Android has been steadily building up its market over the years, quickly catching up with the main competition - Apple's iOS. New data from Net Applications shows that Android has taken over iOS in global mobile usage.
Close Fight Between Android and iOS as Margins Remain Small
Net Applications reports that Google's Android has overtaken Apple's iOS in mobile usage worldwide by a small margin. Android users jumped up to 44.62% in July 2014 from 43.75% in June 2014, while iOS users fell from 45.61% in June to 44.19% in July 2014.The figures are based on usage of the operating systems in smartphones and tablets. Android has long overtaken the iOS as the most installed mobile OS, but this is the first time that Android has also taken over the iOS in terms of usage.
IOS Still Holds Majority Enterprise Market Share
A more recently released report from Good Technology shows that while Android takes the lead overall, iOS still holds majority of the enterprise market share. According to 9to5Mac, the iOS still holds two-thirds or 67% of the market, but it dropped to Android by five points. Android, meanwhile, increased its share to 32%.
Apple also takes a win in terms of tablet usage. Tablets account for 42% of overall mobile usage today. IOS holds 90% of the tablet shares, with Android taking the remaining 10%.
The Competition Continues
Apple and Google will continue to battle it out for mobile domination. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, was quoted by Business Insider for taking jabs at Android. "I don't know what these other tablets are doing. They must be in warehouses, or on store shelves, or maybe in somebody's bottom drawer!" The CEO, known for his Android references, said before.
While Apple's performance has remained stable for years, Business Insider notes that Android will continue its fight with the tech giant. The competition will come down to development: Apple has to keep up with Google's developer-friendly platform and maintain developers' interest to keep the iOS on top.
Users have yet to see which platform will come out on top once their latest versions are released. The new iOS 8 is scheduled for release this fall. Android L will be coming out sometime later this year as well.
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