Two screens. Two worlds.
On one screen, an urban professional in Oslo taps through ultra-secure banking apps, relies on an AI-powered personal assistant, and streams media seamlessly over high-speed 5G using their iPhone.
On the other screen, a farmer in Malawi scrolls through a modest Android phone — likely costing less than a week’s wages — just to read the news, check tomorrow’s weather, and send WhatsApp messages over a patchy mobile connection.
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These very different experiences highlight the divide between the Global North and the Global South. These terms refer not only to geographic locations but also to the world’s wealthiest and most industrialized regions — such as Europe, North America, and parts of East Asia — and economically developing nations across much of Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Oceania. Technology symbolizes innovation, convenience, and seamless connectivity in the Global North. In the Global South, it often serves as a fragile lifeline, bridging gaps in infrastructure, education, and opportunity.
Cloudflare’s 2024 Year In Review sharply illustrates this divide: Android accounted for over 90% of mobile traffic in 29 countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, where lower gross national incomes make budget devices essential. In contrast, iOS dominated in eight countries, including Denmark and Norway, capturing over 60% of mobile traffic.
This disparity goes beyond device usage; it reflects systemic inequalities in access, infrastructure, and opportunity. The digital divide continues to widen each year, with technology acting as both a tool for empowerment and a means of exclusion.
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Two internets, one inequality
Cloudflare’s data shows that mobile devices account for over 77% of all internet traffic in many developing nations, with countries like Sudan and Syria being notable examples. In contrast, wealthier regions benefit from both desktop and mobile usage, allowing for greater access to digital tools and services.
This difference reflects global economic inequalities. In affluent areas, iOS users enjoy a seamless digital ecosystem characterized by advanced encryption, innovative apps, and smooth hardware and software integration. On the other hand, Android users in developing regions often face challenges with older devices, slower internet speeds, and outdated software. The digital divide is not just about market share; fundamentally, it determines who can participate fully in the modern economy and who experiences limitations and compromises.
Android’s affordable dominance: a lifeline with limits
Android is not just the dominant platform in the Global South; it is often the only viable option. Affordable devices priced between $50 and $200 from brands like Xiaomi and Tecno enable connectivity in regions with low incomes and limited technology budgets. According to Cloudflare’s data, Android adoption has exceeded 95% in countries such as Sudan, Bangladesh, and Malawi. These devices, which come preloaded with Google’s ecosystem, serve as an entry point to the internet for billions of users.
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However, this affordability comes with drawbacks. Many of these devices are built with older hardware and protocols, leaving users in these areas struggling with slower speeds, weaker encryption, and limited access to advanced web technologies like HTTP/3. Only 20.5% of global web traffic in 2024 utilized HTTP/3, a protocol designed to enhance speed and security. For many in the Global South, being online requires navigating significant technological limitations daily.
Infrastructure presents an additional challenge. Poor broadband penetration, unreliable electricity, and minimal 4G or 5G coverage mean that even the best Android devices can underperform. Cloudflare’s report highlights that satellite internet, such as Starlink, is starting to bridge this gap, with Malawi experiencing a 38-fold increase in traffic. However, these solutions remain costly and limited in reach, emphasizing the broader infrastructural barriers that obstruct digital equity.
Apple’s premium ecosystem: innovation as exclusion
In stark contrast, Apple’s tightly integrated ecosystem dominates in affluent nations, commanding over 60% of mobile traffic in eight high-income countries. With seamless integration of services like iCloud, FaceTime, and Apple Pay, the iOS experience is unparalleled, but it remains exclusive. Even Apple’s budget-friendly models, such as the upcoming iPhone SE 4, are priced between $499 and $549, which is far beyond the reach of most consumers in the Global South.
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This exclusivity reinforces a digital hierarchy, where owning an iPhone signifies privilege and access to premium digital experiences. The Cloudflare report highlights how affordability influences platform dominance, showing that higher iOS adoption correlates with higher gross national incomes per capita. For much of the world, Apple’s ecosystem remains a closed door – a symbol of innovation that feels aspirational rather than accessible.
Secondary markets: a precarious lifeline
There is a gray area between high-end iPhones in affluent countries and budget Android devices: the global trade in used technology. Secondary markets in cities like Lagos, Dhaka, and Manila provide a narrow pathway to better technology for people in the Global South. A secondhand iPhone, previously owned by a professional in Europe, can become a valuable asset for a student in Nairobi. These devices offer access to better apps, enhanced security, and improved productivity.
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However, these devices have risks. Without warranties or access to official repairs, owners must rely on informal networks to keep their devices functional. Additionally, the environmental impact of this influx is significant, as discarded electronics often end up in unregulated recycling yards, contributing to e-waste and posing health hazards. While secondary markets represent resilience and resourcefulness, they also highlight the systemic inequalities that force people to depend on outdated technology.
Google’s hegemony in the Global South: opportunity and dependency
The extensive adoption of Android has positioned Google as a crucial gatekeeper of information in the Global South. In 2024, Googlebot, the company’s web crawler, generated the highest volume of web traffic by retrieving content for search indexing, further reinforcing Google’s dominance. For many users, the internet is essentially synonymous with Google, as its algorithms dictate the content that appears at the top of search results.
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This centralization raises concerns about our dependence on Google. Data from Cloudflare highlights how mobile-first countries heavily rely on Google’s ecosystem, often facing limited access to alternative platforms or local content. As AI-driven tools like Google Gemini become more widespread, this reliance intensifies, affecting what users can access and how they perceive the world.
The news and information gap: filtering the world through a single lens
Platforms such as YouTube and Google News have become dominant in areas where traditional media struggles to connect with audiences. However, data from Cloudflare shows that these platforms often prioritize sensationalist and polarizing content, exacerbating the spread of misinformation. Furthermore, language barriers lead to the underrepresentation of local languages online, forcing many users to rely on English or other global languages that often lack cultural nuance.
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Governments in the Global South can play a critical role in bridging the digital divide. Initiatives like India’s Digital India program and Kenya’s investments in digital literacy demonstrate the potential for effective public-private collaboration. Governments can reduce dependency on global tech giants by subsidizing local app development and infrastructure and fostering competition through policy measures to help create a more diverse digital ecosystem.
Beyond the binary: toward a more inclusive digital future
The divide between Android and iOS represents broader inequalities in wealth, education, and access. Cloudflare’s report highlights these stark contrasts and outlines a roadmap for change. Addressing this divide requires investment in infrastructure, local content creation, and policies promoting competition and innovation.
Imagine a future where entrepreneurs in rural areas create apps specifically designed for their communities. Envision governments supporting open-source tools and upholding neutral technological standards. In this ideal world, technology acts as a connector rather than a divider. However, without decisive action, the digital divide may continue to grow, leaving billions of people behind.
The future of the internet is in our hands. Will we rise to the challenge and create a more inclusive digital world, or will we allow this divide to deepen? The answer lies in the choices we make today.
