As we navigate through 2025, macOS continues to be a cornerstone of Apple's ecosystem, appealing to a diverse and growing user base. This report delves into the latest statistics, covering user numbers, market share, revenue, demographics, and version adoption, providing a detailed overview for those interested in the state of Apple's desktop operating system.
macOS, previously known as Mac OS X and OS X, is Apple's desktop operating system, first released in 2001. Designed specifically for Apple laptops and computers, it has evolved through numerous releases, with the most recent being macOS Sequoia (version 15) as of fall 2024.
Its integration with the Apple ecosystem, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, makes it a favorite among users who value seamless connectivity and a user-friendly interface. As of March 2, 2025, macOS remains a dominant force in personal computing, known for its innovative design, robust performance, and strong brand loyalty.
Number of Mac Users
In 2025, it's estimated that there are around 102-105 million Mac users worldwide, building on the 100.4 million reported in 2024. This growth reflects the continued appeal of Apple's ecosystem, which integrates seamlessly with other Apple products.
Market Share and Revenue
- Market Share: While global PC market share is around 8-10%, the US PC market share is approximately 15%, and the US desktop OS market share is 23.17%, showing regional variations.
- Revenue: In fiscal 2024, Mac revenue reached $30 billion, highlighting its financial importance to Apple, despite some discrepancies in reported figures.
Popular Versions and Demographics
- macOS Versions: macOS 15.2 leads with 39.80% market share, followed by macOS 15.3 at 16.94% and macOS 15.1 at 16.34% as of early 2025.
- Demographics: The US accounts for 40.3% of users, with a younger skew, 55.7% aged 18-34, and a balanced gender distribution.
Global User Base and Growth Trends
Research indicates that the global number of Mac users was approximately 100.4 million in 2024, with projections suggesting an increase to around 102-105 million in 2025. This growth is driven by the seamless integration with other Apple products and the brand's strong ecosystem, which continues to attract new users.
The steady increase in user numbers, from over 100 million in 2023 to projected figures in 2025, reflects Apple's ongoing innovation, such as the M2 and M3 chips, and now the anticipated M4, catering to both casual and professional users.
This growth is particularly notable given the competitive landscape dominated by Windows, which holds a significant share of the global PC market. The rise in user numbers also suggests a growing preference for macOS's security features, user experience, and compatibility with Apple's broader product lineup, making it a preferred choice for many.
MacOS Market Share Analysis
The market share of macOS on personal computers has shown a clear upward trend over the past five years, both globally and in the United States, according to data from Statcounter. Globally, macOS’s share of the PC installed base increased from 15.1% in 2020 to 17.1% in 2024, reflecting a steady rise of approximately 0.5% annually. This growth highlights the operating system’s growing appeal, driven by factors like Apple’s hardware innovations and an expanding user base in developed markets.
In the U.S., the trend is even more pronounced, with macOS’s market share climbing from 25.6% in 2020 to 33.5% in 2024. This suggests a stronger preference for macOS among American users, nearly double the global average, possibly due to higher disposable income and the popularity of Apple products in creative and professional sectors. For instance, by April 2023, Statcounter reported a U.S. share of 31.34%, a figure that aligns with this trajectory.
The data, charted below, illustrates these trends clearly. Globally, the rise is gradual but consistent, while the U.S. shows a steeper climb, underscoring regional differences in adoption.
Global PC Market Share of macOS
U.S. PC Market Share of macOS
This disparity between global and U.S. figures points to a notable regional variation, with North America—particularly the U.S.—leading macOS adoption. While global shipment data from IDC pegs Apple’s share lower (e.g., 8.1% in Q1 2024), Statcounter’s usage-based metrics offer a broader view of active devices, making it a reliable lens for understanding macOS’s real-world footprint.
Mac User Demographic Statistics
As of 2024, macOS has solidified its position as the second most widely used desktop operating system globally, following Microsoft Windows. According to StatCounter, macOS holds a 15.33% usage share among desktop operating systems.
Geographic Distribution Of Mac Users
United States: The U.S. accounts for approximately 40% of global Mac users, reflecting the brand's strong presence in its home country.
Europe: Europe represents about 30% of the Mac user base, with the United Kingdom, Germany, and France leading in adoption.
Asia: In Asia, Mac users constitute around 20% of the global base, with significant growth observed in countries like Japan and China.
Other Regions: The remaining 10% of Mac users are distributed across Latin America, Africa, and Oceania.
Age Group Breakdown
18-34 years old: Approximately 55.7% of Mac users fall within this age range, indicating a strong preference among younger adults.
35-54 years old: This demographic accounts for about 30.4% of Mac users, showcasing the platform's appeal to middle-aged professionals.
55 years and older: Users aged 55 and above make up roughly 13.9% of the Mac user base, reflecting a smaller yet significant segment.
Mac User’s Gender Distribution
Female Users: Women constitute approximately 66% of Mac users, highlighting a notable preference for macOS among female consumers.
Male Users: Men make up about 34% of the Mac user demographic, indicating a diverse user base.
These statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the demographics, geographic distribution, age groups, and gender distribution among Mac users as of 2024.
MacOS Device Usage Trends
As Apple pushes its ecosystem forward, macOS device usage in 2025 reveals clear trends. From software to hardware, here’s what’s shaping the Mac landscape as of March 2025.
MacOS Version
macOS Sequoia leads to be the most popular version. In February 2025 data shows it holds a 84.64% share among over 225,000 monthly users.
Released in September 2024, Sequoia’s appeal lies in features like Apple Intelligence. It’s outpaced older versions like Sonoma and Ventura, showing users’ eagerness for the latest updates.
Mac Model Share
The MacBook Pro dominates Mac models, claiming 54% of laptop sales in a 2023 CIRP report. This trend likely holds in 2025 with M4 chip releases boosting its popularity.
MacBook Air follows at 46%, boosted by its 15-inch model from 2023. Desktop options like iMac (10%) and Mac mini (3%) lag behind, underscoring laptop preference.
Screen Size Usage Share
Users favor 14-inch and 16-inch screens, especially in MacBook Pros. TelemetryDeck’s January 2025 data pegs the 16-inch 2021 model at 17.79% usage.
The 14-inch version sits at 16.30%, while 13-inch Airs and 15-inch models also thrive. These sizes balance portability and workspace effectively.
Apple Silicon Vs. Intel Usage
Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) now powers all Macs shipped since 2023. Estimates suggest 60-70% of users have adopted these chips by 2025.
Intel-based Macs are fading, likely at 30-40% usage. A 22% U.S. Mac sales jump in Q1 2024, per 9to5Mac, highlights Silicon’s rise.
The end of Windows 10 support in 2025 may drive more enterprise shifts to Silicon Macs, per IDC. Performance and efficiency are key draws.
Revenue Insights
Financially, Apple's Mac lineup generated approximately $30 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2024, which ended in September 2024, according to Apple reports fourth quarter results - Apple. This figure is based on quarterly revenues, as detailed below:
Quarter | Revenue (Billions USD) |
---|---|
Q1 (Oct-Dec 2023) | 7.7 |
Q2 (Jan-Mar 2024) | 7.5 |
Q3 (Apr-Jun 2024) | 7.01 |
Q4 (Jul-Sep 2024) | 7.74 |
Totaling approximately $30 billion for the year, this corrects the user's provided figure of $42.3 billion, which may have been a misinterpretation of total Apple revenue or an outdated estimate. This revenue figure underscores the premium pricing and brand loyalty associated with Mac products, contributing significantly to Apple's overall financial health.
The stability in quarterly revenue, with slight growth in Q4, possibly driven by holiday sales and new M4 chip introductions, reflects the consistent demand for Macs.