Last month, we learned that Chromebook shipments have grown more than 4 times amid the pandemic and the shift to distance learning. This demand in 2020 led Chrome OS to surpass macOS in worldwide sales.
According to the IDC 2020 numbers (via GeekWire) for desktops, laptops and workstations, Chrome OS surpassed macOS in worldwide sales. Google’s operating system surpassed (as it did before) Apple’s in the second quarter by 10% to 7.6%. However, Chrome OS continued to grow over the next two quarters – 11.5% in the third quarter and 14.4% in the fourth quarter – to maintain second place.
The Mac started at 5.8% in the first quarter and peaked at 8.4% in the third quarter, before dropping to 7.7% in the last three months. Meanwhile, Windows sales fell from 87.5% at the beginning of the year to 76.7% in the fourth quarter.
IDC’s annual analysis made Chrome OS rise 4.4 points to 10.8%, while macOS closed at 7.5% and Windows 80.5%. That said, StatCounter reports that desktop operating systems worldwide (as of January 2021) still have the Mac leading the way with 16.91% versus 1.91% for Chrome OS.
| T1 | Q2 | 3rd T | Q4 | |
| windows | 87.5% | 81.7% | 78.9% | 76.7% |
| Chrome OS | 5.3% | 10.0% | 11.5% | 14.4% |
| Mac OS | 5.8% | 7.6% | 8.4% | 7.7% |
The recent demand for accessible computers, especially in education, benefits Chromebooks a lot. Back in September, Apple said the new iPad Air was six times faster than the best-selling Chromebook. The comparison of the mobile / tablet operating system with the desktop is somewhat strange, even before considering how the iPad configuration requires the purchase of an additional keyboard accessory. Regardless of the iPad or Mac, Apple still has a premium price during a period when people are looking for the cheapest option.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is well aware of the Chrome OS threat and preparing for Windows 10X. A leaked version of the next operating system last month revealed a design, user experience and approach very similar to Google’s operating system. The operating system, originally for dual-screen devices before a revealing pivot, is expected to launch in the spring and will target education as well as business customers.
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