Google’s ChromeOS slid pass macOS as it encroached on Windows market share in 2020

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Published onFebruary 24, 2021

published onFebruary 24, 2021

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Therising tide of PC sales during the pandemichelped lift the boats for Windows PC manufacturers, Apple MacBook sales, and even the adoption of ChromeOS.

According to market research firm IDC, Google’s 10-year old operating system just surpassed Apple’s macOS to claim the number two spot in user install base behind Microsoft’s Windows platform.

Geekwire obtained visualizationsfrom the IDC report showing the shift from Apple in the second spot to Google’s ChromeOS.

While ChromeOS has recently beaten out macOS in various quarters, last year’s overall market share gains gave Google’s operating system 10.8 percent of the market over Apple’s 7.5 percent in 2020.

Despite slipping behind ChromeOS, Apple’s 2020 did end on positive gain where its macOS went from 6.7 percent in 2019 to7.5 percent the following year.

With both ChromeOS and macOS seeing gains in 2020, the flip side of things is the understandable slippage of Widows market share which dropped from 85.4 percent of the market to 80.5 percent by the end of 2020.

Even though Microsoft still commands a significant amount of market share for operating systems, a five percent loss here and there ends up adding up to a trend that may be difficult to subvert as workflows and buying patterns permanently shift.

The pandemic has been an accelerant for many trends and it would seem that the adoption of ChromeOS was among those aided by the very particular circumstances of 2020 pandemic life.

Perhaps, thanks in large part to educational discounts awarded to schools to accommodate at-home student learning many took advantage of steeper than usual Chromebook discount deals in the US that have had a net positive on increasing the adoption of ChromeOS. It’ll be interesting to see if ChromeOS can maintain the same levels of adoption throughout 2021 as circumstances ideally shift once again.

Kareem Anderson

Networking & Security Specialist

Kareem is a journalist from the bay area, now living in Florida. His passion for technology and content creation drives are unmatched, driving him to create well-researched articles and incredible YouTube videos.

He is always on the lookout for everything new about Microsoft, focusing on making easy-to-understand content and breaking down complex topics related to networking, Azure, cloud computing, and security.

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Kareem Anderson

Networking & Security Specialist

He is a journalist from the bay area, now living in Florida. He breaks down complex topics related to networking, Azure, cloud computing, and security

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Google’s ChromeOS slid pass macOS as it encroached on Windows market share in 2020#