As of August 2024, the Android 14 operating system (OS) dominated the Android space over the Android 13 and 12 versions, holding a share of over ** percent of all mobile Android devices in the United States. Android 13 held around ** percent and Android 12 ranked third with approximately ** percent market share.

In January 2025, Android 14 held the top spot with a market share of just around ** percent, followed by Android 13 at nearly ** percent, and Android 12 with about ** percent. The newly released Android 15 accounted for just above ***** percent. Android dominates the global market Released in 2007, Android’s adaptability and versatility quickly attracted the support of major smartphone manufacturers like Sony, Samsung, and HTC, who designed phones specifically for the Android system. This strategic alliance and competitive pricing propelled Android to become the most used smartphone operating system since 2011. By 2023, it dominated over ** percent of the entire mobile OS market worldwide, outpacing its biggest competitor, Apple. In addition to its global dominance, Android led the European mobile OS market in 2023 with a share of nearly ** percent. Android Apps and the Google Play Store The world’s largest app store, the Google Play Store, bolsters the popularity of Android devices, which boasted nearly *** million apps ready for download as of *********. During this time, the most downloaded Android apps were Meta’s Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Meanwhile, the streaming services apps Disney+ and HBO Max were the top revenue-generating Android apps, raking in over ** million and ** million U.S. dollars, respectively, in *********.

As of Q1 2025, Android ** ran on over ** percent of all tablet Android devices worldwide, increasing from just under **** percent in Q1 2024. In the same period, tablets running Android ** decreased from over nearly ** percent to slightly over ** percent.

Pie 9.0 was the most popular version of Android operating system as of April 2020, with a market share of 31.3 percent. Despite being released in the fall of 2015, Marshmallow 6.0 was still the second most widely used version of Android’s operating system on smartphone devices as of then. Developers Google previously named its Android versions after items of confectionery, but in a break from tradition the latest release in September 2019 is simply called Android 10, which had a share of 8.3 percent seven months after its release.

Google took the Android distribution chart off of the web in 2020. For more updated Android version data please this other statistic based on StatCounter data.

Why are older Android versions still being used?

It is considered good practice to install the latest version of software on to your smartphone for security reasons, but Android updates vary by device, manufacturer, and mobile carrier. It is also true that older devices cannot always run newer Android versions. Around 60 percent of Android devices are running a mobile operating system that is over two years old. In comparison, 81 percent of iPhone devices are running on the latest version of iOS.

Unlocking the code to Android’s success

Android is the mobile operating systems’ market leader worldwide. Since its initial unveiling in 2007, the platform has pursued a commitment to openness – its source code is freely available which allows smartphone manufacturers to install the software without having to pay a license. This reduction in costs allows vendors to make their devices cheaper than the competition. The average selling price of an Android smartphone worldwide was around 200 U.S. dollars in 2018 – more than 400 U.S. dollars cheaper than an iPhone.

In the first quarter of 2024, smartphones running on version **** version of the Android OS accounted for ***** percent of all web traffic generated by Android OS smartphones in South America, making the version the most popular in the region. Globally, the same version ranked first in ***********, with a share of approximately ***** percent.

As of September 2024, Android 13 was the most popular mobile Android version, holding roughly 30 percent of the market. Android 14 followed, occupying around 18 percent of the market. Android 12's market share decreased from 22 to 16.5 percent of the market.

The Android version with the highest market share in Romania as of January 2025 was ****, with ***** percent of users having it. The latest one, **** registered a market share of only **** percent.

Android maintained its position as the leading mobile operating system worldwide in the first quarter of 2025 with a market share of about ***** percent. Android's closest rival, Apple's iOS, had a market share of approximately ***** 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, ** percent of iOS users had iOS 17 installed, while in the same month only ** 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 *** million units in 2008 to **** billion units in 2023. In 2020, smartphone sales decreased to **** 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.

In March 2024, devices running on ** version of the Android OS accounted for nearly ** percent of all web traffic generated by Android OS devices in Mexico, making the version the most popular in the country. It was followed by the ** version of Android OS, totaling a market share worth over ** percent.

The Android developer services market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the expanding Android ecosystem and the increasing demand for mobile applications across various sectors. While precise figures for market size and CAGR weren't provided, a reasonable estimation, considering the substantial global presence of Android and the continuous development of new applications, places the 2025 market size at approximately $15 billion USD. This signifies a significant market opportunity, fueled by factors such as the increasing adoption of smartphones and tablets, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the growth of e-commerce and mobile-first businesses. The market is segmented by service type (online and offline) and application (individual, enterprise, and others), with enterprise applications representing a rapidly expanding segment due to the increasing reliance on mobile solutions for productivity and business operations. Furthermore, the continuous innovation in Android development tools, libraries, and frameworks significantly contributes to the market’s growth trajectory. The projected CAGR, based on market trends and expert analysis, is estimated to be around 12% over the forecast period (2025-2033). This sustained growth is anticipated due to the ongoing advancements in mobile technology and the increasing demand for customized Android applications across diverse industries. Geographic regions like North America and Asia-Pacific are expected to dominate the market share, owing to their high smartphone penetration rates and thriving tech ecosystems. The competitive landscape of the Android developer services market is characterized by a mix of large established players and specialized niche providers. Key players, such as those listed (Webby Central, Mercury Development, etc.), are constantly vying for market share by offering a range of services from application development and maintenance to specialized solutions like AI/ML integration and AR/VR development. The market’s future trajectory hinges on factors like the evolution of Android OS versions, emerging technologies like 5G and foldable devices, and the ongoing competition among developers to create innovative and engaging applications. The continuous expansion into new markets and the diversification of services offered by established players will also play a vital role in shaping the future of this dynamic market.

Between 2018 and 2024, Android was the leading tablet operating system in Italy, followed by Apple. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Android 14 Oreo was the most popular OS version in the country. The Italian tablet market Since the introduction of the iPad in 2010, tablets have quickly gained popularity worldwide, and Italy is no exception. However, the revenue generated by the tablet industry has fluctuated in recent years, with forecasts suggesting it will undergo a decline in the near future. Apple and Samsung have always been the main tablet vendors in the southern European country, and the American tech giant has been leading the way with a market share of almost 50 percent in 2023. If Apple’s iPadOS also occupies around half of the Italian tablet OS market, the other half is held by Google’s Android. Android on the podium of the OS market After acquiring California-based Android Inc. in 2005, Google officially launched Android as their operating system for smartphones and tablets in 2007. Contrary to iOS, which runs only on Apple devices, Android is compatible with various device manufacturers, including Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi. Such flexibility has made Android the leading mobile operating system worldwide since 2012, recording a market share of over 70 percent in 2024. By contrast, Apple leads the tablet OS market, with Android ranking second.

The Android emulator software market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for cross-platform mobile application development and testing. The market's expansion is fueled by the rising popularity of Android devices globally, necessitating efficient and reliable emulators for developers to test and optimize their applications across various screen sizes, Android versions, and device configurations. The market is characterized by a diverse range of players, from established tech giants like Tencent and NetEase to smaller, specialized companies like Floydwiz Technologies and GenyMotion, each catering to specific needs and offering unique features. While the precise market size is unavailable, considering the substantial investment in mobile app development and the continued rise of Android's market share, a reasonable estimate for 2025 would be around $2 billion USD, projecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This growth reflects the ongoing need for developers to ensure application compatibility and performance across a wide spectrum of Android devices before release. Significant trends shaping the market include the increasing sophistication of emulator features, such as advanced graphics rendering and sensor simulation, enabling developers to test complex applications more effectively. Furthermore, cloud-based emulator solutions are gaining traction, providing developers with scalable and cost-effective testing environments. However, limitations such as performance discrepancies between emulators and real devices, along with the complexity of integrating emulators into existing development workflows, present challenges that hinder market penetration. The segmentation of the market includes solutions targeted at individual developers, small businesses, and large enterprises, each with unique pricing and feature sets. The competitive landscape is intense, with players constantly innovating to offer superior performance, usability, and integration capabilities. The ongoing growth in the mobile app market is expected to maintain the strong momentum of the Android emulator software market for the foreseeable future.

Between 2018 and 2024, Android has been the leading mobile operating system in Italy, followed by Apple. In the fourth quarter of 2024, iPadOS 17.6 was the most popular iPadOS version in the country, occupying over ** percent of the market.

Android Emulators For PC Market Outlook

The global market size for Android Emulators for PC is projected to grow from $XXX million in 2023 to $YYY million by 2032, at a CAGR of Z%. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for cross-platform application testing and gaming. Android emulators have become essential tools for developers and gamers alike, facilitating the use of Android apps on PCs, thus broadening their usability and accessibility.

The primary growth factor for the Android Emulators for PC market is the surge in mobile gaming. As more complex and resource-intensive games are developed, players seek the performance and larger screens of PCs to enhance their gaming experience. Emulators provide an effective solution to this need, allowing seamless transition between mobile and PC gaming ecosystems. This demand is further bolstered by the rise of eSports and streaming platforms where high-performance and versatile gaming setups are essential.

Another significant driver is the increased focus on mobile application development and testing. Developers use Android emulators to test apps across different Android versions and device specifications without needing multiple physical devices. This not only reduces costs but also accelerates the development cycle, allowing for more efficient debugging and optimization. The growing trend of continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices in software development further amplifies the need for reliable and versatile emulation tools.

Furthermore, emulators are becoming popular in educational institutions for teaching and training purposes. As coding and app development become integral parts of modern curricula, schools and universities are increasingly adopting Android emulators to provide students with hands-on experience in a controlled environment. These educational applications of emulators are expected to contribute significantly to market growth over the forecast period, fostering a new generation of developers proficient in Android app development.

In addition to the benefits provided by Android emulators, Game Booster Apps are becoming increasingly popular among gamers looking to optimize their gaming experience on PCs. These apps work by allocating system resources more efficiently, reducing background processes, and enhancing the overall performance of games. By using Game Booster Apps in conjunction with Android emulators, gamers can achieve smoother gameplay and reduced lag, which is particularly beneficial for resource-intensive games. As the demand for high-performance gaming continues to rise, the integration of Game Booster Apps with emulators is expected to become a standard practice, further driving the market growth.

Regionally, the market is expected to see varying growth rates, with Asia Pacific leading the charge due to its large base of mobile gamers and developers. North America and Europe are also significant markets due to robust technological infrastructure and high adoption rates of new technologies. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are anticipated to witness steady growth as smartphone penetration increases and more people engage in mobile gaming and app development.

Type Analysis

Android emulators for PC can be broadly classified into two types: Free and Paid. Free emulators are widely adopted by individual users and small developers due to their cost-effectiveness. These emulators, though free, often come with features that cater to basic gaming and app testing needs. They are highly popular among casual gamers and independent developers who are seeking budget-friendly solutions for their emulation requirements. The widespread availability and accessibility of free emulators are key factors driving their usage.

Paid emulators, on the other hand, offer advanced features and capabilities that justify their cost. These emulators are predominantly used by enterprises and professional developers who require comprehensive testing and development environments. Paid versions often include premium customer support, regular updates, and enhanced performance optimizations. These features are particularly important for large-scale app development and testing, making paid emulators a valuable investment for enterprises. The steady rise in demand for high-quality apps is expected to drive the growth of this market segment.

While free emulato

Between February 2016 and October 2024, the market share of Apple’s mobile operating system iOS has fluctuated. This is part of a larger trend: iOS’ market share has been in decline since 2012, when it peaked at 45 percent before Android took over. Apple’s main competitor In terms of the number of devices, Android was the undisputed market leader: its market share grew steadily in Italy, reaching almost 75 percent in 2019. However, Apple ruled in terms of app sales: its revenues from global app sales were almost twice as large as those of Android. On the Apple App Store, around 58.6 thousand apps cost less than a U.S. dollar. Android’s predominance Android’s predominance in the country was closely tied to the prevalence of Samsung and Huawei smartphones in Italy. Since Google decided to terminate Huawei’s Android license in May 2019, Huawei announced the launch of its operating system, Harmony. The open-source version of Android, however, will still be available for Huawei smartphone users. Being unlikely that the new operating system will take off outside of China, Android seems well-positioned to continue to lead the Italian market.

The global Android Emulator Software market size was valued at USD XX million in 2025, and is projected to expand at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period (2025-2033), reaching USD XX million by 2033. The growing popularity of Android-based devices, the increasing demand for mobile application development, and the need for testing and debugging applications on different devices drive the growth of the market. The market is segmented by type into time-based billing and free for charge. The time-based billing segment accounted for the largest market share in 2025, owing to the increasing adoption of subscription-based models by vendors. However, the free for charge segment is expected to grow at a faster CAGR during the forecast period, due to the growing popularity of open-source and freeware solutions. By application, the market is divided into Windows version and macOS version. The Windows version segment held the larger market share in 2025, due to the dominance of Windows operating system in the desktop and laptop market. However, the macOS version segment is expected to grow at a faster CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the increasing popularity of Apple devices. Geographically, North America and Asia Pacific are the largest markets for Android Emulator Software, and they are expected to maintain their dominance during the forecast period.

The global mobile live broadcast software market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of smartphones, the rise of social media platforms incorporating live streaming features, and the expanding popularity of live e-commerce. The market, estimated at $15 billion in 2025, is projected to witness a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated $50 billion by 2033. This substantial growth is fueled by several key factors. The proliferation of high-speed internet access, particularly in developing economies, is making live streaming more accessible to a wider audience. Furthermore, advancements in mobile technology, including improved camera quality and bandwidth capabilities, are enhancing the user experience and driving adoption. The integration of live streaming into various applications, from social media and gaming to education and e-commerce, is further expanding the market's reach and potential. The increasing demand for interactive and engaging content is also a significant driver, with users seeking real-time communication and experiences. However, challenges such as bandwidth limitations in certain regions, concerns over data privacy and security, and the need for robust monetization strategies for broadcasters remain. Segmentation analysis reveals that the Android version of mobile live broadcast software holds a larger market share compared to its iOS counterpart, reflecting the greater global penetration of Android devices. The commercial segment dominates application-based segmentation, driven by the utilization of live streaming for marketing, sales, and customer engagement. Key players like Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and TikTok (Douyin) are shaping market dynamics through continuous innovation and aggressive expansion strategies. Geographic analysis indicates significant growth potential in Asia-Pacific and other emerging markets, where smartphone penetration and internet usage are rapidly increasing. North America and Europe, however, continue to hold substantial market shares due to high early adoption and advanced technological infrastructure. The continued innovation in areas like interactive features, augmented reality integration, and advanced analytics will likely further propel market expansion in the coming years.

Malawi Internet Usage: Browser Market Share: Gaming Console: Android data was reported at 0.000 % in 24 Apr 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % for 23 Apr 2025. Malawi Internet Usage: Browser Market Share: Gaming Console: Android data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % from Oct 2024 (Median) to 24 Apr 2025, with 195 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 100.000 % in 15 Jan 2025 and a record low of 0.000 % in 24 Apr 2025. Malawi Internet Usage: Browser Market Share: Gaming Console: Android data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malawi – Table MW.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Browser Market Share.

Lesotho Internet Usage: Browser Market Share: Gaming Console: Android data was reported at 0.000 % in 12 Feb 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % for 11 Feb 2025. Lesotho Internet Usage: Browser Market Share: Gaming Console: Android data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % from Jul 2024 (Median) to 12 Feb 2025, with 199 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 100.000 % in 05 Nov 2024 and a record low of 0.000 % in 12 Feb 2025. Lesotho Internet Usage: Browser Market Share: Gaming Console: Android data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Lesotho – Table LS.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Browser Market Share.