Islamabad, Mar 15, 2025: Recent insights from Counterpoint Research reveal significant shifts in the global smartphone operating system (OS) market.
Android continues to hold its position as the dominant OS worldwide, followed by iOS, with Huawei’s HarmonyOS securing third place.
However, a notable change is unfolding in China, where HarmonyOS has surpassed iOS in market share, a trend expected to gain further momentum in 2025.
Android Maintains Global Supremacy
Despite a stagnant smartphone industry in 2024, Android remains the top OS worldwide.
However, its quarterly market share in Q4 2024 reached an all-time low in key markets such as the United States and India. In the U.S., a dip in sales among smaller Android manufacturers was partially counterbalanced by steady demand for Motorola and Google devices.
Meanwhile, iPhone sales witnessed a marginal 1% decline. On the other hand, India experienced record-breaking iPhone sales in Q4, with older models accounting for nearly 66% of purchases.
This surge highlights the growing popularity of Apple devices in emerging economies, even as Android continues to dominate due to its affordability and extensive model range.
HarmonyOS Surpasses iOS in China
The Chinese market presents a contrasting picture.
HarmonyOS, developed by Huawei, outperformed iOS throughout all four quarters of 2024, solidifying its position as the second most popular OS in the country.
Counterpoint Research attributes this growth to government-backed incentives.
China’s government is providing subsidies of CNY 500 (approximately $70) for smartphones priced below CNY 6,000 (around $830) to stimulate domestic consumption.
This initiative has significantly boosted demand for HarmonyOS-powered devices.
Currently, HarmonyOS holds a 4% global market share, but its influence in China is expected to expand further in 2025.
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The report does not specify whether Huawei’s EMUI, the international version of its software, falls under the HarmonyOS classification.
However, this distinction is minor, given that Huawei’s smartphone business is now predominantly concentrated in its domestic market.
The Future of the OS Market
While Android remains the global frontrunner, the rise of HarmonyOS in China indicates a shift in regional OS preferences.
Factors such as government initiatives, local manufacturing, and brand loyalty are shaping consumer decisions, leading to more diverse and localized market trends.
Moving forward, the global smartphone OS landscape may witness further regional variations as brands adapt to evolving market dynamics.
