## HarmonyOS Overtakes iOS in China, Android Holds Strong Globally
Counterpoint Research’s latest quarterly report on global smartphone operating systems reveals a fascinating shift in the market. While Android remains the undisputed global leader, followed by iOS, Huawei’s HarmonyOS has achieved a significant milestone: surpassing iOS in market share within China.
**Android Still on Top Globally**
The global smartphone market in 2024 remained relatively flat, but Android maintained its dominant position. Interestingly, Q4 2024 saw Android’s lowest-ever quarterly share in key markets like the United States and India. In the U.S., while smaller Android brands saw declines, Motorola and Google maintained stable sales, and iPhone sales experienced a minor 1% dip.
[Image of Global Smartphone Sales by OS]
India presented a contrasting picture, with record iPhone sales in Q4, primarily driven by older-generation models. This highlights the growing appetite for Apple devices in emerging markets, even as Android’s diverse range of options and price points ensures its continued widespread use.
**China: HarmonyOS Takes the Lead Over iOS**
The Chinese market tells a completely different story. Huawei’s HarmonyOS consistently outperformed iOS throughout all four quarters of 2024, securing the second spot behind Android. Counterpoint Research points to government subsidies as a key driver of this growth. The Chinese government is offering CNY 500 (approximately $70) subsidies on smartphones priced under CNY 6,000 (around $830), effectively boosting domestic demand for HarmonyOS devices.
Globally, HarmonyOS holds a 4% market share, but its dominance in China is projected to strengthen further in 2025. Although not clearly outline in this report, whether Huawei’s global software variant of EMUI is combined with the market share of HarmonyOS remain unclear. Despite it being uncertain, most sales of smartphones from Huawei are from its Home market.
The rise of HarmonyOS in China signifies a notable shift in regional OS preferences. Factors like government support, local manufacturing, and strong brand loyalty are reshaping consumer choices, potentially leading to more localized dynamics in the global OS landscape in the coming years.