New research from Malwarebytes reveals that iPhone users globally are engaging in riskier online behavior and experiencing more scams than Android users.
The survey of 1,300 adults across the United States, UK, Austria, Germany and Switzerland revealed that iPhone users share more of their personal information online, are less likely to use security software and more frequently reuse passwords compared to Android users. Perhaps predictably, iPhone users report a greater number of online scams and risky purchases from unknown sources.
“Too many iPhone users rely on the device’s reputation for security without taking basic steps to protect themselves, leaving them vulnerable to today’s realistic scams and silent threats like infostealers,” said Michael Sherwood, VP of Product, Malwarebytes. “We can no longer rest on our laurels no matter how we choose to browse, bank or chat. Cybercriminals know that mobile devices are a fruitful gateway to scams and threats. We need to be aware and skeptical of everything from text messages and search results to email attachments and links.”
Research key takeaways:
- 53% of iPhone users have fallen victim to a scam compared to 48% of Android users.
- 21% of iPhone users said they use security software on their mobile phones, compared to 29% of Android users.
- 35% of iPhone users choose unique passwords for their online accounts, compared to 41% of Android users.
- 47% of iPhone users purchased an item from an unknown source because it offered the best price, compared to 40% of Android users.
- 41% of iPhone users admitted to sending a DM on social media to a company or seller’s account to get a discount, compared to 33% of Android users.
While iPhone users tend to trust built-in device security, this confidence may result in riskier behavior. In fact, 55% of iPhone owners said they trust their phone’s security to keep them safe—slightly higher than the 50% on Android—which may explain the gap in security habits.
Scam Guard: An AI-powered digital safety companion and scam detector
To help address the growing threat of scams, Malwarebytes recently launched Scam Guard, a new tool that provides real-time feedback on scams, threats and malware alongside digital safety recommendations. Embedded within the Malwarebytes Mobile Security app, the feature aims to remove the stigma of shame around scams by helping educate and guide users before it’s too late. Users simply tap to submit suspicious content via a chat interface within the mobile app. To learn more about Scam Guard and other great features, download the mobile app.
Dive into the research, iPhone vs. Android: iPhone users more reckless, less protected online here.
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About the Survey
Malwarebytes commissioned an independent survey of 1,300 adults aged 18 and older from the United States, UK, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland in March 2025 to better understand mobile security and privacy habits. The survey ensured a balanced sample by gender, age, geography, and race.
