The results are in, and Google is in the lead. Third-quarter stats put the Android mobile operating system as being present in 87.5% of mobile phones worldwide. That’s almost 9 out of 10 phones. Meanwhile, Apple sold about 5% less phones than it did in the same period last year. We’re fairly certain there’s a good reason for that.

It’s worth noting that this is WORLDWIDE market share. In the US, it’s about 53% Android, 42% iOS. It’s easy to see where Android’s dominance both here and abroad stems from: price. iOS is only featured on iPhones, which don’t feature a “budget” model (unless you count the iPhone SE), while Android appears on phones that cost as little as $20 and as much as $650. This appeal to the lower end of the market gives Android much more appeal in developing markets, especially with import taxes and other tariffs (a brand-new iPhone 7 can easily go for double its US price in other countries). Apple seems content to hold the higher, smaller end of the market pyramid; its entire marketing and image essence revolves around a “luxury” or “elitist” niche. In that respect, 42% of the market is actually great. iOS, and the iPhone itself, is essentially THE top-end phone as far as consumers are concerned. It took quite some time for a challenger to the throne to arise (the Google Pixel) and it’s too soon to tell.

But let’s talk about that 5% drop. While every company wants to do better every year, we think this drop is okay. Yes, it’s true that the 7 didn’t seem to live up to the hype, especially compared to that surrounding the 6S a year prior. However, we’re sure this isn’t a bad sign for Apple.

• The period was until the end of September, and a lot of potential buyers were waiting to upgrade to iPhone 7, which was released September 25th. The 6S came out September 16th of last year, so it had two weeks of sales to help bolster numbers.
• With the 6S released one year and nine days before, and considering the popularity of that device, one can assume that the majority of buyers were and are still under Apple’s one-year warranty. Why buy a new phone if your current phone is still…new?
• October began with the Samsung Note 7 debacle, and many users of those phones switched to iPhone. This most likely gave Apple the boost they needed in October.

So there’s no need to worry about Tim Cook, Phil Schiller, and the rest of the folks in Cupertino. The stock (AAPL) took a small dip at the news but that was part of an ongoing slight downward trend. Google will continue to thrive, as well; the Pixel is selling a lot of units, and new high-end Android phones from LG, LeEco, and Xiaomi will continue to push sales around the world. Well, maybe just the first one. Here at iFixYouri headquarters, we have yet to receive any Xiaomi or LeEco phones for repair, but we’ll just assume that it’s because they’re indestructible. But maybe not. Regardless of what you buy or plan on buying, remember that iFixYouri is here to fix it. Can’t make up your mind? Leave a comment below and we’ll be happy to help out!