HarmonyOS Surpasses iOS in China, Android Leads Globally

TECH – Recent data from Counterpoint Research reveals that Huawei’s HarmonyOS has overtaken Apple’s iOS in China’s smartphone market, securing a 19% share compared to iOS’s 17%. This marks the first time HarmonyOS has surpassed iOS in this region, highlighting its growing prominence. Globally, Android maintains its dominant position with a 74% market share, while iOS holds approximately 27.78%. HarmonyOS, despite its regional success, accounts for a modest 4% of the global market.

The Chinese government’s strategic initiatives have significantly contributed to HarmonyOS’s rise. Subsidies of CNY 500 (approximately $70) are offered for smartphones priced under CNY 6,000 (just over $800), aiming to stimulate the economy and promote domestic technologies. This financial incentive has made HarmonyOS-powered devices more accessible to a broader consumer base.

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In contrast, Android’s global leadership has experienced fluctuations. The platform reached its lowest quarterly share in Q4 2024 in markets like the United States and India. In the U.S., while brands like Motorola and Google saw growth, smaller companies faced double-digit declines, and iPhone sales dipped by 1%. India, however, recorded a surge in iPhone sales during the same period, with two-thirds comprising older generation models.

HarmonyOS’s ascent in China underscores a shift towards self-reliance in technology. Developed by Huawei, HarmonyOS has steadily gained traction, reflecting consumer readiness to embrace alternatives to established operating systems. Despite its success in China, HarmonyOS’s global influence remains limited. The international smartphone market continues to be dominated by Android and iOS, with HarmonyOS’s 4% share indicating its nascent stage outside China.

Android remains the global leader in mobile operating systems, but the growth of HarmonyOS in China signals a significant shift in regional market dynamics. This challenges iOS’s position and underscores the influence of government policies in driving technological adoption.