Linux Market Share Hits New High
For the first time, the Linux market share has reached a new high for desktops, and the trend looks like it will continue.
According to Statcounter, Linux desktop market share has reached an all-time high of 4.44 percent in July. This is up from 4.04 percent in June, which was an increase from May at 3.77 percent. In fact, the Linux market share has been slowly creeping upward and that trajectory should continue to rise. At its lowest point in 2023, Linux was at 3.12 percent (July). Before July 2024, the peak was December at 3.83 percent.
Compare that to macOS and you see a completely different trend, where Apple's OS peaked at 21.01 percent in November 2023 and has steadily fallen to 14.92 percent in July 2024.
There are several possible reasons for this change. First is the growing frustration with Windows 11 (such as forced ads and AI). As for macOS, the continued rising cost of Apple hardware makes using the OS a challenge for many people. Also, the popularity of the Steam Deck (which is powered by Linux) has given the open source OS a considerable bump in popularity.
It doesn't hurt that just about any recent version of Linux is viable, even for new users.
If this trend continues, it's not out of the realm of possibility that Linux will hit 5 percent by the end of 2024 and could even inch closer to double digits by the end of 2025. The possibility of Linux finally surpassing macOS's market share has become a reality (as macOS continues to drop and Linux continues to rise).
It's also important to understand that the 4.44 percent could be an underestimate of Linux usage, as Statcounter depends on website trackers to collect data. Since many Linux users go to great lengths to retain their privacy, it's possible several thousands of Linux instances aren't being registered. That number could already be at or over 5 percent.
Keep checking Statcounter to see how this trend continues.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.