Conjectures about whether Android or iOS is better have been going on for years, but still without a concrete result. This is because it is a matter of subjective opinion. However, if we were to follow objective data, we can say that Android is more popular, as it has a significantly larger market share. However, this does not apply to all markets, and it seems that the answers to the question of which system is better are diametrically different even across age categories. The proof is a new study by Piper Sandler, which pointed out BGR server.
Android is a very high quality operating system that powers most smartphones around the world. This is because this system is used by a wide range of manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and the like. The combined production volume of these manufacturers is huge, and the resulting products can fall into all possible price categories. Today, you can buy a smartphone with Android OS for 100 euros, but you can also choose from options whose price climbs to 2,000 euros.
The situation is different with iOS. This operating system is specific to smartphones from the Apple workshop. No other manufacturer has access to it. In terms of volume of production and distribution, iOS is therefore at a significant disadvantage. Dozens of Android smartphones are released every year, while Apple only releases four new iPhone models each year, or five if we include the iPhone SE.
However, Apple is still one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world. Over the past decades, the company has developed a strong reputation and an influential brand, which tens to hundreds of millions of people constantly crave. And it applies above all to the younger age group.
iPhone is practically the only choice among young people
Younger people often see the iPhone as a symbol of style, elegance, maybe even wealth. The above-mentioned proves it study by Piper Sandlerwhich included up to 9,200 teenagers from the United States. The respondents had an average age of 15.7 years and the households they came from had an average annual income of $70,725 (€66,590).. In addition, approximately 37% of respondents stated that they have a part-time job.
The results of the study speak clearly. As many as 87% of respondents said they use an iPhone, with an incredible 88% adding that their next smartphone will also be an iPhone. Apple thus has a clear dominance among young people. Looking back ten years, to October 2013, iPhone was used by 55% of teenagers, while Android was used by 24% of teenagers. Apple was ahead, but not as significantly as it is now.
The study focused exclusively on the United States. However, a similar survey was recently conducted in South Korea, and it was found that teenagers here also prefer iPhone over Android. This finding was quite surprising, since Samsung, currently the largest smartphone manufacturer in the world, comes from South Korea.
Apple as a “brand”
The growing trend in Apple’s popularity in recent years suggests that the company may pose an even greater threat to Android device manufacturers in the foreseeable future. iPhone smartphones are already considered top-of-the-line today, although they do not always have the best technologies. However, Apple has managed to build a strong reputation, which for many customers means more than the astronomical numbers on the list of technical parameters.
And reputation is what most influences young people, or teenagers. Only few of this age group thoroughly understand all the technical terms that tell about the capabilities of a smartphone. For them, image and a kind of “cool factor” are especially important.
Young people also like accessories and services
Apple further plays into the fact that young people are increasingly investing not only in its smartphones, but also in its accessories. The study found that 34% of respondents who said they would definitely use an iPhone in the future own an Apple Watch. Compared to last year, this is an increase of three percentage points.
Apple also scores with its services. Apple Pay is used for contactless payments by 42% of respondents, while iCloud Private Relay is used by 37% of respondents. This service is intended to anonymize web browsing. However, it is not free, which is why its popularity was quite surprising.