In 2023, the number of active iPhone units continued to significantly increase to over 1.38 billion units worldwide. The United States is Apple's largest market, housing one fifth of Apple's total number of active units. This increase in users continues in spite of stagnating sales as customers hold on to their iPhones for longer.

How many people have iPhones in the United States?

In 2022, there were more than 120 million iPhone users in the United States, accounting for nearly 49 percent of all smartphone users in the country. Overall, nearly 300 million people in the United States use a smartphone, which means that roughly 90 percent of the country’s population has access to a smartphone. Apple iPhone worldwide

As of 2022, Apple’s iOS operating system had a share of close to 60 percent of the mobile operating system market in the United States, the country with the highest market share both for the iPhone and the iOS operating system. Apple did not enjoy such a dominant market position in any other country, yet remained one of the top three smartphone vendors worldwide, selling more than 200 million iPhones every year. Taken together, the top three smartphone vendors Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi accounted for over half of the annual smartphone shipments during the second quarter of 2022.

iPhone is Apple’s main revenue source The iPhone is Apple’s main source of revenue, consistently generating around 50 percent of the company's sales worldwide. Apple does offer a multitude of other products across a variety of consumer electronics categories, including laptops, smartwatches, and tech-related services such as its App Store, Apple Pay, and cloud storage.

The number of iPhone users in the United States increased to 124.7 million as of February 2022, partially credited to its price reductions on older smartphone models and the retreat of a major competitor, Huawei, from the market, according to the source.

Is loyalty the core to Apple’s success? The iPhone is manufactured by Apple and has a considerable share of the smartphone market in the United States. Apple’s ability to build a trustworthy relationship with its customers is one reason for the success of the iPhone. Satisfaction and brand loyalty for Apple smartphones has been consistently high among U.S. customers.

Introduction

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

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.

The number of Apple iPhone unit sales dramatically increased between 2007 and 2023. Indeed, in 2007, when the iPhone was first introduced, Apple shipped around 1.4 million smartphones. By 2023, this number reached over 231 million units.

The newest models and iPhone’s lasting popularity

Apple has ventured into its 17th smartphone generation with its Phone 15 lineup, which, released in September 2023, includes the 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and Pro Max. Powered by the A16 bionic chip and running on iOS 17, these models present improved displays, cameras, and functionalities. On the one hand, such features come, however, with hefty price tags, namely, an average of 1,000 U.S. dollars. On the other hand, they contribute to making Apple among the leading smartphone vendors worldwide, along with Samsung and Xiaomi. In the first quarter of 2024, Samsung shipped over 60 million smartphones, while Apple recorded shipments of roughly 50 million units.

Success of Apple’s other products

Apart from the iPhone, which is Apple’s most profitable product, Apple is also the inventor of other heavy-weight players in the consumer electronics market. The Mac computer and the iPad, like the iPhone, are both pioneers in their respective markets and have helped popularize the use of PCs and tablets. The iPad is especially successful, having remained as the largest vendor in the tablet market ever since its debut. The hottest new Apple gadget is undoubtedly the Apple Watch, which is a line of smartwatches that has fitness tracking capabilities and can be integrated via iOS with other Apple products and services. The Apple Watch has also been staying ahead of other smart watch vendors since its initial release and secures around 50 percent of the market share as of the latest quarter.

The new mobile operating system iOS 18 was installed on 68 percent of the Apple devices that accessed the Apple App Store in March 2025, while the older iOS 16 was running on 14 percent of mobile devices and earlier releases on the remaining nine percent. Apple’s smartphone market share Apple held over 18 percent share of the global smartphone sales market in 2024, but historically reports sales share increases during the fourth quarter because of the annual fall release of a new device and the holiday season. Demand for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, as well as iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max led to Apple announcing a sales figures of more than 77 million units sold worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2024. In the first quarter of Apple's 2024 fiscal year, iPhone sales accounted for around 49 percent of Apple's total revenue in the same quarter. The world at your fingertips Apple unveiled the very first iPhone and its supporting operating system (iOS 1) in 2007. It introduced an interface that allowed users to navigate the screen with their fingers, presenting a revolutionary touch keyboard that signaled a paradigm shift in the smartphone market.

According to DeviceAtlas's data, Apple's iPhone 7 was the most popular iPhone model in 2020 with a 10.53 percent share in the overall global web usage . Among the other Apple smartphone models,iPhone 6S, iPhone 8, iPhone X and iPhone 6 enjoyed large share as well in that year. Apple was the vendor with the highest most smartphones sold globally as of the fourth quarter of 2020. This trend has been observed for the past couple of years, except for the third quarter of 2019, when Huawei generated more smartphone sales than Apple and therefore, ranked second.

 What part of Apple’s revenue comes from iPhones?  

iPhone sales composed more than half of Apple’s global revenue in the first quarter of 2021. This was a large increase from the quarter before, but the peak was reached in the first quarter of 2018, when nearly 70 percent of the company’s revenue came from selling smartphones.

 Apple Pay   

With digital payments getting more and more popular, the number of Apple Pay users has also increased in recent years. Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service by apple, initially released in October 2014. As of September 2019, nearly half of global iPhone users were using the service.

Snapshot img

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.

What will be the Size of the Smartphone Market During the Forecast Period?

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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

How many people use Apple Pay? Global iPhone users that activated Apple Pay grew by more than 65 million people in 2020. This according to an estimate that also assumes active iPhones grew by nine percent during 2020, alongside a worldwide increase of contactless payments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Note that the figures are an estimate, as precise figures are unavailable. Apple itself does not communicate user figures, and banks that provide the Apple Pay service are contractually forbidden to share user information. Hence why Apple Pay market shares in, for example, Europe tend to be based on consumer survey results.

Which country uses Apple Pay the most?

As there is little to no information on a country level regarding Apple Pay use, one could potentially answer this by looking at proximity mobile payments – contactless in-store payments from consumer to merchant, either with a card or a smartphone – at large. It is estimated that China was the global leader in proximity mobile payments in 2019, with a penetration rate that was twice as high as that of runner-up Denmark. It is unlikely, though, that Apple Pay plays a big role in China given the popularity of apps like Alipay and Tenpay.

Apple Pay seemingly less used than some of its competitors

If China is unlikely to have many Apple Pay users, how is this for Denmark – the country with the second-highest penetration rate in proximity mobile payments? In 2019, Apple Pay was also not one of the most popular payments apps in Denmark: Nine percent of Danish respondents said they used the Cupertino payment solution at some point as opposed to 85 percent of domestic solution MobilePay. This also holds true for one of the world’s largest payment markets. According to a January 2021 survey, PayPal use among U.S. consumers exceeded other payment options: Five times more respondents stated they at some point used PayPal rather than Apple Pay.

The iPhone 14 lineup was released in September 2022. As of March 2025, the iPhone 14 recorded the highest adoption rate among the models, amounting to over six percent. The iPhone 14 Pro Max followed, with an adoption rate of 5.77 percent.

In April 2017, 728 million iPhones were in use worldwide. China is the country where people used the most iPhones, followed by Apple’s home market the United States – at that time, 228 million iPhones were in use in China and 120 million in the U.S.

iPhone in the United States

Although more iPhones are in use in China than in the U.S., Apple has a greater presence in their home country more than anywhere else in the world. iPhone sales in the United States amounted to 22.4 million units in the fourth quarter of 2017. In 2018, 45.1 percent of U.S. smartphone users used an iPhone. As of March 2019, iPhone’s installed base in the United States reached 193 million. According to a new Statista survey, when asked about how they feel about Apple on a gut level, 67 percent U.S. consumers reported positive feelings. Although international sales have overtaken U.S. sales to become Apple’s major revenue stream, the home ground remains immensely significant for the company.

The statistic shows the estimated number of users of the Apple iPhone by model worldwide in 2015. The source estimates that there were 125 million iPhone 5S users worldwide in 2015.

The iPhone 13 lineup came out in September 2021. Since then, the adoption rate of the iPhone 13 models varied. As of March 2025, the iPhone 13 recorded an adoption rate of 10.18 percent, followed by the iPhone 13 Pro Max, with 4.73 percent.

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.

Apple's iOS continues to hold the largest share of the smartphone operating systems market in the United States, claiming more than half of the market as of March 2024. Apple's share of the U.S. market has risen steadily since early 2012, when it accounted for around 30 percent. This growth is not reflected in all markets, however, with Apple's global share remaining stable year-on-year. Apple growing at home Under CEO Tim Cook, Apple has continued to follow a stunning growth trajectory. Apple became the first U.S. company with a market capitalization exceeding two trillion dollars, just two years on from becoming the first trillion-dollar company. The iPhone, responsible for much of the company’s growth, has cemented its status as the smartphone of choice for many Americans during recent quarters. Google's Android operating system is a close competitor in the U.S. OS market, accounting for around 47 percent of the market as of March 2024. However, Apple commands a far wider lead in the U.S. smartphone manufacturer market, with the Android user base split between various vendors such as Samsung and Motorola. Apple’s popularity across markets Apple has seen success with the iPhone in developed markets across the globe. iPhones accounted for four of the five most-sold handsets in the United Kingdom as of January 2024, and four of the leading five in Germany. Yet, the high price of Apple devices puts Apple at a disadvantage outside of wealthier markets. In Africa, iOS accounted for around 13 percent of the mobile OS market in November 2023, while Android dominated with an 85 percent share.

How many iPhones have been sold in 2018?

In the fourth quarter of 2018 alone, Apple sold 46.89 million iPhones worldwide, a figure which slightly outpaced its sales from the corresponding quarter of 2017. In entire 2018, 217.72 million iPhones were shipped worldwide. Apple typically releases at least one new version of its iPhone each year, a strategy which has helped the company consistently pull in quarterly sales figures in the tens of millions. Apple stopped reporting iPhone unit sales at the end of fiscal year 2018; more recent shipment data can be found here.

iPhone’s popularity

As of 2019, estimates suggest that the United States is home to around 266 million smartphone users, cementing the country’s place as a major regional market within the industry. Of those U.S. based smartphone consumers, over 45 percent are Apple iPhone users. This market share figure speaks to the iPhone’s massive popularity within its domestic market, but how does the product fare internationally? At a global scale, Apple’s flagship product faces increased competition, especially from established Asian technology firms like Samsung, Huawei, and OPPO. Despite this, the iPhone has consistently ranked among the most popular devices in the world since its initial release in June 2007.

Apple products

Although the iPhone is the company’s biggest revenue generator by far, Apple offers a multitude of products across a variety of consumer electronics categories. The company’s products include everything from laptops to smartwatches, while additionally offering tech-related services such as an online payment platform and cloud storage.

Apple introduced the new iPhone 15 lineup in September 2023. Since then, the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro Max have recorded the highest adoption rate. As of March 2025, they amounted to approximately 5.71 and 6.84 percent, respectively.

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 iPhone 12 lineup was released in October 2020. Since then, its adoption rate fluctuated. As of November 2024, the iPhone 12 had an adoption rate of just above five percent, while that of the iPhone 12 mini amounted to around 1.22 percent.