Skip to main content

Study: iOS accounts for 92 pct of mobile purchasing

ipad2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A new study by market analysis firm RichRelevance finds that iOS is definitely winning the mobile platform war—at least when it comes to getting its users to spend some money. According to RichRelevance’s analysis of some 3.4 billion shopping sessions between April and December 2011, devices running Apple’s iOS accounted for a whopping 88 percent of mobile shopping purchases in April, and 92 percent in December. The study also found that that the average order placed via iOS was higher than for orders placed via Android devices—$123 compared to $101—although they both overpowered orders places from desktop systems, which averaged a mere $87.

However, mobile shopping sales continue to account for a tiny proportion of U.S. retail sales, accounting for just 3.74 percent of all sales in December 2011 (estimated). However, that’s up from just 1.87 percent in April—meaning mobile sales have doubled in the last eight months—and mobile devices now account for 18 percent of shopping sessions.

Recommended Videos

“The numbers across our retailing partners sites demonstrate just how powerful the iOS platform is enabling mobile web shopping and, while still below 5 percent in total conversion, mobile traffic’s doubling in eight months is a trend we only see accelerating,” said RichRelevance CEO David Selinger, in a statement.

RichRelevance says its analysis is based on shopping sessions from April 1 through December 18, 2011, and includes data from small and specialty online merchants as well as 10 of the 25 largest online retailers.

RichRelevance’s analysis appears to be based on shopping sessions conducted via mobile devices’ built-in browsers, rather than sales conducted via market- or retailer-specific apps. Thus, the figures may omit software, game, and digital content sales, as well as in-app purchases. Nonetheless, RichRelevance’s results seem to indicate that while Android may now dominate smartphone sales, Apple’s iOS is by far the biggest player in mobile sales—and, for folks looking to increase mobile sales as ownership of smartphones and tablets proliferates, it means folks offering mobile shopping experiences will likely develop for iOS first—perhaps putting a bit of a crimp in Eric Schmidt’s recent forecast that Android Ice Cream Sandwich could become mobile developers’ first-choice platform by mid-2012.

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
iOS 18.2 just took another step toward its official release
iOS 18 logo on the iPhone 16 Pro

Yet another iOS update is ready, and this one is important. The iOS 18.2 beta 2 update is live, and it's a big deal for a couple of reasons. It's available to more people than the previous beta, and it indicates another step toward iOS 18.2's public launch.

The first version of this beta was only available to people whose phones supported Apple Intelligence, but this latest version works with any phone that can update to iOS 18. Addditionally, iOS 18.2 beta 2 is only available to developer beta testers. There isn't a public beta at the moment, and we have no word on when one might release. Still, it's good to see that more people are included this time around.

Read more
Best iPhone 14 deals: Unlocked and refurbished
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro's camera module

While shopping iPhone deals, Samsung Galaxy S24 deals, and Google Pixel 8 deals can land you some of the newest phones, looking at phones that are a generation or two old can land you big time savings. That makes iPhone 14 deals some of the best phone deals you can shop, and we’ve tracked down all of the best iPhone 14 deals out there today. You can find all of the details below. If you’d like to see some comparable phone deals check out today’s iPhone 15 deals, Samsung Galaxy S23 deals, and Google Pixel 8 deals, and if you’re hoping for even bigger savings don’t miss out on today’s best refurbished iPhone deals.
Apple iPhone 14 -- from $413

With the Apple iPhone 14 you’re getting what is still one of the most popular smartphones on the market. This is the iPhone 14 model that’s meant for everyone. It holds back a few features you can only get on the Pro model, but it still has an impressive 6.1-inch display, an impressive camera, and dozens of ways to personalize your iOS experience with widgets and fonts. The phone can reach up to 26 hours of battery life on a single charge, and it’s powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip. Face ID, emergency SOS via satellite, and super fast 5G cellular connectivity round out the top features of the Apple iPhone 14.
Buy Refurbished at Amazon — from $413

Read more
The best Apple iPhone 16 Plus cases for 2024
A person taking a photo with the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.

The iPhone 16 series is available now, including the big and powerful iPhone 16 Plus. While you're choosing exactly what color you want for your shiny new phone, you should also look into a case to protect it from those times when you have butterfingers.

Although the iPhone 16 Plus is plenty durable on its own, a case can help you show off its design while protecting it against scratches. Even if you are really careful and you don't drop your phone, a touchscreen in the same pocket as your car keys is a recipe for disaster. Even a short drop can shatter a screen if it hits at the right angle. A good case will protect not only the screen but the cameras, sides, and ports of the phone, too.

Read more