is powered by MetalFX Upscaling, which allows games to run at 120 FPS with less strain on the GPU. The Neural Engine in iOS manages real-time ray tracing in AR games, which improves both visual quality and device efficiency.
The app launch speed on iOS is optimized with app slicing and data prioritization that keeps cold start times under 500ms. iOS 19 cuts boot time by 25% through parallelized loading of core services. iOS uses skin temperature sensors to adjust brightness or frame rate before overheating occurs. Apple Intelligence in iOS handles tasks such as Siri commands and predictive settings on the device without cloud support. Response latency in iOS is 60% faster due to on-device processing.
6. Cost
Android and iOS follow different pricing strategies, from device cost to accessories and long-term value. Android focuses on variety and affordability, while iOS is centered around premium pricing and long-term value.
Android Cost
Android smartphones range from $50 for entry-level models, such as the Nokia C12, to $1,800+ for premium foldables, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. The average selling price of Android phones is estimated to be $293 in 2025. Accessory costs for Android devices are low, with broad availability across online platforms and retail markets. Fast chargers for Android are priced between $4 and $15, while protective cases cost between $1.50 and $10.
The repair costs for Android smartphones are more affordable than iOS devices due to wider parts availability and third-party repair support. Screen replacements for flagship Android models, such as the Samsung Galaxy S23, range from $174 to $209. Android’s open-source nature eliminates software licensing fees and allows manufacturers to build fully customized user experiences without extra platform costs.
Android security costs minimal due to built-in protection via Google Play Protect, which is included at no extra charge. Users often install premium antivirus apps such as Bitdefender or Kaspersky for extended security, which cost between $25 and $50 per year. Ecosystem integration on Android is flexible and cost-efficient across multiple brands. Android users connect devices through open standards using platforms such as Google Home and Samsung SmartThings. Accessories for Android ecosystems, including smart speakers, earbuds, and fitness trackers, are priced between $20 and $100.
iOS Cost
The device prices of iOS range from $429 for the iPhone SE (2022) to $1,599 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max (1TB model). The average selling price of iPhones reached $903 in 2024, which confirms Apple’s position in the premium smartphone segment. iOS devices provide long-term value with up to 7 years of software updates to allow users to keep their phones longer without sacrificing security or performance. The accessory costs for iOS devices are higher due to Apple’s other iOS accessories, which range from $20 to $80.
The repair costs of iOS devices range from $29 to $35, and other accidental damage repairs are fixed for $99. Apple now permits verified third-party use of genuine parts, which helps reduce repair costs slightly in long-term ownership. The operating system cost of iOS is included in every iPhone’s retail price.
The security features of iOS are provided at no additional cost and include Face ID, Secure Enclave, app sandboxing, and app signing. Users install apps such as Norton Mobile Security for extra protection at $14.17 per year, but most iOS devices already have strong built-in security that makes them unnecessary. The ecosystem integration of iOS is designed to work smoothly with Apple’s complete product line. Android device features such as AirDrop, Continuity, Handoff, and iCloud Sync create a unified experience across iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch. A basic iOS ecosystem setup, including an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, costs between $1,200 and $2,200, with total investment increasing as users add a Mac or iPad.
7. UI/UX
The user experience and interface structure of Android and iOS reflect different design principles. Android emphasizes customization and flexibility, while iOS prioritizes visual consistency and minimalism.
Android UI/UX
The interface style of Android is based on Google’s Material Design system, which emphasizes bold colors, structured layers, and clean visual layouts. Android offers a modern and adaptable experience that allows users and manufacturers to personalize visual elements without losing usability. Android devices now support smooth animations and refined motion across menus and apps.
The learning time of Android UI/UX depends on the device brand and the level of device customization. Users quickly adapt Android UI/UX due to standard navigation patterns, built-in tutorials, and gesture hints. Customization in Android UI/UX is extensive and allows users to change themes, install third-party launchers, modify icons, and configure widgets. Android supports home screen layouts, gesture controls, and even full system overlays to make it ideal for users who want visual control. Android allows users to test new functions through public preview programs and integrates feedback faster than most closed ecosystems.
The third-party support in Android UI/UX is broad, with thousands of launchers, icon packs, and widgets available on Google Play. Users replace default apps with alternatives for messaging, calendars, keyboards, and more without system limitations. The widget themes in Android UI/UX are fully customizable. The gesture support in Android UI/UX includes full-screen swipe navigation and legacy button controls. The accessibility features in Android UI/UX include color correction for color-blind users, screen readers such as TalkBack, and Live Caption for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
iOS UI/UX
The interface style of iOS is strictly built around Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, which focus on clarity, consistency, and minimalism. iOS maintains clean lines, subtle gradients, and uniform iconography that provide a polished and recognizable experience. Apple tightly controls the design uniformity and transitions in iOS to ensure that all animations, gestures, and screen layouts behave consistently.
The learning time of iOS UI/UX is short, especially for users familiar with Apple products. Users easily add widgets, set Focus modes, and reorder apps, but full themes, icon packs, and launchers are not supported in iOS. The new feature requests in iOS UI/UX are reviewed through Apple’s official feedback system, but are rarely implemented immediately.
The third-party support in iOS UI/UX is restricted but optimized. iOS Apps follow Apple’s design standards, and default app replacements are limited to select categories such as browsers or mail clients. The widget themes in iOS UI/UX are minimal, and users place widgets on the home screen and select sizes. The gesture support in iOS UI/UX includes swipe navigation, multi-touch gestures, and contextual actions. The accessibility features in iOS UI/UX include VoiceOver, color filters, RTT calling, AssistiveTouch, and Sound Recognition. iOS supports Back Tap, custom voice commands, and screen magnifiers for users with various physical, hearing, or visual needs.
8. App Marketplace
The app marketplace for Android and iOS plays an important role in how users discover, download, and engage with mobile applications. Android and iOS platforms maintain separate ecosystems with different approval processes, pricing models, and revenue strategies to offer unique advantages to developers and consumers.
Android App Marketplace
The official Android app marketplace is the Google Play Store, and remains the world’s largest mobile app marketplace. The number of available Android apps on the Google Play Store is approximately 2.06 million as of 2025. Android apps are spread across more than 40 categories, with popular ones including Games (15.2% of all apps), Business, Education, Health & Fitness, Finance, and Lifestyle. The Google Play Store mostly favors free apps, with around 97% available for free and just 3% classified as paid. Most developers on Android rely on in-app purchases and advertising for monetization to make the platform more accessible to a global user base.
The app review process in the Google Play Store involves a mix of automated and manual reviews. Automated screening checks compliance with technical guidelines, while human reviewers verify functionality, security, and policy adherence. The app approval time usually ranges from 3 to 7 days, with delays during high-demand periods extending it up to two weeks. The in-app purchases in the Google Play Store include virtual currency, premium features, game upgrades, and subscription services. Android developers generate revenue from paid app downloads and in-app transactions, with Google retaining a standard 30% commission. The Google Play Store generates revenue through app sales, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertising inside free apps. Developers often adopt freemium models to scale user engagement and profitability, supported by flexible monetization tools offered by Google.
iOS App Marketplace
The official iOS app marketplace is the Apple App Store, which is the exclusive distribution platform for iOS applications on iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices. The number of available apps on the Apple App Store is approximately 1.92 million as of April 2025, which makes it the second-largest mobile app marketplace globally. Apps are categorized into 26 distinct groups, with top categories including Games (over 206,584 apps), Education, Health & Fitness, Productivity, Finance, and Lifestyle. The Apple App Store shows that 95.4% of apps are free, while 4.6% are paid. Developers on iOS mainly monetize through in-app purchases and subscriptions to align with the platform’s focus on premium user experiences.
The app review process in the Apple App Store includes both automated checks and detailed manual testing. iOS apps are evaluated for compliance, functionality, and content safety. The average app approval time is 24 to 48 hours, though developers request expedited reviews in urgent cases. The in-app purchases on the Apple App Store consist of digital goods, virtual currency, premium content, and subscriptions. The Apple App Store generates revenue through paid app sales, in-app transactions, subscriptions, and advertising managed through Apple’s proprietary ad platform. Developers benefit from high spending power among iOS users, which contributes to the platform’s leading global app revenue share.
9. Founding Company & Net Worth
Android and iOS are created by two of the most influential tech companies in the world. Each platform follows a different business model; Android favors open-source flexibility, while iOS uses a closed, premium ecosystem.
Android Founding Company & Net Worth
The founding company of Android is Android Inc., which was acquired by Google in 2005. Android was created by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White, and was founded in October 2003. The headquarters of Android is located in Mountain View, California, USA, as part of Google’s global operations.
The net worth related to Android is part of Alphabet Inc.’s market capitalization, which stands at approximately $1.8 trillion as of 2025. Android’s revenue streams include Google Play Store commissions, advertising through integrated Google services, and licensing fees paid by manufacturers. The main products under Android include Android OS, Google Play Store, Android TV, Android Auto, and Wear OS.
The key executives managing Android include Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., and Hiroshi Lockheimer, Senior VP of Android and related platforms. The business model of Android is open-source through the Android Open Source Project, but Google controls commercial versions by managing core apps such as the Play Store, Maps, and Search. The global presence of Android is dominant, with over 70% of global smartphone market share, though Android is less present in the premium segment, where Samsung leads in Android phones priced above $500.
iOS Founding Company & Net Worth
The founding company of iOS is Apple Inc., established by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976, and officially launched in June 2007. The iOS headquarters are in Cupertino, California, USA, where Apple continues to manage its entire product ecosystem.
The net worth associated with iOS is reflected in Apple Inc.’s market capitalization, which is approximately $3 trillion as of 2025, which makes it the most valuable tech company in the world. iOS generates revenue through hardware sales (iPhones), App Store transactions with a 30% commission, subscription services such as Apple Music and iCloud, and wearables such as AirPods and the Apple Watch. The main products under iOS include the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple TV, and iCloud services.
The key executives behind iOS are Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc., and Craig Federighi, Senior VP of Software Engineering. The business model of iOS is completely closed-source, where developers are required to use Apple’s APIs and cannot modify the operating system. The global presence of iOS is strongest in the premium smartphone segment, where iOS holds a 71% share globally, especially in regions such as North America and Europe.
10. Launch & Growth Milestones
The evolution of Android and iOS shows their different philosophies and growth paths. Android expanded rapidly due to its open-source nature and broad hardware availability, while iOS focused on a premium, tightly controlled ecosystem.
Android Launch and Growth Milestone
Android was first introduced as a public beta on November 5, 2007, and officially released to users on September 23, 2008. The initial Android device, the HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1), was released in October 2008 and marked the entry of Android into the smartphone market. Android had a slow early adoption rate but reached 12% market share by the end of 2010 and overtook iOS globally in 2011.
The major milestones in Android’s history include the launch of Android Market in 2008, Android Froyo in 2010 with tethering and SD card support, and Material Design in 2014. Android achieved its peak global market share of 76.18% in 2019. Android’s growth rate increased from 4.44% in Q2 2010 to over 50% by mid-2014, mainly because manufacturers adopted its free and flexible system to build low-cost smartphones.
The market share achievement of Android stands at 72.15% globally as of January 2025, with Android holding over 85% penetration in emerging markets such as Africa and South America. New features such as Google Assistant, introduced in 2016, helped Android compete with Siri and expand into other segments such as Android TV, Wear OS, and Android Auto. The global reach of Android is strongest in mid-range and budget markets, though it has limited dominance in the premium space.
The first million Android users came within the first year of the HTC Dream’s release. The Android developer community is large because the platform is open-source, which allows anyone to build and publish apps. The Google Play Store offers over 2.06 million apps, and Android earned $46.7 billion through app sales, ads, and in-app purchases on the Play Store.
iOS Launch and Growth Milestone
The launch of iOS took place on June 29, 2007, alongside the debut of the first-generation iPhone, initially branded as iPhone OS. The first iOS device included multi-touch gestures, visual voicemail, and a full web browser, which defined Apple’s new mobile experience.
The major milestones in iOS history include the launch of the App Store in 2008, Siri’s introduction in 2011, and Apple Pay in 2014. iOS expanded into spatial computing with Vision Pro and introduced advanced AI through tools such as CoreML personalization between 2023 and 2025. The growth rate of iOS has remained steady, with especially strong performance in North America and Europe.
The market share achievement of iOS sits at 28% globally as of 2024, but it dominates the premium smartphone market with a 71% share for devices priced over $600. iOS brought innovations such as Siri, Apple Watch, iPad, and Vision Pro. The global reach of iOS is strongest in developed countries such as the U.S., the UK, and Canada, with rising adoption in regions like India and Brazil.
The first million iOS users were likely reached within months of the iPhone launch due to Apple’s early marketing and loyal customer base. The developer community for iOS is highly active, with over 1.96 million apps on the App Store and a focus on polished, secure applications. The revenue growth of iOS is fueled by its services division, with the App Store generating $125 billion in 2024, and total service revenue reaching $96.2 billion in Apple’s FY2024.
11. Available Forms
Android and iOS are not limited to smartphones; both OS power various modern devices across categories such as tablets, smartwatches, TVs, cars, home products, and more.
Android Available Forms
Android is the most used smartphone operating system and powers devices from brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Google Pixel. Android smartphones dominate markets across all pricing levels, from budget to premium. Android supports tablets that include popular models from Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series, Lenovo, and Amazon’s Fire tablets. Android runs on smartwatches through Wear OS, which powers Fossil, TicWatch, and Samsung Galaxy Watch devices. Wear OS includes fitness tracking, notifications, and voice assistant support. Android TV is the version of Android used on smart TVs and is available in brands such as Sony, TCL, and Hisense. Android TV provides access to streaming apps, Google Play, and voice controls via Google Assistant.
Android Auto brings the Android experience to car infotainment systems, which are available in Ford, Hyundai, and Toyota vehicles. Android powers wearables such as fitness trackers and healthcare devices to offer real-time health data, activity monitoring, and smartphone syncing features. Android is used in smart home devices that include thermostats, cameras, refrigerators, and washing machines. Android supports gaming consoles such as Nvidia Shield, which runs Android for gaming and streaming. Android XR is used in VR and AR devices, such as standalone VR headsets and smart glasses.
Android is available on set-top boxes such as Nvidia Shield TV, which offer 4K streaming and access to Android apps through a TV interface. Android does not run natively on laptops, but users access Android apps through emulators or custom ROMs. Chrome OS devices also run Android apps to offer partial support for laptop use.
iOS Available Forms
iOS runs on iPhones that include models such as iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. iOS has a tablet variant called iPadOS, which runs on all iPads. iPads include productivity tools, Apple Pencil support, and multitasking features close to laptop performance. iOS powers smartwatches through watchOS, the Apple Watch operating system. Apple Watch offers features such as ECG, fitness tracking, Apple Pay, and Siri voice control. iOS extends to smart TVs via Apple TV, which runs tvOS. Apple TV provides access to streaming apps, Apple Arcade, and seamless integration with iPhones and iPads. iOS powers in-car experiences through Apple CarPlay, which works with most modern vehicles. CarPlay enables hands-free control of Maps, Messages, Music, and Siri.
iOS supports wearables such as AirPods and Vision Pro, with Vision Pro running visionOS for AR/VR tasks. iOS is part of Apple’s smart home ecosystem, where devices such as HomePod and HomePod Mini work with Siri to control lights, locks, and smart appliances. iOS supports spatial computing through the Vision Pro headset, which enables AR and VR experiences using visionOS. This device expands iOS beyond mobile into immersive environments.
iOS does not run on laptops directly, because Apple laptops use macOS but iPads with iPadOS and a keyboard offer many laptop-like features. iOS does not support Android-based set-top boxes, as Apple uses Apple TV for streaming.
Trending Apps
The app ecosystem on both Android and iOS continues to grow rapidly in 2025. Each platform has its own set of trending downloads, high-earning apps, and fast-growing categories.
Android Trending Apps
The most downloaded Android apps in 2025 include Roblox, Subway Surfers, Free Fire MAX, and Block Blast!, which remain popular across age groups. Top free Android apps include social media, gaming, and utility tools and 97% of apps on the Google Play Store are free. Apps such as TikTok, CalcKit, and Net Blocker continue to drive mass downloads due to ease of use, free of cost and broad appeal.
The top paid Android apps focus on productivity, privacy, and specialized tools. Leading paid Android apps include Simple Gallery Pro, HotSchedules, and RadarScope, all of which provide premium features in exchange for a one-time payment. Top-grossing Android apps generate revenue through subscriptions and in-app purchases. Google One, MONOPOLY GO!, Candy Crush Saga, and Pokémon TCG Pocket make the most money because people play these Android apps often and spend on in-app purchases.
Emerging app trends on Android include AI integration for smart personalization and AR/VR features for immersive gaming and shopping. Super Android apps are gaining attention by combining chat, payment, and shopping in one place, while apps optimized for foldable devices and IoT homes are seeing strong demand. App categories with the highest growth on Android include gaming, shopping, lifestyle, and education.
iOS Trending Apps
The most downloaded iOS apps in 2025 include Block Blast!, Township, Subway Surfers, Squid Game: Unleashed, and Whiteout Survival. Top free iOS apps include popular platforms like TikTok, Disney+, and Roblox. Social networking, entertainment, and mobile gaming continue to dominate the free download charts on iOS.
The top paid iOS apps include creative tools and premium games. Minecraft, HotSchedules, and Procreate Pocket are among the highest-selling apps in the App Store due to their performance and utility. Top-grossing iOS apps generate large revenue through subscriptions and microtransactions. Platforms such as Disney+, Royal Match, Spotify, and Roblox remain top due to consistent user engagement and strong monetization models.
Emerging iOS app trends include spatial computing integration with Vision Pro, and CoreML-powered on-device AI for smarter, privacy-focused apps. Developers are adopting SwiftUI for faster builds, while features such as Dynamic Island and App Clips improve user interaction and retention. The fastest-growing app categories on iOS include gaming, health & fitness, education, and finance.
Development
App development for Android and iOS requires different tools, programming languages, and levels of expertise. Android and iOS platforms offer modern development environments, but the approach, complexity, and flexibility vary.
Android Development
Android app development offers a flexible and open environment that supports multiple styles of app creation. Developers build Android apps using native tools such as Android Studio or cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter or React Native. The main programming languages for Android are Kotlin and Java, which are well-supported by the developer community.
The development environment for Android is Android Studio, which is powerful but complex for beginners. Android apps often require more testing across devices due to hardware variety, which slows down development. Android development usually needs more resources for debugging, optimization, and UI adjustments on different screen sizes.
Android integrates well with Google services such as Maps, Drive, and Firebase, which makes it easier to add cloud storage, push notifications, and analytics. The availability of Android APIs and SDKs is extensive, covering everything from biometric login to AR tools. Android fully supports cross-platform development through tools such as Flutter, Xamarin, and Unity, giving developers more flexibility.
The Android developer community is large and active, with support available through forums, documentation, and GitHub. Frequent updates and open-source resources help Android developers stay current and solve problems quickly.
iOS Development
iOS app development follows a structured, consistent approach focused on quality and security. iOS apps are made using Apple’s Xcode software, mostly with the language Swift. Swift is popular because it is easy to learn, safe to use, and runs fast.
The development environment for iOS is Xcode, which offers everything from UI design to testing tools in one place. iOS development is faster when targeting a limited set of devices but requires more technical accuracy due to Apple’s strict review process. iOS development needs more expertise, especially for advanced animations and hardware integration.
iOS apps integrate smoothly with Apple services such as iCloud, Siri, and Apple Pay, helping developers build secure and premium features. Apple offers various APIs and SDKs for machine learning, ARKit, and health data. iOS supports popular cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter, React Native, Xamarin, and Unity for apps targeting multiple platforms.
The iOS developer community is strong, especially among professionals building for business, health, and creative industries. Apple provides detailed documentation and developer forums, and the App Store ecosystem encourages high-quality app development with strong monetization options.
Android vs iOS: Which one is better for me?
Android is better if you want global reach, flexible features, and lower device costs. Android holds 72.15% of the worldwide market, and phones start from $50 to offer full customization and access to 2.06 million apps on the Play Store. iOS is better for you if you want premium features, high-spending users, and top-level security. iOS users earn $53,251 per year on average, and Apple leads in app revenue with $125 billion generated in 2024.
You should choose Android if you are building a food delivery app in India or Nigeria, where Android dominates with over 85% share and users rely on budget phones. You should choose Android if your app needs to support a wide range of devices, such as educational tools or IoT apps for Android smart TVs, wearables, or smart home systems.
You should choose iOS if you are building a premium finance app like Revolut or Robinhood, where users expect Face ID, secure payments, and long-term software support. You should choose iOS if your app targets high-spending creative users, such as Procreate or Vision Pro apps, and you’re launching in North America, the UK, or Australia, where iOS dominates the premium segment.
What are the advantages of Android when compared to iOS?
The Android features iOS does not have give Android users more control, customization, and flexibility.
Listed below are the 5 advantages Android offers that are unavailable or limited on iOS.
- Private Space: The Private Space feature in Android creates a secure, encrypted zone where sensitive apps and data are stored separately from the rest of the phone. iOS doesn’t offer a similar isolated workspace for personal or confidential use.
- Split Screen Mode with Save App Pairs: Android’s new split screen mode allows users to multitask efficiently by saving specific app pairs for instant access later. iOS does not provide split screen mode with saved app pairs.
- Expandable Volume Panel: The expandable volume panel in Android offers precise audio control by letting users adjust media, call, and alarm volumes individually. The expandable volume panel allows users quicker access to more sound options than iOS allows.
- Custom Default Apps (Including Wallet):Android’s custom default apps allow users to assign any app, including Wallet, as the default for specific tasks. These apps give Android users more flexibility than iOS, which restricts default app changes in most cases.
- Native Support for Matter-Compatible Devices: Android’s native support for matter-compatible devices allows smooth integration of smart home gadgets into the Home app. Native Matter supports Android users who enjoy broader automation than iOS currently supports.
What are the advantages of iOS when compared to Android?
The iOS features that Android lacks give iPhone users a more secure, polished, and tightly integrated experience.
Listed below are the 5 advantages iOS offers that are unavailable or limited on Android.
- Apple Intelligence and Priority Notifications: The Apple intelligence and priority notifications feature in iOS brings AI-powered alerts that surface the most important notifications on the Lock Screen. iOS enhances contextual awareness with Apple intelligence, which Android lacks in lock screen intelligence and AI prioritization.
- Enhanced Control Center Customization & Brightness Indicators: The enhanced control center customization in iOS offers a refined layout with new toggles, such as ambient music control and clearer system indicators. This Enhanced Control Center brings a more organized and visually intuitive experience features that Android has yet to match in such a polished form.
- Refined Privacy Indicators: The refined privacy indicators in iOS make activity tracking more transparent with brighter, more prominent visual dots. Refined privacy indicators allow users to instantly see microphone or camera usage, which Android does provide, but with less emphasis and visibility.
- New Emojis and UI Tweaks: The new emojis and UI tweaks in iOS include animated icons, smooth transitions, and updated emoji options that enhance the overall user experience. These UI tweaks give iOS a more polished feel than Android’s static visuals.
- Enhanced App Download Management: The enhanced app download management in iOS lets users pause and resume app downloads with greater control. iOS gives users a streamlined installation experience with app download management, while Android is just beginning to adopt similar functionality.
