Since Apple's macOS Catalina (*****) was released in October 2019, it did not take long until it became the most used version of macOS. As of March 2025, macOS Catalina commanded a staggering ** percent market share of all Apple computers worldwide.

In 2024, Catalina was recorded as the most-used Apple macOS version in the United Kingdom (UK). Usage reporting showed that it was installed on around **** percent of desktop Apple devices in the UK. However, issues with the reporting of certain versions means that this data does not fully reflect the usage of Catalina and Big Sur.

Between 2018 and 2024, Apple has released various versions of their Mac operating system. In the second quarter of 2024, macOS Catalina was the most popular version in Italy, occupying almost ** percent of the Italian desktop PC OS market.

Microsoft's Windows was the dominant desktop operating system (OS) worldwide as of March 2025, with a market share of around ** percent. Apple’s Mac operating system has gained market share over the years, growing to command around a fifth of the market. Linux and Google's Chrome OS have retained small but stable market shares in recent years. Different versions of Microsoft Windows From its initial release in 1985, Microsoft Windows has gone through endless mutations. Notable versions include Windows 95, Windows XP, and Windows 7. Windows 11 is the newest addition to the family, being able to run on PCs, tablets and embedded devices. In 2022, approximately ** million PCs were shipped with Windows operating systems installed. Apple’s Mac operating system With an equally long history, Apple’s Mac operating system (macOS, previously Mac OS X and OS X) has also evolved through numerous releases. MacOS Ventura is the nineteenth release of macOS. A older version of macOS, Catalina, is currently the most popular macOS, now run on **** percent of Apple computers as of January 2023. macOS runs on Apple’s Mac computers, including the MacBook, which is Apple’s laptop PC product including the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, and the iMac – Apple’s desktop computer.

Microsoft's Windows was the leading computer operating system in the United States as of January 2025, with a market share of roughly ** percent. Apple's macOS commanded a market share of over ** percent, a decline compared to the previous year.

Microsoft’s Windows is the most widely used computer operating system in the world, accounting for ** percent share of the desktop, tablet, and console OS market in March 2025. Apple’s macOS ranks as the next most widely used operating system, while its iOS mobile operating system, the standard installation on all iPad devices, ranks fourth. Linux OS versions serve as the primary option for users who prefer open-source software and intend to avoid the influence of major OS developers. Operating Systems Operating systems serve as the underlying platforms which connect computer hardware and software. They provide users with the graphical interface through which they issue commands and perform tasks on electronic devices. Billions of people make use of these devices and their operating systems on a regular basis, meaning that the companies that develop these widely used technologies have a great deal of influence on the daily lives of internet users around the world. Although Microsoft Windows is the clear leader in terms of desktop operating systems, the company’s mobile device operating system failed to make a successful transition into the smartphone market, where Android and iOS are essentially the only two options.

The market for iOS and Android emulators on Mac PCs is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for cross-platform application development and testing, mobile gaming, and access to Android apps on macOS systems. The market, estimated at $500 million in 2025, is projected to maintain a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% through 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors: the rising popularity of mobile gaming, necessitating efficient testing and development across platforms; the expanding adoption of cloud-based solutions that integrate seamlessly with emulators; and the continuous improvement in emulator performance, reducing lags and enhancing user experience. Furthermore, the increasing sophistication of mobile applications necessitates robust testing environments, further boosting demand for reliable emulators. Major players like BlueStacks, NoxPlayer, and others are constantly innovating, introducing features like enhanced graphics capabilities, improved compatibility with various Android versions, and better support for different hardware configurations, driving the market’s expansion. Competitive pressures among established players and the emergence of new entrants are shaping the market landscape. While established players hold significant market share, newer emulators are entering the market with innovative features and competitive pricing strategies. Challenges remain, including addressing performance issues, ensuring compatibility across various macOS versions and hardware, and managing the security risks associated with emulating mobile operating systems. Despite these challenges, the long-term growth outlook for this market remains positive, fueled by the continued expansion of the mobile app ecosystem and the increasing reliance on cross-platform development strategies. The market's regional distribution will likely reflect existing patterns of technology adoption and smartphone usage, with North America and Europe expected to dominate in the near future.

Windows 10 is the most popular Windows desktop operating system, accounting for a market share of around ** percent as of March 2025. The share of devices running the older Windows 7 OS has slipped over the past year, with the newer Windows ** running on around ** percent of devices. A global dominance in computer operating systems Microsoft’s Windows is the most widely used computer (desktop, tablet, and console) operating system (OS) in the world with more than ** percent of the market share. It's closest competitors — Apple's macOS and iOS — hold a combined less than ** percent of the market. Despite its dominance in the computer OS market, Microsoft has been unable to have the same impact on the mobile OS market, where Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS split the market with a combined share of over ** percent. Operating systems   Operating systems are the underlying platforms connecting computer hardware and software. They provide users with the graphical interface that enables them to issue commands and perform tasks on electronic devices. Almost every device today — from smartphones and desktop computers, to graphical calculators — requires an operating system to function.

The open-source video editing software market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for affordable and flexible editing solutions among various user groups. The market, estimated at $500 million in 2025, is projected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $1.8 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the rising adoption of video content creation across diverse sectors, from professional video engineers and editors to individual artists and hobbyists, is significantly boosting demand. Secondly, the inherent flexibility and customization offered by open-source software attract users seeking tailored workflows and avoiding vendor lock-in. Thirdly, the availability of diverse software options across various operating systems (Linux, macOS, Windows) caters to a broader audience. The market segments show a significant contribution from professional users (Video Engineers and Editors, Freelancers), followed by Artists and Hobbyists. While North America currently holds the largest market share, regions like Asia Pacific are demonstrating rapid growth potential due to increasing internet penetration and the burgeoning digital media landscape. However, the market faces challenges, including the perception of limited support and a potential learning curve associated with some open-source software. Despite these restraints, the ongoing development of user-friendly interfaces and the expanding community support are mitigating these challenges. The competitive landscape is fragmented, with several key players like Blender, DaVinci Resolve (open-source version), Kdenlive, OpenShot, and Natron vying for market share. These players differentiate themselves through unique feature sets, community support structures, and target user demographics. The ongoing innovation in open-source video editing technology, including advancements in AI-powered features and enhanced performance, will further drive market growth. Furthermore, the increasing integration of open-source tools within broader workflows, along with the expansion of online tutorials and training resources, is expected to broaden adoption and accelerate market expansion in the coming years. The accessibility and cost-effectiveness of these solutions will continue to make them an attractive alternative to proprietary software.

In the first quarter of 2025, Apple shipped **** percent of all PC units in the United States. Apple ranked fourth among vendors for U.S. PC shipments in the quarter. Apple Mac Since 1984, Apple has designed and manufactured a range personal computers (PCs) under the Mac, or Macintosh, name. The product lineup includes desktops such as the iMac and Mac Pro, as well as notebooks with the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The Americas region is a key source of revenue for Apple, with the MacBook a popular choice in the United States. In order to continue to appeal to customers and drive further sales, Apple has regularly developed and brought out newer versions of its Mac products. These updates have often been based on the release of new features, including new processor chips. Apple Mac processor history Prior to Intel, Apple’s line of Mac products used PowerPC microprocessors, with the transition to Intel x86 architecture first acknowledged in 2005. The first generation of Intel-based Mac computers were released in January 2006, a partnership that continued through until 2020 where Apple announced it will begin switching the Mac line from Intel CPUs to Arm-based processors. Arm, also recognized in the industry as ARM, is a semiconductor and software design which was acquired by the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank Group in 2016. It is best known for its computer processor architecture which it develops and licenses to other companies, who then use the design to create processors.

Apple and Microsoft command over a ** percent share of the desktop operating system market in the United Kingdom (UK), as of 2024. Microsoft’s product, Windows, held ***** percent of the market, while Apple’s macOS held ***** percent. Browsers and search engines used on desktops Desktop searches made up ** percent of search engine activity as of April 2023, ahead of the ** percent held by mobile phones. Google is not only the preferred search engine for **** percent of UK desktop users, it is also the developer of Chrome, the preferred browser for ** percent of internet users in the UK. Share of households with home computers steady The share of households with home computers in the UK has remained steady since 2015-16, with 88 percent of households owning such a machine according to the UK Office for National Statistics. The average weekly retail sales value of computers and telecommunications in the UK amounted to **** million British pounds in October 2023.

Four versions of Windows - **, **, ***, and * - were among the leading PC operating systems in Serbia in March 2024. Apple's PC operating system, Mac OS X, held a **** percent share of the market.

Four versions of Windows - **, **, ***, and * - were among the leading PC operating systems in Slovakia in March 2024. Apple's PC operating system, Mac OS X, held a **** percent share of the market.

As of June 2025, the most frequently used OS by users of the gaming platform Steam was Windows, at almost 97 percent. Linux followed in second place, with 2.57 percent, ahead of OSX with 1.76 percent share.

Three versions of Windows - **, **, and * - were among the leading PC operating systems in Estonia in March 2024. Apple's PC operating system, Mac OS X, held an ***** percent share of the market.

In 2024, over ** percent of developers worldwide reported using the Windows operating system for personal use, but only ** percent reported using the OS when working. MacOS, based on Unix, had the second-largest share at ** percent of developers using it for both personal and professional use, respectively. Linux dominates the rest of the market Among developers, Linux-based operating systems are highly favored for their flexibility and robust development environments, with Ubuntu ranking as the third most widely used distribution globally. Furthermore, other Linux distributions gained significant traction, such as Debian, Arch, Fedora, and Google’s ChromeOS among others. Android as the top mobile OS for developers When it came to mobile operating systems, Android had the highest percentage of developers using it both personally and professionally, while Apple's iOS and iPadOS held significantly lower shares. This trend extends beyond software development; Android's appeal is further highlighted by the fact that over one in 4 game developers globally report it as their preferred gaming platform, making it also one of the most popular platforms for game development worldwide.

Most software developers worldwide report the use of Windows operating system as their preferred development environment, as of 2021. Apple’s macOS was the second preferred operating system, followed by Linux. What is software development?   Software development refers to the process of creating, designing, and supporting software. It includes all the computer activities involved between the conception to the final manifestation of software. These activities are usually planned and put into stages in a logical order called the software development life cycle (SDLC). The software industry is an integral part of the IT market as the creative engine of the ever-involving market, and tech companies spend relentlessly on the development of new software products and the improvement of current ones. As such, software developers are well paid for their work. Programming languages & salary   The increasing demand for software developers is set to see their total population increase from over 20 million in 2018 to close to 29 million in 2024. Among a good deal of different programming language options, JavaScript is the most widely used programming language by software developers worldwide. Languages such as Erlang, however, which brings in the highest wages with averages of over 100,000 U.S. dollars per year as opposed to the 60,000 U.S. dollars earned on average by Java developers.

In the first quarter of 2025, **** million PC units were shipped by Apple in the United States, up from the **** million PC units that the company shipped in the first quarter of the previous year. Apple ranked fourth among vendors in terms of PC shipments in the United States. Apple offers several Mac devices across a range of price points Apple Mac is the company’s line of personal computers based on its macOS operating system. The Apple Mac lineup includes the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. Apple has made available versions of the MacBook Pro in 14-inch and 16-inch models, powered by the latest M3 Pro and M3 Max chips.Apple also offers its Mac mini, which features support for the M2 and M2 Pro chips. Apple operates in a PC market that must navigate fluctuating demand Following strong growth through the pandemic as consumers and enterprises alike purchased new devices, the slowdown in the global economy has resulted in buyers delaying device upgrades. As a result, PC vendors are likely to focus on software and service provision upgrades while the market recovers, with more extensive hardware enhancements expected down the line. One example identified by journalists monitoring Mac developments could see Apple move to produce a touchscreen MacBook Pro in 2025.

Symantec Corporation held 77 percent of the Windows anti-malware application market as of May 2023, more than any other vendor. It was followed by Norton 360, with a market share of 15 percent. In 2019, Symantec sold its Enterprise Security software division to Broadcom and renamed the remaining business to NortonLifeLock.

Beware the Trojan horse

Malware is software designed to maliciously interfere with the regular operation of computers or mobiles. This includes the destruction or gathering of data, presenting unwanted advertising, or rendering a device vulnerable to external control. There were 5.5 billion malware attacks in 2022 alone, down from 10.5 billion in 2018.

Trojan horses are the most common methods of infection, in which a user is tricked into downloading malware, disguised as a legitimate product.

Malware targeting Windows

While all users of devices connected to the internet are vulnerable to malware infections, certain systems are more vulnerable. Malware developers target windows-based systems more than any other, with 83.45 percent of newly detected malware programs in the first quarter of 2020 targeting machines running Windows. This is not to say that users of MacOS are immune, with malware such as Flashback, Macontrol, and Shlayer all designed to infect systems running MacOS.