Apple vs. Android - Who Uses What?

How does the Android demographic compare to Apple's demographic and why does it matter?

These days, there are Android devices everywhere you look. When customers go shopping to purchase a smart phone or a tablet, the big question is do they want to go with the Android platform or do they want an iDevice? It's a tough call, and one that even people who have been working in the tech industry for years struggle with.

I've been thinking about it myself lately. I have come to the realization that I am going to need a new laptop in the next year. Since I use my computer for work, keeping it in good shape is vital. I've been considering the Google Chromebook or the Apple MacBook Pro. As I was sizing up the pros and cons of my options, I was curious to find out what the two platforms demographics look like.

It was interesting, to me at least, to find that younger people tend to use Android more than older ones. I'm not sure why that is, exactly, but I think that maybe it has something to do with the learning curve. See, Android devices can do a lot, but they don't have the intuitiveness of the Apple products. But, that's not a bad thing, either. Apple products work beautifully and are easy for even 3 year olds to pick up and get going with. Just ask anyone who has both an iDevice and a toddler. The problem is that because of the tight control Apple keeps on their software, they aren't as flexible.

According to several studies, the core demographic of Android devices are between 16 and 34. For the 35 and up, it's overwhelmingly skewed toward Apple. Android devices are a little bit cheaper than the Apple equivalent, which appeals to younger students. While Apple is a familiar name, it provides comfort and good customer support and training to it's customers, which older people tend to like.

So, why does this even matter? Well, for one, it's a huge indication of what is to come. Whether your first smartphone or tablet is an Android or an Apple is going to be the key determining factor for what kind of devices you will buy in the future. For example, someone who loves their iPhone, when shopping for a tablet, will be significantly more likely to buy an iPad. It's not science, it's just what's familiar.

Over the next five years, these younger consumers will have more spending power. Not only that, but because they have grown up with electronics playing such a heavy part of their lives, they will be early adaptors. As they grow, they will continue to have brand loyalty to Android.

This is going to be good for Google, but it will present a huge challenge to Apple. Right now, they are the industry leader in smartphones and tablets. It doesn't matter if you love them or hate them, they are still the ones to beat. However, in order to stay relevant, they are going to have to find a way to woo those younger Android using consumers in order to stay relevant.

It might seem hard to imagine, but just take a look at Microsoft. Over the years, their loyal customer base has stayed mostly the same, but new computer users are picking different options. Without a constant influx of new users, any brand can lose its value.

Do you think that Apple is going to lose traction with the younger generations? Do you think I should get a Chromebook or a Mac? Share your thoughts in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for TechCareersBlog and Nexxt. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.