Android maintained its position as the leading mobile operating system worldwide in the first quarter of 2025 with a market share of about 71.88 percent. Android's closest rival, Apple's iOS, had a market share of approximately 27.65 percent during the same period. The leading mobile operating systems Both unveiled in 2007, Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS have evolved through incremental updates introducing new features and capabilities. The latest version of iOS, iOS 18, was released in September 2024, while the most recent Android iteration, Android 15, was made available in September 2023. A key difference between the two systems concerns hardware - iOS is only available on Apple devices, whereas Android ships with devices from a range of manufacturers such as Samsung, Google and OnePlus. In addition, Apple has had far greater success in bringing its users up to date. As of February 2024, 66 percent of iOS users had iOS 17 installed, while in the same month only 13 percent of Android users ran the latest version. The rise of the smartphone From around 2010, the touchscreen smartphone revolution had a major impact on sales of basic feature phones, as the sales of smartphones increased from 139 million units in 2008 to 1.39 billion units in 2023. In 2020, smartphone sales decreased to 1.38 billion units due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Apple, Samsung, and lately also Xiaomi, were the big winners in this shift towards smartphones, with BlackBerry and Nokia among those unable to capitalize.
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iPhone Vs. Android Statistics: As of 2024, Android OS-based smartphones are dominating the global market compared to iOS. However, iPhone and Android devices have the highest demand compared to other operating systems. Overall, the iPhone is known for its better user experience, improved privacy, and security, while Android significantly focuses on affordability.
As stated in these iPhone Vs. Android Statistics, developing countries are more likely to prefer Android phones than iPhones. In addition, there is more population in Asian countries; therefore, it makes a huge difference in the market share as well. These statistics specifically focus on the differences between these two brands by various segments. Let’s dive into these.Â
Apple claimed a 17.7 percent share of the market in the second quarter of 2024, an increase from the previous quarter. Apple's long time competitor, Samsung, ranked first with a market share of 18.3 percent. Apple and Samsung continue to dominate the smartphone market Apple has been amongst the top five smartphone vendors in the world since 2009. With the decline of former market leaders Nokia and RIM, Apple and Samsung were able to grow their presence in the market. As a result of political pressure, tariffs and restrictions imposed by the U.S, Chinese manufacturer Huawei has recently dropped off of the top five list in the smartphone market, while Xiaomi, Oppo, and Transsion have gained ground. Coronavirus (COVD-19) pandemic impact on iPhone sales While the long-term impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on sale is difficult to determine, the immediate impact was quickly visible. While large quarterly fluctuations are normal for Apple’s revenue cycle, one must look back to 2017 to find two consecutive quarters in which Apple generated less than 30 billion U.S. dollars in revenue from the iPhone. A less strong performance in the first quarter of 2024, lead by the iPhone 16, gave Apple the second spot in terms of quarterly global unit shipments after Samsung, although strong sales in the fourth quarter of every year is a common occurrence with Apple products.
As of July 2024, Apple’s iPhone 15 was the most popular smartphone model sold in the United States, accounting for over 17.5 percent of total smartphone sales. The iPhone was the most popular smartphone in the United States at that time, occupying four spots in the top five. Apple and Samsung: two leading competitors Apple and Samsung are the leading smartphone vendors in the United States with a combined market share of almost 80 percent in the second quarter of 2023. The two smartphone vendors dominate the U.S. smartphone market not only in terms of sales, but also when it comes to customer satisfaction: Samsung’s Galaxy line and the Apple iPhones are the highest ranked smartphone models on the American customer satisfaction index. In line with their successes in the United States, Apple and Samsung also lead the global smartphone market, albeit to a lesser degree – the two brands have a combined market share of close to 40 percent. Smartphone penetration the highest in the United States Smartphone sales value in the United States more than doubled in the last decade, making the U.S. one of the major smartphone markets globally. In 2024, over 118 million smartphones were forecast to be sold, with the number of U.S. smartphone users forecast expected to grow in the coming years.
Mobile Phone Market Size 2025-2029
The mobile phone market size is forecast to increase by USD 213.9 billion at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2024 and 2029.
The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of telecom services and the proliferation of mobile applications. Smartphones have become an integral part of daily life, with consumers using them for various purposes such as communication, entertainment, and productivity. The market is witnessing a surge in mobile phone sales from e-commerce platforms, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
However, concerns regarding security and privacy with smartphone usage continue to pose challenges. In addition, the market is also witnessing trends such as the integration of mobile phones with data centers, mobile gaming consoles, and autonomous vehicles, providing new opportunities for market growth.
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The emergence of 5G devices and test sites signifies the next phase of network development, promising faster data transfer rates and improved connectivity. Chipmakers play a crucial role in powering the smartphone market, ensuring the production of high-performance components. Handset design continues to evolve, focusing on sleeker forms, larger displays, and longer battery life. The market's size is substantial, with millions of units sold annually, reflecting the ubiquity of smartphones in today's digital world.
How is this Mobile Phone Industry segmented?
The mobile phone industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.
Distribution Channel
Offline
Online
Type
Smartphone
Feature phone
Geography
APAC
China
India
Japan
South Korea
Europe
Germany
UK
North America
Canada
US
Middle East and Africa
South America
Brazil
By Distribution Channel Insights
The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The offline distribution channel segment in the US market caters to consumers who prefer a tangible shopping experience. Approximately two-thirds of consumers prefer purchasing mobile phones from physical retail stores, primarily due to the aging population. Offline distribution channels include independent retailers, multi-brand stores, and exclusive brand outlets. Personal interaction and the ability to test and compare devices before purchasing are significant advantages of offline retail.
Telecom infrastructure development, including 5G technology, enhances the offline buying experience by enabling instant device demos and showcasing the latest AI-powered smartphones. The integration of IoT and e-commerce platforms in offline stores further broadens the shopping experience. Semiconductor shortages and increasing mobile phone production through initiatives like Production-linked Incentives (PLI) continue to fuel the demand for mobile handsets.
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The offline segment was valued at USD 372.00 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
Regional Analysis
APAC is estimated to contribute 54% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
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The market in APAC has experienced substantial growth, with major contributors being China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia. The expanding urban population and rising disposable income have fueled the demand for smartphones. Telecom infrastructure development and the introduction of budget-centric devices are key growth drivers. Established manufacturers have set up production facilities in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and India. The market is further propelled by technological advancements such as 5G technology, artificial intelligence, and IoT integration. Semiconductor components, e-commerce, and m-commerce are significant sectors driving market expansion. Consumers increasingly adopt smartphones for digital information access, trade activities, and entertainment.
Mid-range smartphones and 5G devices are popular choices, with chipmakers addressing the semiconductor shortage. Smartphone manufacturers prioritize handset design, Android operating system, and application developers for in-app purchases and IoT applications. 5G deployment and economic development are ongoing, with security architecture, eID, and retailers adapting to the digital society.
Market Dynamics
The smar
Smartphone Market Size 2025-2029
The smartphone market size is forecast to increase by USD 99.8 million, at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2024 and 2029.
The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key trends. One major factor is the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in smartphones, enhancing user experience through features like voice recognition and facial recognition. Sensor fusion technology is another trend, enabling devices to collect and analyze data from various sensors for improved functionality and accuracy. However, ongoing trade wars are posing challenges to market growth, with tariffs and import taxes affecting smartphone sales, particularly in key markets. These trends and challenges are shaping the future of the smartphone industry.
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The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in telecom infrastructure and the proliferation of affordable handsets. Mobile phone users increasingly seek devices capable of leveraging 5G network technologies, with chipmakers responding by producing 5G chips for integration into mobile handsets. Android and Windows Phone operating systems dominate the market, while third-party originators challenge the status quo. Improved hardware and software capabilities enable advanced digital functions such as web browsing, music, video, gaming, and camera capability. The integration of artificial intelligence enhances user experience. Governmental assistance and the transition from feature phones to smartphones further fuel market growth. Overall, the market remains dynamic, with a focus on affordable, high-performance devices that cater to the diverse needs of consumers.
How is this Smartphone Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?
The smartphone industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.
Technology
Android
IOS
Others
Price Range
Between USD 150-USD 800
Greater than USD 800
Less than USD150
Screen Size
Greater than 6 inches
Between 5-6 inches
Less than 5 inches
Geography
APAC
China
India
Japan
South Korea
Europe
Germany
UK
France
North America
Canada
US
Middle East and Africa
South America
Brazil
By Technology Insights
The android segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
The Android operating system, provided by Alphabet Inc. (Google), is a globally popular choice for smartphones. With over 2.5 million apps available In the Google Play Store, users have access to a vast selection of applications catering to their diverse needs. Notable features of the Android OS include smart reply for messaging apps, focus mode options, Wi-Fi sharing via QR codes, and Google Assistant. Google offers essential web services such as Google Search, Google Maps, and YouTube free of charge. The Android OS's extensive feature set has contributed to its increasing popularity among consumers worldwide.
In addition, high-speed data connectivity and integration with Internet of Things (IoT) applications further enhance its appeal. Application developers create software for various lifestyle, social media, mobile utility, and other categories, ensuring a rich and diverse app ecosystem. The Android OS is written primarily in Java and C++, with support for in-app purchases and in-app course subscriptions.
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The android segment was valued at USD 203.60 million in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
Regional Analysis
APAC is estimated to contribute 48% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.
Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
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The market in APAC has experienced substantial growth, with China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia being the primary contributors to revenue generation. The expansion of urban populations and the subsequent increase in disposable income have fueled the demand for smartphones In the region. Key drivers of this market growth include the advancement of telecom infrastructure and the emergence of affordable smartphone options. Major global smartphone manufacturers have established manufacturing facilities in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and India to cater to the increasing demand.
Additionally, digital information consumption, human-computer interaction advancements, and t
The share of Apple iPhone in the Indian mobile phone market reached around 4.1 percent as of June 2024. There was a general growth trend in the market share of iPhone over the observed time frame. In this period, it reached its highest market share in May 2023, at 4.9 percent.
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Global Cloud Mobile Backend as a Service (BaaS) Market size was $3.0 Billion in 2022 and is slated to hit $7.3 Billion by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of nearly 24.1%.
Refurbished Smartphone Market Size 2025-2029
The refurbished smartphone market size is forecast to increase by USD 65.06 billion, at a CAGR of 14.2% between 2024 and 2029.
The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing emphasis on sustainability and circular economy in industries such as consumer electronics. This trend is propelling the growth of the market, as consumers and businesses seek to reduce their environmental footprint by extending the life cycle of existing devices.
Additionally, the proliferation of online platforms dealing in refurbished smartphones has made it easier than ever for consumers to access affordable, high-quality devices. The easy availability of smartphones on e-commerce platforms is further fueling market growth. However, challenges such as ensuring data security and maintaining consistent quality standards remain key concerns for market participants.
Companies seeking to capitalize on this market opportunity must focus on addressing these challenges effectively while also staying abreast of evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements.
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Network operators and e-waste recycling companies and others, play a crucial role in the refurbishment process, ensuring the availability of a wide range of brand options. The sustainable tech ecosystem created by the market offers a solution for budget-friendly consumers while reducing electronic waste. Despite the growing demand for smartphones, the refurbished market is poised to maintain its momentum, providing affordable devices for consumers worldwide.
How is this Refurbished Smartphone Industry segmented?
The refurbished smartphone industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.
OS
Android
iOS
Price Range
Low-priced
Medium-priced
Premium
Distribution Channel
Online
Offline
Geography
APAC
China
India
Japan
South Korea
North America
Canada
US
Europe
Germany
UK
France
South America
Middle East and Africa
By OS Insights
The Android segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market, driven by the widespread use of Android OS, experienced notable growth in 2024. Major players, including Samsung, offer affordable devices by using their proprietary OS, such as Tizen, alongside budget-friendly options from various brands. Middle-class populations and budget-conscious buyers, particularly in emerging markets like the US, China, India, the UK, and Indonesia, are increasingly opting for pre-owned smartphones due to their affordability. The circular economy concept, which prioritizes sustainability efforts and value-oriented solutions, is a significant factor fueling this trend.
As a result, the market volume reached millions of units, with product life cycles extending and the premium smartphone segment offering upgraded specifications. Network operators and enterprises also contribute to the market's growth by offering extended warranties, additional functionality, and connectivity services. The circular economy ecosystem is becoming increasingly important, with companies implementing take-back programs, remanufacturing processes, and sustainable tech initiatives.
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The Android segment was valued at USD 26.43 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
Regional Analysis
APAC is estimated to contribute 47% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
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The market in APAC has experienced notable growth, with China, India, and Indonesia being key contributors to the revenue. Factors fueling this expansion include the advancement of telecom infrastructure, increasing smartphone prices, and the absence of groundbreaking features in Android devices. In response, consumers in APAC have shown a preference for refurbished models of reputable brands like Apple Inc. And Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. This trend is driven by the affordability of these devices, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers, middle-class populations, students, and emerging markets. Furthermore, value-oriented solutions from sellers along with extended warranties, additional functionality, and circular economy concepts, have added to the market's appeal.
In addition, network operators
The number of smartphone users in the United States was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 17.4 million users (+5.61 percent). After the fifteenth consecutive increasing year, the smartphone user base is estimated to reach 327.54 million users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of smartphone users of was continuously increasing over the past years.Smartphone users here are limited to internet users of any age using a smartphone. The shown figures have been derived from survey data that has been processed to estimate missing demographics.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the number of smartphone users in countries like Mexico and Canada.
The population share with mobile internet access in North America was forecast to increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 2.9 percentage points. This overall increase does not happen continuously, notably not in 2028 and 2029. The mobile internet penetration is estimated to amount to 84.21 percent in 2029. Notably, the population share with mobile internet access of was continuously increasing over the past years.The penetration rate refers to the share of the total population having access to the internet via a mobile broadband connection.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the population share with mobile internet access in countries like Caribbean and Europe.
Switzerland is leading the ranking by population share with mobile internet access , recording 95.06 percent. Following closely behind is Ukraine with 95.06 percent, while Moldova is trailing the ranking with 46.83 percent, resulting in a difference of 48.23 percentage points to the ranking leader, Switzerland. The penetration rate refers to the share of the total population having access to the internet via a mobile broadband connection.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).
Android maintained its position as the leading mobile operating system worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2024 with a market share of about 72.04 percent. Android's closest rival, Apple's iOS, had a market share of approximately 27.49 percent during the same period. The leading mobile operating systems Both unveiled in 2007, Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS have evolved through incremental updates introducing new features and capabilities. The latest version of iOS, iOS 18, was released in September 2024, while the most recent Android iteration, Android 15, was made available in September 2023. A key difference between the two systems concerns hardware - iOS is only available on Apple devices, whereas Android ships with devices from a range of manufacturers such as Samsung, Google and OnePlus. In addition, Apple has had far greater success in bringing its users up to date. As of February 2024, 66 percent of iOS users had iOS 17 installed, while in the same month only 13 percent of Android users ran the latest version. The rise of the smartphone From around 2010, the touchscreen smartphone revolution had a major impact on sales of basic feature phones, as the sales of smartphones increased from 139 million units in 2008 to 1.39 billion units in 2023. In 2020, smartphone sales decreased to 1.38 billion units due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Apple, Samsung, and lately also Xiaomi, were the big winners in this shift towards smartphones, with BlackBerry and Nokia among those unable to capitalize.
According to a survey conducted by the Mobile Ecosystem Forum from November to December 2019, the highest penetration rate among smartphone users was in the age group of 16 to 24 years, with 37 percent. This was followed by the users between 24 and 35 years old. Older Indians surveyed had a lower penetration rate for smartphone usage.
Baby boomers to millennials – smartphone addiction
Smartphones, once a status symbol has now become a common product in the country due to disposable incomes, faster lifestyle, and the necessity to stay connected. Also, an open operating system and low data rates have fueled this growth. In India, increased availability of content across various genres, regional languages, and communicating over social media and different applications led to an increased usage of smartphones.
Smartphone pricing in the country
The Indian smartphone market was dominated those that cost below 20,000 Indian rupees. This was evident from the share of the leading smartphone models in the country. Even though Apple dominated mobile markets worldwide, India had a different story. Though iPhones led in the premium segment, its share in the overall smartphone market remained near negligible. The smartphone market in the country was saturated with high competition, forcing companies to work on wafer-thin margins. Around 30 major smartphone brands were vying for their spotlight in the Indian smartphone market.
The number of smartphone users in the Philippines was forecast to increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 5.6 million users (+7.29 percent). This overall increase does not happen continuously, notably not in 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029. The smartphone user base is estimated to amount to 82.33 million users in 2029. Notably, the number of smartphone users of was continuously increasing over the past years.Smartphone users here are limited to internet users of any age using a smartphone. The shown figures have been derived from survey data that has been processed to estimate missing demographics.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).
In 2022, smartphone vendors sold around 1.39 billion smartphones were sold worldwide, with this number forecast to drop to 1.34 billion in 2023.
Smartphone penetration rate still on the rise
Less than half of the world’s total population owned a smart device in 2016, but the smartphone penetration rate has continued climbing, reaching 78.05 percent in 2020. By 2025, it is forecast that almost 87 percent of all mobile users in the United States will own a smartphone, an increase from the 27 percent of mobile users in 2010.
Smartphone end user sales
In the United States alone, sales of smartphones were projected to be worth around 73 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, an increase from 18 billion dollars in 2010. Global sales of smartphones are expected to increase from 2020 to 2021 in every major region, as the market starts to recover from the initial impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The number of smartphone users in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy and most populous country, is forecast to grow to more than 140 million by 2025. Currently, estimates from different sources put the number of smartphone users in Nigeria at roughly 25 and 40 million. The exact number of users is hard to pin down - however, the data found shows a strong growth outlook for the Nigerian smartphone market with user numbers to at least triple within the next five to six years.
Strong population and GDP growth forecast
The population and gross domestic product (GDP) in Nigeria are both forecast to grow steadily at an annual rate of two to three percent until 2022. Nigeria’s population is very young (average age of 18) and expected to grow to more than 200 million people by 2020. Concurrently, the GDP is set to reach more than 500 billion U.S. dollars by that time. The country’s telecoms industry also stands to profit from Nigeria’s overall growth due to its contribution to the country’s GDP being steady as of 2012 (7.5 to 10 percent of annual GDP).
Smartphone penetration set to rise
The dynamic growth of Nigeria’s economy and population is set to impact the development of the country’s mobile market as well. There are around 170 million mobile subscriptions in Nigeria. But currently, only around 10 to 20 percent of the population is using a smartphone. The majority of mobile users are still using feature phones which offer basic phone functions like voice calling and text messaging. Smartphone penetration is set to grow though to around 60 percent by 2025, presenting strong growth opportunities for feature phone and smartphone manufacturers alike. At present, Samsung is the leading smartphone vendor in Nigeria. Although, Chinese manufacturers like Tecno, Itel (Hong Kong), and Infinix (Hong Kong) are also holding strong positions in the market.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Samsung shipped around 52 million smartphones, a decrease from the both the previous quarter and the same quarter of the previous year. Samsung’s sales consistently place the smartphone giant among the top three smartphone vendors in the world, alongside Xiaomi and Apple. Samsung smartphone sales – how many phones does Samsung sell? Global smartphone sales reached over 1.2 billion units during 2024. While the global smartphone market is led by Samsung and Apple, Xiaomi has gained ground following the decline of Huawei. Together, these three companies hold more than 50 percent of the global smartphone market share.
Facebook is the leading social network worldwide, and its accessibility through multiple mobile apps as well as its mobile website. In January 2021, over 98 percent of active user accounts worldwide accessed the social network via any kind of mobile phone.
Facebook in mobile-first markets India is thecountry with the largest Facebook audience by far, with 340 million users on the platform, followed the United States, Indonesia, and Brazil all of which have more than 100 million Facebook users each. With the exception of the United States, all of these are digital markets with mobile-first audiences. In many emerging markets, mobile is often the first online experience, providing online users with their first internet experience through inexpensive smartphones and mobile data contracts. In India and Indonesia, mobile by far surpasses desktop in terms of audiences and time spent.
Mobile Facebook access Due to the social network’s wide reach on mobile, it is unsurprising that Facebook consistently ranks as one of the most-downloaded app publishers worldwide. Some of the apps published by Facebook include the eponymous social networking app (and its low-bandwidth version, Facebook Lite), Facebook Messenger (also available as Messenger Lite), Facebook Pages Manager and Facebook Local. In the Google Play Store, Facebook Messenger, Messenger Lite and Facebook frequently rank among the top downloaded apps every month.
The smartphone penetration in the Philippines was forecast to continuously decrease between 2024 and 2029 by in total 6.4 percentage points. According to this forecast, in 2029, the penetration will have decreased for the fourth consecutive year to 65.75 percent. The penetration rate refers to the share of the total population.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the smartphone penetration in countries like Laos and Malaysia.
Android maintained its position as the leading mobile operating system worldwide in the first quarter of 2025 with a market share of about 71.88 percent. Android's closest rival, Apple's iOS, had a market share of approximately 27.65 percent during the same period. The leading mobile operating systems Both unveiled in 2007, Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS have evolved through incremental updates introducing new features and capabilities. The latest version of iOS, iOS 18, was released in September 2024, while the most recent Android iteration, Android 15, was made available in September 2023. A key difference between the two systems concerns hardware - iOS is only available on Apple devices, whereas Android ships with devices from a range of manufacturers such as Samsung, Google and OnePlus. In addition, Apple has had far greater success in bringing its users up to date. As of February 2024, 66 percent of iOS users had iOS 17 installed, while in the same month only 13 percent of Android users ran the latest version. The rise of the smartphone From around 2010, the touchscreen smartphone revolution had a major impact on sales of basic feature phones, as the sales of smartphones increased from 139 million units in 2008 to 1.39 billion units in 2023. In 2020, smartphone sales decreased to 1.38 billion units due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Apple, Samsung, and lately also Xiaomi, were the big winners in this shift towards smartphones, with BlackBerry and Nokia among those unable to capitalize.