Mobile OS Market Share: Android, iOS, HarmonyOS

Android leads the global mobile operating system market with roughly 70% share, followed by Apple’s iOS at about 29%, and Huawei’s HarmonyOS at around 1-2%. These figures come from StatCounter and IDC for 2024-2025, and they fluctuate slightly by quarter and by region, but the overall ranking is stable.

How Market Share Is Measured

Market share for mobile operating systems is calculated in two main ways: by unit shipments (how many devices are sold to retailers) and by active installed base (how many devices are actually in use). Shipment data from IDC and Canalys counts phones as they leave the factory, while web traffic analytics like StatCounter estimate the installed base by tracking which OS is used to access websites. The two methods can differ significantly, especially for HarmonyOS, because Huawei’s phones are sold mostly in China and many older models still run Android-based EMUI even after the company introduced HarmonyOS.

For global numbers, most analysts rely on a combination of both. The key point is that Android’s lead is driven by its licensing model: Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and dozens of other manufacturers ship Android phones across every price point, from budget devices to flagships. iOS only runs on Apple’s own iPhones, which are premium-priced and sold in fewer countries. HarmonyOS is almost entirely confined to Huawei devices, and Huawei’s smartphone shipments have declined since 2019 due to US trade restrictions, which limited its access to Google services and advanced chips.

Regional Differences

The global numbers hide large regional variations. In the United States, iOS actually leads Android with about 55-60% share, because Apple has strong brand loyalty and carrier partnerships. In Europe, Android holds around 65-70%, while in Africa and Asia, Android dominates with over 85% share due to the popularity of low-cost devices. China is the most interesting case: Android (including Huawei’s EMUI) has historically held over 80%, but HarmonyOS has been growing since 2021 as Huawei pushes its own OS on new devices. In China, HarmonyOS had roughly 15-20% share in 2024, according to some reports, though the exact figure is debated because Huawei’s older phones can be upgraded to HarmonyOS but still run Android apps.

For a truly global view, Android’s lead is unlikely to be challenged in the near future because it is the default OS for the vast majority of non-Apple smartphones. iOS will continue to hold a strong second place, and HarmonyOS will remain a distant third unless Huawei manages to reclaim its former market position, which is constrained by chip supply and the lack of Google services outside China.

How Android Achieved Its Lead

Android’s dominance is not accidental. Google gives the OS away free to manufacturers, who then customize it with their own interfaces. This has created a vast ecosystem of devices at every price point. The open-source nature of Android (AOSP) means manufacturers can modify it, which allows them to differentiate their products. It also means that Android runs on everything from $50 phones in India to $1,500 foldables in the US.

Another factor is the Google Play Store, which has over 3 million apps, though iOS has a similar number. Android’s apps are often available earlier on more devices, and the OS supports side-loading (installing apps from outside the store), which is popular in regions where Google Play is not available or where users want to save money. This flexibility is a double-edged sword: it leads to more malware, but it also makes Android the only practical choice for many users.

iOS’s Strengths and Why It Holds Second

iOS is the most profitable mobile OS because Apple sells high-margin hardware and services. It has a loyal user base that values privacy, security, and seamless integration with Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches. iOS updates are delivered directly by Apple for years, while Android updates depend on the manufacturer and carrier, which is often slower. This is a major reason why some users prefer iOS despite its higher price.

In terms of market share, iOS is the only serious challenger to Android. It leads in the US, UK, Japan, and Canada, and it has a strong presence in the premium segment globally. However, its market share is capped by its price and by the fact that Apple does not license iOS to other hardware makers. So while iOS is more profitable per user, it cannot match Android’s volume.

HarmonyOS: A Third Contender?

HarmonyOS was launched by Huawei in 2019 as a response to the US ban that cut off its access to Google’s Android services. The OS is designed to work across phones, tablets, smart TVs, and IoT devices, and it uses a microkernel architecture that is different from Android’s Linux kernel. However, for practical purposes, HarmonyOS on phones runs Android apps through a compatibility layer, so it is not a fully independent ecosystem yet.

Huawei’s market share has fallen from a peak of about 14% globally in 2019 to around 4-5% in 2024, according to IDC. In China, it has recovered to about 10-15% thanks to domestic demand and the Mate 60 series, which uses a domestically produced chip. HarmonyOS’s future depends on whether Huawei can build a robust app ecosystem and whether it can overcome the chip shortage. As of 2025, HarmonyOS is still a distant third globally, but it is a significant player in China.

How to Choose Between Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS

Your choice of OS should depend on your budget, your ecosystem, and your privacy needs. Here are some practical guidelines:

• Budget: If you need a phone under $300, Android is your only real option. iOS starts at around $400 for the iPhone SE, but most new iPhones are $700+.
• Ecosystem: If you already own a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, iOS will integrate seamlessly. If you use Google services (Gmail, Drive, Photos), Android is more natural.
• Privacy: iOS is generally considered more private and secure, but Android has improved significantly with features like app permissions and sandboxing.
• Customization: Android allows you to change launchers, install APKs, and tweak the UI. iOS is more restrictive.
• HarmonyOS: Only choose this if you are in China or you specifically want a Huawei device. Outside China, you will miss Google services, and app availability is limited.

For most people, Android is the best value, iOS is the best premium experience, and HarmonyOS is a niche choice for Huawei fans.

Common Misconceptions

A frequent misconception is that Android is less secure than iOS. While it is true that Android has more malware because of its open nature, Google has implemented strong security features like Play Protect and monthly security patches. The real risk comes from sideloading apps from unknown sources, which is a user choice. Another misconception is that HarmonyOS is a copy of Android. In reality, it is a distinct OS, but it uses Android’s app framework to ensure compatibility. Finally, some people think that iOS has more apps than Android, but both stores have over 3 million apps, and the quality is comparable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact market share of Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS right now?

As of Q1 2025, StatCounter shows Android at about 70.5%, iOS at 28.8%, and HarmonyOS at 0.7% globally. IDC’s shipment data for 2024 shows Android at 71%, iOS at 18%, and HarmonyOS at 1.2%, but these figures differ because they count different things.

Is HarmonyOS available outside China?

Yes, but it is not officially sold on new phones outside China. Some older Huawei devices can be upgraded to HarmonyOS, but they lack Google services, so the experience is limited. In Europe, Huawei sells phones with Android (without Google) or with HarmonyOS, but they are not popular due to the missing apps.

Why does Android have such a high market share?

Because it is free for manufacturers and runs on a huge range of devices, from $50 budget phones to $1,500 foldables. This makes it the default choice for most of the world, especially in developing countries.

Will iOS ever overtake Android?

Unlikely in the near future. iOS’s market share is capped by its price and the fact that Apple only sells iPhones. Android will continue to dominate the volume market, though iOS remains more profitable per user.

Can I use Google apps on HarmonyOS?

Not officially. HarmonyOS does not include Google Mobile Services (GMS), so you cannot install Google Play Store or use apps like Gmail, YouTube, or Google Maps. You can sideload some apps, but they often do not work properly.

Which OS is the most secure?

In general, iOS is considered more secure because of its closed ecosystem and strict app review. However, Android has improved a lot, and if you stick to the Google Play Store and keep your phone updated, the difference is small for most users.

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