Apple installation statistics

[Robert Brown (RLBrown)]

Hello SVMUG members and friends,

Based on available online sources, I estimate the installed share of operating systems to be as follows.

All installations

Android 45%

Windows (7,10,11) 28%

iOS & MacOS 23%

ChromeOS 2%

Linux 2%

 

 When read out by use category, these are the values for desktop computers.

 

Desktops

Windows 70%

macOS (including OS X)  10% - 15%

Linux 3% - 4%

ChromeOS 2%

These are the values for mobile devices.

Mobile

Android 70% - 80%

iOS 20% - 30%

For standard business/enterprise use on the desktop.

Business/Enterprise

Windows 75% - 90%

macOS 5% - 15%

ChromeOS 2% - 5%

Linux < 1%

It is worth noting that Windows business installations are selected primarily for legacy and older software compatibility. Executives and creatives use the MacOS installations. MacOS gets a tick up in the enterprise when there is a "bring your own device" policy. ChromeOS has a niche in education and call centers, as Chromebooks are low-cost and low-maintenance. Finally, Linux fits well for specialized engineering requirements and for IT/network operations. I suspect that most of the web is running on Linux virtual machines.

For creatives and developers, there is quite a shift.

Creatives/Developers

MacOS 45% - 65 %

Windows 35% - 50%

Linux 5% - 10%

Here the driver for MacOS is photography, videography, and iOS development. Windows is preferred for game development, where the most powerful graphics cards can be installed. Linux is used for by certain niche developers, especially where open-source components are involved.

Lastly, but importantly, we have the TV/MOVIE fictional villain market.

TV/Movie Villains

Any Apple device: 0%

Whatever else: 100%

This is because Apple's long-standing policy is to approve the appearance of an Apple device only when a villain is NOT using it. Now, why do producers and directors agree to this? It is because, if they adhere to the policy, Apple provides devices for free to use as props.

Hercule Poirot: "Each of you has a motive in the murder of Lord Donewicky, but I have eliminated Marquess Ellenpure because she is wearing an Apple Watch."

Robert Lawson Brown mail