One in two computers runs on Windows, everywhere on the planet. Android crushes the competition on our phones, while macOS reigns over Macs… without ever really imposing itself beyond the Apple circle. The figures from StatCounter and other institutes remind us: the trio of Windows, Android, macOS shapes the landscape, but nothing stays fixed for very long.
Market Share Overview in 2019: Who Really Dominates the World of Operating Systems?
In 2019, Windows did not falter. On desktop and laptop computers, Microsoft’s system maintains its supremacy: over 75% of machines for work or leisure run under its flag. This weight is explained by the number of compatible computers, the vast catalog of software, and an inertia that does not weaken, even in the face of a flood of new products.
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The scene changes radically on the mobile side. Android, propelled by the diversity of brands and the flexibility of its architecture, exceeds 70% market share on smartphones and tablets. Its dominance is no accident: it is the ecosystem that adapts everywhere, from entry-level phones to premium models. iOS, exclusive to Apple devices, remains very present in wealthy countries, but cannot compete with the global reach of Android.
As for macOS, it asserts itself among the loyal followers of the Apple brand. Less widespread than Windows, it attracts with its coherent environment, stability, and high-end image. For many, choosing macOS means betting on the perfect integration between hardware and software… even if it means accepting a less extensive catalog.
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In summary, Windows, Android, and macOS occupy the top of the podium. This trio, analyzed in detail on the 3 most used operating systems in 2019, structures the market. Each one stands firm in its territory: Windows on the desktop, Android on mobile, macOS on Macs. But this geography remains fluid: every innovation, every change in usage can reshuffle the cards.
Windows, macOS, Linux: What Are the Differences for Users?
Comparing the three main operating systems is to confront different visions of computing. Windows, universal and omnipresent, plays the compromise card. Its strength: being accepted by almost all manufacturers, running the majority of applications, and recognizing most peripherals without flinching. In return, one sometimes has to accept some security flaws, variable performance depending on the machine, and an experience that changes from one PC to another.
macOS, on the other hand, offers a locked but ultra-coherent experience. The Apple ecosystem aims for fluidity, continuity between devices, and a reliability that reassures. Creatives praise its stability and the richness of its native tools. The downside: one must equip oneself with Apple products from end to end, and accept a more limited choice of software than on Windows.
Finally, Linux addresses a different category of users. Its open-source core appeals to those who want to customize, control, and experiment. Each person is free to choose their distribution, interface, and management mode. On personal computers, Linux remains discreet, but in businesses or on servers, it carries significant weight. Here, flexibility takes precedence over standardization: adaptability, security, and the ability to shape one’s environment to taste are prioritized.
Trends to Note for Understanding the Evolution of Operating Systems
The world of operating systems is constantly changing. On one hand, Windows continues to dominate PCs and laptops, the foundation of most businesses and households. But the rise of mobile systems, led by Android and iOS, is redefining the market. Smartphones and their applications are transforming usage, shaking up the historical balance.
For professionals, security and flexibility requirements push towards increasingly modular solutions. Open source is gaining ground, particularly thanks to Linux, whose ability to adapt to all contexts is becoming more appealing. Collaborative work, cloud computing, and the widespread interconnection of devices impose new constraints on operating systems: they must remain simple but become increasingly powerful.
Other, more discreet but equally decisive developments are emerging. The boundaries between computers and mobile devices are gradually blurring. Integration between software and hardware is intensifying, and touch and voice interfaces are becoming widespread. Major platforms are seeking to offer a unified environment, where each device becomes a natural extension of the other. For users, this abundance multiplies possibilities: choosing, experimenting, moving from one universe to another. Innovation is advancing, and mobility is becoming the rule rather than the exception.