Android vs iPhone in 2025: Which One Should You Buy?
iPhone vs Android Users: Key Differences in 2025
Please think about a simple matters:
The toughest choice in everyone’s life:
DC or Marvel
Coca-Cola or Pepsi
Cats or dogs
Or maybe even pineapple on pizza?
But seriously, we want to discuss one of the most debated and relevant topics: iPhone vs Android user behavior. Why is this important, and what does it mean?
We have made this material as useful as possible for specific target groups looking for practical insights for their tasks. Whether you are a marketer, analyst, mobile app developer, business owner, startup founder, or investor - you will find all the answers here. We will explore iOS vs Android differences, analyze which platform is worth investing in, and assess the risks and opportunities related to user behavior and mobile app user engagement.
Understanding the smartphone divide in 2025
Android market share (as of the end of 2024) stands at 70.93%, while iPhone market share for the same period is 29.07%. These numbers are relatively stable, fluctuating within a range of no more than 5-7%.
And at first glance, it seems like there is no real competitionт - one platform is nearly 2.5 times more popular. If this were a debate about food or personal preferences, the answer would be obvious.
However, in this case, another parameter is far more important: in-app purchases. iPhone vs Android divide is striking here as well, but in the opposite direction. Apple App Store users generated 87 billion dollars in revenue, compared to $48 billion spent by Android Market users.
Surprise! After App Store revenue comparison, the picture has dramatically shifted. Hasn’t it?
Moreover, when analyzing Mobile app revenue, we must also consider global consumer spending. Last year, this figure reached $127 billion - more than the GDP of countries like Morocco, Slovakia, or Cuba. It even surpasses the market capitalization of companies like Netflix or Starbucks (though the 2023 figures have changed significantly since then).
So, what other conclusions can we draw? Growth in Android users has slowed in developed countries but continues in emerging markets like India, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, iOS market share has seen minor growth in recent years. This is largely due to the launch of more affordable models (such as the iPhone SE) and the expansion of Apple’s ecosystem (Apple Watch, AirPods, services), which helps retain users.
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| Data source: wezom.com |
iPhone vs Android differences in hardware and software
Before getting to the differences between iPhone and Android users, it’s useful to go through some key distinctions between the hardware and software they use. To begin with, Android users have a wide variety of devices to choose from – with a range of options in screen sizes, processors, device features, and price points. iPhone users, on the other hand, are limited to Apple's iPhone lineup.
One difference that stands out, particularly to those switching from one platform to the other, is that Android phones typically come with physical buttons for navigation, while iPhones use a navigational interface that is entirely touch-based. This can be a matter of preference, but it‘s worth noting that the physical buttons on Android phones can sometimes be more convenient, especially when using the device with only one hand.
When it comes to the user interface, the most notable difference is that Android users are able to customize their home screens by reorganizing their widgets and apps in many ways, whereas iPhone users are limited to a more simplistic grid layout. Android phones broadly have more customization options than iPhones, allowing Android users of the former to change the look and feel of their phones to suit their personal preferences.
When it comes to publishing apps in the application marketplace, Apple has a much stricter approval process resulting in fewer buggy or low-quality apps in its App Store. However, this also means that it can take longer for new apps to be approved and made available for Apple devices.
Demographics and Behavior: iPhone vs Android Users
Admittedly, it’s difficult to definitively say whether one consumer segment is more likely to be an iPhone user or an Android user. These things vary by country, change over time, and depend on many other variables.
Based on recent publicly available global data, here are some key takeaways on the differences between Android versus iPhone users:
- iPhone users generally earn more than Android users – iPhones tend to attract premium or higher-income customers. In a 2024 survey (from US-based eCommerce platform Slickdeals), iPhone users reported an average annual income of $53,251 and $37,040 for Android users. The same survey also reported that iPhone users spend more on clothes, beauty products, and technology-related items than Android users.
- Premium and ultra-premium consumers prefer the iPhone – Relatedly, Apple leads the market in the premium smartphone segment (according to a 2022 Counterpoint report), defined as smartphones with a wholesale price of at least $400, with 57% global market share. Furthermore, iPhones dominate the ultra-premium segment of $1,000+ devices with 78% market share.
- Younger users prefer the iPhone, older generations prefer Android – In a December 2023 survey , the percentage of iPhone users (44%) only outnumbered Android users (30%) in the 18-29 year old age group. Android users lead iPhone users in older age groups. This appears to sync with US demographics, as iPhones lead among 39-49 year olds with a 48% share compared to 43% for Android. Conversely, older generations among US consumers prefer Android devices over the iPhone.
- Customer loyalty to both platforms is high and steady – Android users are more loyal than iOS users, albeit only slightly. Android has a 91% customer retention rate, compared to 86% for iOS (according to a report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners).
- Reasons for switching from one OS to the other – Among the list of reasons, users switch from iOS to Android and vice versa in search of a better user experience, better features, and better pricing (according to a 2023 survey of US consumers). 14% of those who switched from Android to iOS said that the latter provided a better UX, while only 4% stated that the change from iOS to Android delivered a better experience.
In addition, 29% said that they moved from an iOS device to an Android device for affordability, compared to 11% for the other way around. However, the gap in wanting better features (e.g. camera, design, etc.) isn’t as wide, with 24% of respondents stating this as their motivation to go from an iPhone to an Android device and 25% vice versa. Other reasons that didn’t matter as much for switching platforms include wanting more apps, better customer service, and faster software updates.
- Apple users feel more secure than Android users – It’s difficult to definitively state that iOS is better at protecting user security and privacy than Android. While that may be the general consensus among a lot of security experts, they also say it’s not that simple. However, when it comes to perceptions, a 2022 survey found that consumers feel more secure using Apple devices than Android ones. In addition, among those surveyed who experienced security breaches, 75% of iOS users said that they were able to fully recover their data compared to only 55% of Android users.
- Android users are more responsive to push notifications – Android apps tend to perform better than iOS apps when it comes to user engagement from push notifications (based on a 2021 report from Airship). The reaction rate for Android is 4.6% versus 3.4% for iOS. This means that Android users click more often on their push notifications than iPhone users.
Android users also have a higher opt-in rate of 81% compared to their iOS counterparts at 51%. This means that more Android users choose to opt in or receive push notifications. A key factor for this is that iOS doesn’t allow apps to automatically opt in their users to push notifications, whereas Android does.
- iPhone users spend more on in-app purchases – The global average in-app spend per user, per app in 2022 for Android users is $0.47 and $1 for iOS users (according to Statista). This is consistent with global consumer spending on the top 100 subscription-based apps. iOS apps from the Apple App Store earned a total revenue of $13.5 billion in 2021, compared to $4.8 billion earned by Google Play apps (according to Sensor Tower). For businesses looking to monetize their apps using premium models, subscriptions, or in-app purchases, building on iOS appears to be the more optimal route.
On the other hand, for those looking to drive revenue through ads or referral marketing by way of gaming apps, they should note that there are more game installs on Google Play. However, revenue generated from gaming apps on iOS is still higher than from those on Android (76% of revenue in 2023).
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| Source: Statista |
Artificial Intelligence Features
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a crucial aspect of modern smartphones, enhancing user experience and providing innovative features. Both Apple and Google have made significant strides in integrating AI into their operating systems.
Apple’s Focus on Privacy and Security
Apple’s approach to AI emphasizes privacy and security. The company’s AI-powered features, such as Siri and Apple Intelligence, are designed to work locally on the device, minimizing data transmission to the cloud. This approach ensures that user data remains secure and private. Apple’s AI-powered features include:
- Siri: Apple’s virtual assistant uses AI to understand and respond to user queries, providing a personalized experience.
- Apple Intelligence: This feature uses AI to prioritize notifications, surface important information, and provide a more streamlined user experience.
- Core ML: Apple’s machine learning framework allows developers to integrate AI-powered features into their apps, enhancing user experience and providing innovative functionality.
App Store and Google Play
The App Store and Google Play are the primary platforms for downloading and installing apps on iOS and Android devices, respectively. Both platforms offer a wide range of apps, including games, productivity tools, and social media platforms.
Revenue and App Preferences
The App Store and Google Play generate significant revenue for developers, with the App Store generating $85.1 billion in 2023, while Google Play generated $47.9 billion. iOS users tend to spend more on apps, with an average spend of $12.77 per app, compared to Android users, who spend an average of $6.19 per app.
In terms of app preferences, iOS users tend to prefer apps in the following categories:
- Games: iOS users spend more on games, with 76% of revenue generated from gaming apps.
- Productivity: iOS users prefer productivity apps, such as Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
- Social Media: iOS users tend to prefer social media apps, such as Facebook and Instagram.
Android users, on the other hand, tend to prefer apps in the following categories:
- Games: Android users also spend a significant amount on games, with 31.87% of revenue generated from gaming apps.
- Education: Android users tend to prefer education apps, such as language learning and educational games.
- Food and Drink: Android users tend to prefer food and drink apps, such as restaurant finders and recipe apps.
Overall, both the App Store and Google Play offer a wide range of apps, catering to diverse user preferences and needs. This diversity in app preferences highlights the importance of understanding the target audience when developing mobile apps for either platform.
User Experience: iOS vs Android
How much do iPhone vs Android features differ? Globally, not much. Both are systems that allow the user to manage their smartphone. However, there are certain criteria by which owners choose their devices. Let's take a look at the main ones.
- Ease of use. iPhone users often note that iOS "just works." The interface is intuitive, and the settings are minimal. This makes the smartphone an ideal choice for those who don’t want to spend time learning technical details.
At the same time, the Android operating system offers more freedom. But this can be both a plus and a minus. Some believe that the setup requires more time and effort. "It’s like a constructor: you can make everything how you want, but you need to spend time."
2. Stability. The main differences between iPhone and Android are that statistically, iOS rarely crashes, and updates arrive on time and work smoothly. For Android, stability depends on the device and manufacturer. On older or budget models, lag may occur, and updates are often delayed.
3. Software design and user interface differences. Apple adheres to the principle "less is more." The interface is clean, with an emphasis on convenience and intuitiveness. All iOS apps look and work similarly, creating a sense of unity. Overall, the design focuses on making content (photos, text, videos) the centerpiece while keeping the interface unobtrusive.
Android apps allow developers and users to experiment with the interface. Moreover, it adapts to different devices, screen resolutions, and forms (for example, foldable phones). Google uses Material Design, which combines realistic shadows, animations, and bright colors.
4. Camera. Apple’s camera is praised for consistently high-quality photos and videos, even without additional settings. Selfies are especially valued. Android cameras often offer more technical features (such as zoom or macro shooting), but the quality depends on the manufacturer.
5. Notifications. Even push notifications on Android and iOS come through and feel differently. On iOS, they are grouped in the Notification Center, which can be accessed by swiping down. On Android, notifications are more flexible - they can be grouped, collapsed, or quickly responded to. They support more actions (such as quick replies or media control).
6. Security. iPhone security vs Android security differs in terms of vulnerability. iOS users trust the system's security. The App Store is strictly moderated, reducing the risk of malicious apps. Apps from Google Play are also moderated, but the system is more vulnerable to viruses and malware, especially if the user installs apps from third-party sources.
7. Durability and support. iPhones receive updates for 5-6 years, making them quite durable. Users appreciate that their devices remain relevant. Support for Android devices depends on the manufacturer. Many devices stop receiving updates after 2-3 years.
Final thoughts on choosing between iPhone and Android in 2025
The smartphone war won’t end in 2025, but Android will continue to dominate in terms of user numbers, while iPhone will maintain its lead in profitability and user loyalty.
Which platform is best for app development?
iOS is ideal for monetization since users are more likely to pay for apps and in-app purchases. It is a closed ecosystem with high user loyalty, but development requires strict adherence to App Store rules.
The number of iPhone vs Android users clearly tilts in favor of the “green robot.” Android covers far more users worldwide, especially in developing countries. It is an open platform with flexibility for customization but requires adaptation to a wide range of devices and OS versions.
If you want to create an app that will succeed on both platforms, reach out to us! We are a company with vast experience. Our team will help you choose the best strategy, develop a high-quality product, and bring it to market. Trust the professionals, and we will make your app popular!
