Android vs iOS
type: Article
description: Android dominates global market share (72%) with more device variety and customization. iOS (28% share) offers a more polished, secure experience with longer software updates and better privacy controls.
language: en-US
date published: 2025-06-01T00:00:00.000Z
date created: 2025-06-01T00:00:00.000Z
date modified: 2026-08-11T09:00:17.282Z
content reference time: 2026-08-11T09:00:17.282Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Android
about: iOS
abstract: Android dominates global market share (72%) with more device variety and customization. iOS (28% share) offers a more polished, secure experience with longer software updates and better privacy controls.
text: Market Share. Customization. Software Updates. Privacy
conclusion text: Android for freedom and choice. iOS for privacy, polish, and ecosystem integration. Both are excellent mobile platforms.
additional property: Average Update Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 2-3 | iOS: 5-6
  value reference: iOS
additional property: Software Support Years
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 3-5 years | iOS: N/A
additional property: Starting Price (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: $150-200 (budget models) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Hardware Manufacturers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 50+ manufacturers | iOS: N/A
additional property: App Store Apps Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 3.5 million (Google Play) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Average Software Update Delay
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 6-12 months (varies by OEM) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Foldable Device Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Samsung Galaxy Z, OnePlus, others available | iOS: N/A
additional property: On-Device Privacy Processing
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Varies by manufacturer | iOS: N/A
additional property: Maximum Device Lifespan Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 3-5 years | iOS: N/A
additional property: Available Apps (Play Store)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 3.5+ million | iOS: N/A
additional property: Official Device Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 1000+ models actively updated | iOS: N/A
additional property: Data Privacy Tracking
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Extensive (ads, analytics, personalization) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Root Access
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Requires unlock (manufacturer dependent) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Current Base Version
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Android 16 | iOS: N/A
additional property: Global Market Share 2025
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 71% | iOS: N/A
additional property: Active Installed Devices
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 1.5 billion | iOS: N/A
additional property: Average OS Support Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 2-3 years (most brands) | iOS: N/A
additional property: App Pre-Release Screening Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: ~15% human reviewed by Google Play | iOS: N/A
additional property: Device Manufacturers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 200+ manufacturers worldwide | iOS: N/A
additional property: Minimum Entry Device Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: $100-$200 | iOS: N/A
additional property: Flagship Device Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: $1,000-$1,500+ (Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Available Apps (Official Store)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 3.5 million+ | iOS: N/A
additional property: Compatible Device Models
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 1,000+ | iOS: N/A
additional property: Security Update Frequency
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Monthly (Google); 3-6 months (OEMs) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Default Data Collection
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Extensive (telemetry, location, usage) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Banking App Compatibility Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 99% | iOS: N/A
additional property: Root Access Restrictions
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Bootloader locked on most OEM devices | iOS: N/A
additional property: Hardware Kill Switches (Pixel 6 Pro+)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 0 (software only) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Compatible Devices
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 1,000+ models | iOS: N/A
additional property: Security Update Support Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 3 years (avg) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Data Collection Without Google Services
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Extensive (advertising profile, location, usage patterns) | iOS: N/A
additional property: System-Level Customization
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Limited (OEM/Knox restrictions on Samsung) | iOS: N/A
additional property: Price Range of Entry Device
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: $99-$200 | iOS: N/A
additional property: Global Market Share (Q4 2025)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 70.8% | iOS: 28.7%
  value reference: Android
additional property: Average Revenue Per User (Annual)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: $8.50 | iOS: $32.20
  value reference: iOS
additional property: OS Update Adoption Rate (30 days)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 15-20% | iOS: 65-75%
  value reference: iOS
additional property: Security Update Consistency
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 1-4 years (varies by manufacturer) | iOS: 5-7 years (simultaneous for all)
  value reference: iOS
additional property: Number of Compatible Devices
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 200+ global manufacturers | iOS: 1 (Apple only)
  value reference: Android
additional property: Starting Device Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: $50 | iOS: $429
  value reference: Android
additional property: Malware Infection Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 0.1% | iOS: 0.002%
  value reference: iOS
additional property: App Store Customization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: Launchers, widgets, default apps, file system access, icon packs | iOS: Lock screen, home screen arrangement, app library folders
additional property: Entry-Level Device Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: $150-$299 | iOS: $799
  value reference: Android
additional property: Single-Core CPU Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: ~1,800 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) | iOS: ~3,400 (A18 Pro)
  value reference: iOS
additional property: Multi-Core CPU Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: ~5,200 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) | iOS: ~8,100 (A18 Pro)
  value reference: iOS
additional property: Software Support Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 3-5 years (varies by OEM) | iOS: 6-7 years (guaranteed)
  value reference: iOS
additional property: Available Apps
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 3.6M+ (Google Play) | iOS: 2.2 million
  value reference: Android
additional property: Customization Freedom Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 9/10 (launchers, widgets, mods) | iOS: 3/10 (widgets, icons only)
  value reference: Android
additional property: Device Manufacturer Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: 200+ brands | iOS: 1 (Apple only)
  value reference: Android
additional property: Annual App Store Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Android: $11.2B | iOS: $26.4B
  value reference: iOS
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/android
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/android
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/ios
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/ios
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/android-vs-ios
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/android-vs-ios
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/iphone-17-vs-samsung-s26
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mac-vs-windows
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/nvidia-vs-amd
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/samsung-galaxy-vs-motorola
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ally-bank-vs-marcus-by-goldman-sachs
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/amazon-vs-best-buy
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ikea-vs-wayfair
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/capital-one-vs-chase
teaches: How to choose between Android and iOS
genre: Technology

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Android vs iOS — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Android
type: SoftwareApplication
language: en-US
description: Google's open-source mobile OS powering 70% of global smartphones with integrated Google services
subject of: Android vs iOS

iOS
type: SoftwareApplication
alternate name: Ios
language: en-US
description: Apple's proprietary mobile OS exclusively for iPhone, iPad, and Apple devices with 2.2 billion users.
subject of: Android vs iOS

Android vs iOS — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Android vs iOS. Contains 87 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Average Update Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Software
variable measured: Software Support Years
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Support
variable measured: Starting Price (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cost
variable measured: Hardware Manufacturers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ecosystem
variable measured: App Store Apps Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: App Ecosystem
variable measured: Average Software Update Delay
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Updates
variable measured: Foldable Device Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Hardware Form Factors
variable measured: On-Device Privacy Processing
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security
variable measured: Maximum Device Lifespan Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Available Apps (Play Store)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ecosystem
variable measured: Official Device Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Compatibility
variable measured: Data Privacy Tracking
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Privacy
variable measured: Root Access
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Customization
variable measured: Current Base Version
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Software
variable measured: Global Market Share 2025
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Performance
variable measured: Active Installed Devices
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Performance
variable measured: Average OS Support Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Software Support
variable measured: App Pre-Release Screening Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security & Privacy
variable measured: Device Manufacturers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Structure
variable measured: Minimum Entry Device Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Affordability
variable measured: Flagship Device Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Available Apps (Official Store)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Adoption & Ecosystem
variable measured: Compatible Device Models
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Hardware Support
variable measured: Security Update Frequency
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security
variable measured: Default Data Collection
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Privacy
variable measured: Banking App Compatibility Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Real-World Usability
variable measured: Root Access Restrictions
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Control & Customization
variable measured: Hardware Kill Switches (Pixel 6 Pro+)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security Hardware
variable measured: Compatible Devices
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Hardware Support
variable measured: Security Update Support Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security
variable measured: Data Collection Without Google Services
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Privacy
variable measured: System-Level Customization
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Flexibility
variable measured: Price Range of Entry Device
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cost
variable measured: Global Market Share (Q4 2025)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Position
variable measured: Average Revenue Per User (Annual)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue
variable measured: OS Update Adoption Rate (30 days)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Experience
variable measured: Security Update Consistency
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security
variable measured: Number of Compatible Devices
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Platform Support
variable measured: Starting Device Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Affordability
variable measured: Malware Infection Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security
variable measured: App Store Customization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Customization
variable measured: Entry-Level Device Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Single-Core CPU Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Multi-Core CPU Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Software Support Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Available Apps
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: App Ecosystem
variable measured: Customization Freedom Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Experience
variable measured: Device Manufacturer Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Choice & Variety
variable measured: Annual App Store Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue
variable measured: Average Device Starting Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cost
variable measured: Security Update Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Support
variable measured: User Satisfaction Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Experience
variable measured: Customization Depth
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Functionality
variable measured: Number of Device Manufacturers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Position
variable measured: Active User Base
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Adoption
variable measured: Global Smartphone Market Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Position
variable measured: Available Apps (Primary Store)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ecosystem
variable measured: Device Manufacturers Using Platform
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ecosystem
variable measured: Google Services Access
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Latest Flagship Camera (Main Sensor)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Hardware
variable measured: Entry-Level Price Range
variable measured: China Market Share
variable measured: OS Update Support Length
variable measured: Global Market Share
variable measured: Base Model Price (2024)
variable measured: App Store Revenue (2024)
variable measured: Average OS Update Support
variable measured: Two-Year Resale Value Retention
variable measured: Number of Manufacturers
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/android-vs-ios

Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Android vs iOS.
has defined term: Software
has defined term: Support
has defined term: Cost
has defined term: Ecosystem
has defined term: App Ecosystem
has defined term: Updates
has defined term: Hardware Form Factors
has defined term: Security
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Compatibility
has defined term: Privacy
has defined term: Customization
has defined term: Market Performance
has defined term: Software Support
has defined term: Security & Privacy
has defined term: Market Structure
has defined term: Affordability
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Adoption & Ecosystem
has defined term: Hardware Support
has defined term: Real-World Usability
has defined term: Control & Customization
has defined term: Security Hardware
has defined term: Flexibility
has defined term: Market Position
has defined term: Revenue
has defined term: User Experience
has defined term: Platform Support
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Choice & Variety
has defined term: Functionality
has defined term: Market Adoption
has defined term: Features
has defined term: Hardware
has defined term: Regional Performance
has defined term: Support & Security
has defined term: Economics
has defined term: Hardware Diversity
has defined term: Setup
has defined term: Developer Support
has defined term: Cloud Services
has defined term: Long-Term Support
has defined term: Financial
has defined term: Cost to Consumers

Software
type: DefinedTerm
term code: software
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: support
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cost
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ecosystem
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

App Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: app-ecosystem
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Updates
type: DefinedTerm
term code: updates
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Hardware Form Factors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: hardware-form-factors
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Security
type: DefinedTerm
term code: security
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: longevity
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Compatibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: compatibility
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Privacy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: privacy
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customization
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-performance
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Software Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: software-support
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Security & Privacy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: security-&-privacy
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Structure
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-structure
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Affordability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: affordability
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Adoption & Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: adoption-&-ecosystem
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Hardware Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: hardware-support
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Real-World Usability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: real-world-usability
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Control & Customization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: control-&-customization
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Security Hardware
type: DefinedTerm
term code: security-hardware
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Flexibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: flexibility
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Position
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-position
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-experience
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Platform Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: platform-support
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Choice & Variety
type: DefinedTerm
term code: choice-&-variety
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Functionality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: functionality
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Adoption
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-adoption
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Hardware
type: DefinedTerm
term code: hardware
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Regional Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: regional-performance
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Support & Security
type: DefinedTerm
term code: support-&-security
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Economics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: economics
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Hardware Diversity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: hardware-diversity
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Setup
type: DefinedTerm
term code: setup
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Developer Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: developer-support
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cloud Services
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cloud-services
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Long-Term Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: long-term-support
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cost to Consumers
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cost-to-consumers
in defined term set: Android vs iOS — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-08-11T09:00:17.282Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: android-vs-ios
main entity: Is Android or iOS more popular in 2026?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Android is more popular globally: approximately 72% of all smartphones run Android vs 27.5% iOS. However, in the United States, iOS leads with approximately 57% market share — a reflection of Apple's dominance in the US premium smartphone market. The global gap is largely explained by Android's presence at every price point ($50 to $1,400), while Apple competes only at $429 and above. In terms of active devices, there are approximately 3.3 billion active Android devices globally vs approximately 1.4 billion active iPhones.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is iPhone or Android better for privacy in 2026?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: iOS has historically had a stronger privacy architecture: the App Store review process, app sandboxing, on-device processing (Apple Intelligence runs locally on the A18 chip), and the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework (introduced iOS 14.5, 2021) that requires opt-in for cross-app tracking. Android 15 added a Privacy Dashboard showing app permissions usage. Google's business model is more advertising-dependent than Apple's, creating structural tension. However, Google Pixel devices running stock Android with Google's VPN and security features are meaningfully more private than older or budget Android devices. For maximum privacy: iPhone with Lockdown Mode; for good-enough privacy at any price: Pixel or recent Samsung with privacy settings tightened.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can Android users use iMessage?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: No — iMessage is exclusive to Apple devices and cannot be used on Android. iMessage delivers messages as blue bubbles (end-to-end encrypted, over Wi-Fi/LTE) between Apple devices; Android recipients receive green SMS/MMS bubbles without encryption. Apple added RCS (Rich Communication Services) support in iOS 18 (2024), which improves Android-to-iPhone messaging with better media quality, read receipts, and typing indicators — but it is not iMessage. If you need encrypted cross-platform messaging, Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram all work on both Android and iOS.
    language: en-US
main entity: How long does Apple support iPhones compared to Android?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Apple provides software updates to iPhones for approximately 6-7 years from release. The iPhone 12 (2020) receives iOS 18 (2024) updates — 4 years of support still running. Apple typically guarantees 5-6 years of iOS updates for new iPhones at release. Android support varies by manufacturer: Google Pixel 9 series (2024) promises 7 years of OS and security updates; Samsung Galaxy S25 series promises 7 years of OS updates; most other Android OEMs provide 2-4 years. Google and Samsung have now matched or exceeded Apple's update longevity on flagship devices.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is switching from Android to iPhone difficult?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Switching is easier in 2026 than ever. Apple's "Move to iOS" app (available on the Google Play Store) transfers contacts, messages, camera photos, email accounts, calendars, bookmarks, and free apps during the initial iPhone setup. What doesn't transfer automatically: app data from Android-only apps, WhatsApp chat history (WhatsApp added an iOS transfer tool in 2022), Google Play purchases (apps must be repurchased on App Store if paid), and Android-specific app ecosystems. The largest friction points are app repurchases, learning iMessage/FaceTime vs SMS/Duo, and adjusting to iOS's more restricted file system vs Android's open file access.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Android and iOS
type: HowTo
description: Android dominates global market share (72%) with more device variety and customization. iOS (28% share) offers a more polished, secure experience with longer software updates and better privacy controls.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Market Share
step: Consider: Customization
step: Consider: Software Updates
step: Consider: Privacy
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Android for freedom and choice. iOS for privacy, polish, and ecosystem integration. Both are excellent mobile platforms.

Consider: Market Share
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Market Share: Android has 72%, while iOS has 28%.

Consider: Customization
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Customization: Android has Extensive, while iOS has Limited.

Consider: Software Updates
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Software Updates: Android has 2-3 years, while iOS has 5-6 years.

Consider: Privacy
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Privacy: Android has Good, while iOS has Excellent.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Android is better than iOS
review body: Android dominates global market share (72%) with more device variety and customization. iOS (28% share) offers a more polished, secure experience with longer software updates and better privacy controls.
date published: 2025-06-01
date modified: 2026-08-11
review rating: Rating
  rating: MIXTURE
  best rating: TRUE
  worst rating: FALSE
  alternate name: Depends on use case — see analysis
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
item reviewed: Android is better than iOS
  type: Claim
  language: en-US
  text: Android dominates global market share (72%) with more device variety and customization. iOS (28% share) offers a more polished, secure experience with longer software updates and better privacy controls.
  author: Internet consensus
  appearance: android-vs-ios
  first appearance: android-vs-ios

Average Device Starting Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: $150 (budget options available) | iOS: $429 (iPhone 16)
value reference: Android

Security Update Duration
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 3-7 years (varies) | iOS: 6+ years guaranteed
value reference: iOS

User Satisfaction Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 72% | iOS: 86%
value reference: iOS

Customization Depth
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: Extensive (launchers, widgets, system mods) | iOS: Limited (lock screen, app icons only)

Number of Device Manufacturers
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 200+ | iOS: 1
value reference: Android

Active User Base
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 1.8+ billion | iOS: 2.2B
value reference: Android

Global Smartphone Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 70.8% | iOS: N/A

Available Apps (Primary Store)
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 3.5+ million | iOS: N/A

Device Manufacturers Using Platform
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 150+ | iOS: N/A

Google Services Access
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: Full (Gmail, Drive, Maps, YouTube, Play Store) | iOS: N/A

Latest Flagship Camera (Main Sensor)
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 200MP (various manufacturers) | iOS: N/A

Entry-Level Price Range
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: $100-$300 | iOS: N/A

China Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: ~40% | iOS: N/A

OS Update Support Length
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 12+ (flagship devices) | iOS: N/A

Global Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 70.8% | iOS: 28%
value reference: Android

Base Model Price (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: From $100 (various manufacturers) | iOS: N/A

App Store Revenue (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: $38.6 billion | iOS: N/A

Average OS Update Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 2-3 years | iOS: N/A

Two-Year Resale Value Retention
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 45-55% | iOS: N/A

Number of Manufacturers
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 100+ | iOS: N/A

Customization Depth
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: Extensive (launchers, themes, defaults, widgets) | iOS: N/A

Average Device Lifespan
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 3.2 years | iOS: N/A

Global Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 70.1% | iOS: 29%
value reference: Android

Pre-installed Bloatware Apps
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 25 apps | iOS: N/A

Supported Device Models
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 1000+ | iOS: N/A

Average Security Patch Delay
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 45 days | iOS: N/A

Play Store App Availability
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 3.5 million | iOS: N/A

Installation Complexity
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: Factory pre-installed | iOS: N/A

Data Sent to Google/Parent Company
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 80-120 events | iOS: N/A

Device Update Support Duration
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: 2-3 years | iOS: N/A

Mobile Operating System Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: N/A | iOS: 28% (2026)

Enterprise Customer Adoption
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: N/A | iOS: 67% use iPhones in corporate environments

App Store Developer Ecosystem
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: N/A | iOS: 2.1 million registered App Store developers

Cloud Platform Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: N/A | iOS: 9% (iCloud + services)

Software Update Support Duration
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: N/A | iOS: 5-7 years guaranteed for iOS devices

Annual Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: N/A | iOS: Estimated $180B (Apple's iOS + Services division)

Average App Price (Premium Apps)
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: N/A | iOS: $4.99 median for paid apps

Security Vulnerability Response Time
type: PropertyValue
value: Android: N/A | iOS: 15-30 days average patch deployment

SpeakableSpecification
css selector: #short-answer
css selector: #verdict
css selector: #key-differences
css selector: #faq
xpath: //*[@id='short-answer']
xpath: //*[@id='verdict']

Android — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

iOS — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Android vs iOS
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/android-vs-ios
object: Android
object: iOS

Entry-Level Price Range
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

China Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Regional Performance

OS Update Support Length
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Support & Security

Global Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Position

Base Model Price (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

App Store Revenue (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ecosystem

Average OS Update Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

Two-Year Resale Value Retention
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economics

Number of Manufacturers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Hardware Diversity

Customization Depth
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Experience

Average Device Lifespan
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

Global Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Position

Pre-installed Bloatware Apps
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Experience

Supported Device Models
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Compatibility

Average Security Patch Delay
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Security

Play Store App Availability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ecosystem

Installation Complexity
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Setup

Data Sent to Google/Parent Company
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Privacy

Device Update Support Duration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

Mobile Operating System Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Position

Enterprise Customer Adoption
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Position

App Store Developer Ecosystem
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Developer Support

Cloud Platform Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Cloud Services

Software Update Support Duration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Long-Term Support

Annual Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial

Average App Price (Premium Apps)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Cost to Consumers

Security Vulnerability Response Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Security