Over the past decade, mobile phone users have had just two options in terms of the operating system – Android or iOS. However, before then, there were a couple of systems like Symbian, BlackBerry OS, Palm OS and a few others. Now, as the choice remains iOS and Android, the latter has a huge chunk of the market. The reason for this is evident, Android is used by almost every other mobile phone brand that is not Apple. iOS on the other hand is used by only Apple. However, Android’s dominance is now threatened by a new generation of mobile phone users, Gen Z or Generation Z.

Gen Z is a major issue that the Android operating system is currently facing. The younger folks especially those born after 1996 are called Gen Z’s (or Zoomers).  A recent Financial Times article claims that, in the United States, Gen Z consumers are rapidly choosing Apple’s iPhones over even the finest mobile phones. The study claims that 34% of all iPhone users in the US are from Gen Z. Samsung’s 10% market share is completely destroyed by this statistic. Due in large part to this rapid rise among Zoomers, Apple’s overall US market share grew from 35% in 2019 to more than 50% in 2022.

Zoomers do not seem to care about the iPhone price

Even as the average price of an iPhone rises to $1,000, or roughly three times the average Android device worldwide, Zoomer’s need for the iPhone continues to grow.  Although Gen Z iPhone usage has grown most dramatically in the US, this is not just a North American thing. For instance, 83% of European iPhone owners under 25 say they intend to continue using their devices. Less than half of the same group’s Android customers say they will continue using the operating system. It goes without stating that if Gen Z stops using Android, Android will eventually start to slowly degrade. What can be done, though?

Gen Z can’t stay without iMessage

Lots of articles about this issue are available. One even shows how iMessage users sometimes exclude Android users from conversations. Google has begun criticizing Apple for not implementing RCS in its marketing campaigns. The iPhone/Android gap would be closed by this platform-independent tech.

Whatever the case, Google is facing a serious issue. Gen Z must be convinced to use Android, or there may not be an Android operating system for ten years.

Top 5 possible reasons that make Gen Z’s choose iOS

It’s difficult to make general statements about what all young people prefer. This is because their needs can vary widely based on individual factors. There are factors such as personal experience, lifestyle, social circle, and economic circumstances. However, there are a few factors that may make iOS devices more attractive to younger users:

1. Design and user experience: Apple is known for its sleek and intuitive designs, which can be particularly appealing to younger users who grew up using digital devices. iOS devices also have a reputation for being user-friendly, which can make them more approachable for people who may be less tech-savvy.
2. Brand recognition: Apple has built a strong brand reputation over the years, and many young people may be drawn to the prestige that comes with owning an iPhone or other iOS device.
3. Social influence: Social media and peer pressure can play a role in shaping young people’s preferences. If their friends and social influencers are using iPhones, for example, it may make iOS devices more attractive by association.
4. Gaming: The iOS platform has a large and thriving gaming ecosystem, which can be a draw for young people who enjoy playing mobile games.
5. App Store: The App Store on iOS is known for being well-curated, which means that users are less likely to encounter malicious or low-quality apps. This can be appealing to young people who want to ensure that the apps they’re downloading are safe and reliable.

Others are

1. Integration with other Apple products: For young people who already own other Apple products, such as a Mac or iPad, the seamless integration between these devices and iOS can be a major selling point. This can make it easier to share files, messages, and other data across different devices.
2. Privacy: Apple has made privacy a key focus in recent years, with features such as App Tracking Transparency and Private Relay. For young people who are increasingly concerned about online privacy, these features can make iOS devices more attractive.

It’s worth noting, however, that there are also many young people who prefer Android devices. They like it because of factors such as cost, customization options, and features. These features are sometimes more important to young people than design or brand recognition. Of course, these factors may not be important to all young people. Some may have other priorities when choosing a mobile device. Ultimately, the decision between iOS and Android will depend on each individual’s personal preferences, needs, and budget.