Android grows its share vs. iOS, Windows in all major markets [Report]

On a day when Google parent Alphabet passed Apple’s market cap, Kantar Worldpanel ComTech reported that the Android operating system is making further share gains across international markets. Some of this comes at the iPhone’s expense and some from people switching from Windows handsets.

Android’s market share in the US increased to nearly 66 percent, according to Kantar data, compared with the iPhone’s 32 percent. (These figures are quite different from other data providers such as comScore.)

Elsewhere, Android gained six points to exceed 77 percent market share in China. In Europe, Android’s three-month market share reached almost 76 percent, according to Kantar.

In the five major European markets, Kantar reported that “nearly seven percent (6.6 percent) of new Android customers came from Windows, vs. just 3.3 percent from iOS.” Accordingly, it appears that disaffected Windows Phone users in Europe are migrating primarily to Android handsets.

In the US, Android growth is being driven by the success of new devices released by Samsung, Motorola and LG. In particular, the Samsung Galaxy S7 is proving to be an extremely popular phone.

While Android’s gains are good news for Google/Alphabet, they may also fuel antitrust concerns in Europe and beyond. Roughly three weeks ago, the European Commission filed antitrust charges against Google, amid concerns over market dominance, contending that its Android contracts with handset makers broke European competition laws.

About The Author

Greg Sterling

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+.