According to Counterpoint Research’s latest report, Android remains the world’s leading smartphone operating system, while Huawei’s HarmonyOS has surpassed Apple’s iOS in China, marking a significant shift in the region’s smartphone landscape.
Android Still the Global Leader
Counterpoint’s quarterly insights reaffirmed Android’s position as the dominant mobile OS worldwide, continuing to hold the majority market share. iOS remains in second place, while HarmonyOS, Huawei’s proprietary operating system, maintains a steady 4% global share, securing third place.
Despite its dominance, Android experienced a decline in market share in key regions such as the United States and India. In Q4 2024, Android reached its lowest-ever quarterly share in both markets, as more users transitioned to iOS and HarmonyOS-powered devices.
- United States: A decline in smaller Android brands was offset by strong sales from Motorola and Google, though overall numbers still dipped. iPhone sales in the U.S. remained relatively stable, dropping only 1% year-over-year.
- India: Apple experienced record iPhone sales in India during the last quarter of 2024, with two-thirds of all purchases being older-generation iPhones.
HarmonyOS Gains Momentum, Overtaking iOS in China
One of the most striking findings in the report is that HarmonyOS outperformed iOS in all four quarters of 2024 in China. This marks a major milestone for Huawei, which has positioned its operating system as a strong alternative to both Android and iOS.
Several factors contributed to HarmonyOS’s rising popularity in China, including:
- Government subsidies: The Chinese government is offering CNY 500 ($70) discounts on smartphones priced below CNY 6,000 ($800) to stimulate consumer spending and economic growth.
- Huawei’s expanding ecosystem: HarmonyOS has continued to evolve beyond smartphones, integrating with tablets, smartwatches, and IoT devices, making it a compelling choice for Chinese consumers.
- Geopolitical factors: The ongoing U.S. sanctions on Huawei have limited its ability to use Google services, encouraging the company to strengthen its software independence.
What’s Next for HarmonyOS?
With Huawei aggressively pushing its software ecosystem and China’s backing for domestic technology, Counterpoint Research predicts that HarmonyOS will continue to grow in market share throughout 2025.
However, the report does not clarify whether EMUI, the global version of Huawei’s interface, is included in these statistics. Regardless, the majority of Huawei’s smartphone sales remain within China, meaning HarmonyOS’s market share growth is primarily driven by its home market.
Final Thoughts
While Android continues to lead the global smartphone market, its declining presence in key regions like the U.S. and India suggests a shifting landscape. Meanwhile, HarmonyOS’s rise in China at the expense of iOS is a development worth watching, as it signals a growing trend of software diversification in the smartphone industry.
With Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS now locked in a three-way battle, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the global smartphone OS market.
