iOS Edges Android for Operating System Share

Apple iOS Customers Have Higher Carrier Bills

Consumer Intelligence Research Partners released results of its research on mobile phone operating systems for the calendar quarter that ended December 31, 2013. This analysis features findings about consumer trends in mobile phone operating systems from October-December 2013.

CIRP finds that Apple iOS had a slightly greater share of mobile phone operating systems than Google Android. CIRP bases its findings on its survey of US subjects that activated a new or used mobile phone in October-December 2013.

Apple iOS had 48% of mobile phone operating systems, while Android had 46% (see chart).
Windows, Blackberry, and non-smartphones each accounted for less than 3% of activations in this sample.

Operating System Share

Apple clearly benefitted from launch of the iPhone 5S and 5C just a couple weeks before the quarter started. It increased its share considerably over the previous quarter, when it had only 34% of activations.

CIRP also analyzed spending patterns by operating system. On that basis, Apple iOS customers continue spending more than Android buyers (see chart).

Consumer Spending by Operating System

iOS customers have higher carrier bills, spending more on voice, texts, and data than Android buyers. Over half of iOS buyers spend over $100 per month, compared to one-third of Android customers. And, about one quarter of Android customers spend under $50 per month, compared to only 7% of iOS buyers.

For additional information, please contact CIRP.