14 DAY TRIAL // The Microsoft vs. Apple battle continues these days in a wide variety of markets, including in desktop operating system where the Redmond-based software giant has always been the top option for users across the world.
Data offered by research firm NetMarketShare for the month of June indicates that Windows is currently running on no less than 91.51 percent of the computers out there, while Apple’s Mac is very far behind with just 6.12 percent. Linux is third with only 2.36 percent.
Windows has gradually improved its market share in the last 12 months and although it indeed experienced some declines, Microsoft’s operating system never declined below the 91 percent share.
The same thing happened in the case of macOS as well, though this time the drops were more substantial. Apple’s desktop platform declined from 7.37 percent in August last year to 6.07 percent in December 2016, before eventually recovering and going down once again to settle at 6.12 percent.
Windows also dominating gaming
In addition to the global PC market, where Microsoft’s Windows is clearly the top choice, the Redmond-based software giant also leads in terms of gaming, with Valve data showing that most Steam gamers are picking its operating system over rivals’ for playing games.
Windows is running on more than 95 percent of the computers where Steam is installed, with Windows 10 accounting for nearly half of these PCs, mostly as a result of Microsoft’s free upgrade offer announced after the launch of the OS.
Without a doubt, the continuously growing range of Windows PCs helps Microsoft secure the leading spot in the desktop OS market, and it’ll take years until Apple can at least dream about making macOS the number one choice for users worldwide.
But what’s more important for Apple is that despite the strong performance of Windows, Cupertino did manage to maintain its market share, with most Mac buyers sticking with the company’s devices even when new upgrades are planned.