Apple’s iOS was once the most popular operating system (OS) for smartphone users. Even when Google launched its first Android smartphone in September 2008, the G1, Apple’s iOS dominated the mobile OS market. It wasn’t until 2011 when Android surpassed Apple to become the most popular mobile OS. Since then, smartphone users have continued to show loyalty to the Google-owned brand. According to a recent survey cited by The Verge, Android users express higher brand loyalty than their iOS counterparts.
For the survey, researchers from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) analyzed the number of mobile users who changed switched to a different mobile OS in 2017. After crunching the data, researchers concluded that only 8 percent of Android users switched to iOS while 14 percent of iOS users switched to Android.
When speaking to TechCrunch about the survey, CIRP’s Mike Levin explained that most mobile users today stick with a specific mobile OS because it’s easier and more convenient than trying to learn the intricacies of a new one. Nonetheless, this survey suggests that Android users are slightly more loyal to their brand than iOS users.
So, why are Android users more loyal than iOS users? It’s unclear why Android users are more likely to stick with Android though some experts believe it’s because of Google’s unparalleled brand and recognition. Another possible reason is the versatility of Android. The Google-owned mobile OS offers a higher level of customization and personalization than Apple’s iOS.
Android has only become more popular in recent years. According to StatCounter, Android accounted for nearly two-thirds of all mobile OS in February 2018. To put that number into perspective, Apple’s iOS accounted for just over 20 percent of all mobile OS during this same period.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that Apple is fading from the mobile market, however. According to a study conducted by Counterpoint Research, 53.4 percent of iPhone users buy at least one other iPhone. Furthermore, research shows that iPhones have a lower failure rate than Android handsets.
