Smartphone market dynamics shifted dramatically in the first quarter of 2026, driven by robust sales of the iPhone 17 lineup. New data suggests that Apple’s latest devices have accelerated a trend where iOS is gaining ground while Android faces its weakest start to a year on record. This realignment has altered the global balance of power among the three major mobile operating systems.
Global market
According to a fresh report from Counterpoint Research, Android’s global market share fell to 73% in the first quarter of 2026. This represents a decline from 76% during the same period a year earlier and marks the platform’s lowest first-quarter performance in history. Conversely, iOS reached an all-time high for the January through March window, signaling a significant change in consumer preference.
China market
In China, the landscape looks different. Huawei’s HarmonyOS secured 19% of the domestic market, overtaking iOS in the region. While the platform remains a minor player globally with just 5% share, its domestic surge is attributed to strong demand for the Mate 80 and Enjoy 90 device lineups. Analysts note that Huawei’s ability to compete locally is a unique factor in the Asian market.
US market
The United States continues to show a clear trend of Apple gaining share at the expense of Android. This shift is not limited to high-end markets; it has also reached lower-income consumers in India. In that region, iPhone adoption has accelerated, with iOS share rising from 8% to 10% compared with the first quarter of 2025. That jump represents a 20% increase in market penetration. For buyers considering a switch, evaluating trade-in options could help manage costs, as Apple has boosted trade-in values for older iPhones, iPads, Macs and watches.
India market
The iOS share in India rose from 8% to 10% in the first quarter of 2024, a 20% increase compared with the same period in 2023. This trend suggests that value perception is shifting, with consumers willing to invest in higher-end devices for long-term software support.
On the Android side, Google is working to improve user retention through ecosystem enhancements. The company recently introduced a passkey import and export feature for Android in Google Password Manager, allowing users to manage credentials more flexibly across platforms. Additionally, Google is rolling out updates that will let users seamlessly move tasks between devices, a feature highlighted in Android 17 Introduces ‘Continue On’ to Seamlessly Switch Tasks Across Devices.
Meanwhile, Apple is preparing its own software suite to maintain its lead. Reports indicate that a standalone Siri app, new AI writing tools, and Shortcuts updates are expected to headline iOS 27, according to Mark Gurman. These features aim to further solidify the ecosystem’s appeal for existing users and new adopters alike.
Source: counterpointresearch.com
