Android now the world’s dominant OS, surpassing Windows

According to StatCounter, the Android operating system has now passed Microsoft Windows as the leading OS globally. The data reflect “total internet usage across desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile combined.”

Android’s global OS share was 37.93 percent compared to 37.91 percent for Windows. However, in North America, Windows had a 39.5 percent share, which was followed by iOS (25.7 percent) and Android (21.2 percent). In Europe, Windows’ share was 51.7 percent and Android’s 23.6 percent.

Interestingly, if the respective US shares of Apple operating systems (iOS + OSX) are combined (38.65 percent), it exceeds Windows’ share of 38.03 percent.

StatCounter: Operating System Market Share Worldwide

Source: StatCounter 3/2017

Android’s global win over Windows is largely a function of developing markets, specifically in Asia, where smartphones have eclipsed PC ownership. It’s also a reflection of mobile as the dominant platform across the globe.

One potential issue worth further investigation is the finding that iOS is responsible for more web traffic than Android in North America: 25.7 percent vs. 21.2 percent. Android has greater device penetration than iOS, which should in theory be driving more traffic/usage.

According to the most recent comScore data (US only), Android has a 54 percent device share to the iPhone’s 43 percent. StatCounter shows a much closer race in terms of traffic/usage, with Android at 49.9 percent and the iPhone at 48.5 percent in North America. That does not include tablets, however, where iOS is heavily favored.

DeviceAtlas: Android vs. iOS Market Share (Traffic)

The DeviceAtlas Mobile Web Intelligence Report (Q4 2016) appears to support StatCounter, showing iPhones generate somewhat more web traffic than Android devices in the US and 13 other markets. Android generates more traffic in 42 other countries.

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About The Author

Greg Sterling is a Contributing Editor at Search Engine Land. He writes a personal blog, Screenwerk, about connecting the dots between digital media and real-world consumer behavior. He is also VP of Strategy and Insights for the Local Search Association. Follow him on Twitter or find him at Google+.

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