The Latest Data: iPhone Dominates in Japan

It’s no secret that Japan is full of iPhone users.
According to recent survey data:

Japan: iPhone 57.8% / Android 42.0%
Worldwide: iPhone 25.8% / Android 73.8%
Source:【2024年12月最新】日本とグローバルのスマホOSシェア｜iPhoneとAndroidの比較を中心にご紹介 - SHIFT ASIA -ソフトウェアテスト・品質保証・ソフトウェア開発のプロフェッショナル-

So while Android dominates globally, Japan is the outlier—iPhones rule the market here.

“Just Get an iPhone” Culture

In Japan, there’s a kind of unspoken rule:

“If you’re getting a smartphone, might as well go with an iPhone, right?”

In fact, if you’re using an Android, people might even ask:

“Why Android?”
“Why not just get an iPhone?”

A few years ago, Android users were sometimes seen as “weird” or “tech nerds.”
That perception has faded a bit recently, but it still lingers. Some people may still buy iPhones just to avoid standing out.

It Can Get a Bit Inconvenient

Let’s say you’re at a party.
Someone takes a group photo and wants to share it with everyone.

They assume everyone has an iPhone and go:

“I’ll just AirDrop it to you!”

But if you’re on Android (like I usually am, even though I own an iPhone), you’re left out. No photo for you.

Awkward.

Japan’s “Follow the Group” Mentality

Japanese culture tends to value:

・Blending in with others
・Avoiding conflict
・Not drawing attention to yourself

It’s often said that Japanese people don’t express strong opinions, and that’s not just a stereotype—it’s baked into the culture.
Saying “I disagree” can be considered impolite.
So having the same phone as everyone else? It helps you blend in and avoid friction.

Instead of choosing what you like, you choose what won’t make waves.
That mindset has its pros and cons. Honestly, it might even shed light on why Japan’s suicide rate is so high.

But Android Is Slowly Gaining Ground

There are a few reasons for that shift:

Better specs:

Android phones used to feel sluggish compared to iPhones, but now they’re way smoother. Some people are realizing, “Hey, maybe I don’t need an iPhone.”

Price matters:

Japan’s Gen Z is often financially tight. iPhones are expensive. For many, Android is the more budget-friendly option.

Social pressure is easing:

As more people switch, the whole “Why don’t you have an iPhone?” vibe is starting to fade.

Pick What Works for You

Whether it’s iPhone or Android, the key is to choose what actually fits your needs, not what others expect you to use.

Sometimes I see people buying iPhones they can’t afford, paying it off monthly, just because… well, “that’s what everyone uses.”

Makes you wonder—is it really worth it?

Here’s hoping fewer people in Japan feel the need to force themselves into choices that aren’t right for them.