iOS vs. Android: Apple Has Slower Growth Of Shipments In Q2 Ahead Of iPhone 6 Release Date; OS's Combine For 96% Of Market

The smartphone operating system battle is still dominated by iOS and Android, according to the latest data from the IDC (via AppleInsider).

The Apple and Google operating systems accounted for 96.4 percent of the smartphone market in Q2, with Windows Phone (2.5 percent) serving as the only competitor to control more than 0.5 percent of the market share. iOS and Android were the only OS to show growth during Q2.

Apple's iPhone shipments, meanwhile, grew 12.7 percent in the quarter, giving the Cupertino-based tech giant 35.2 million total units. Android's large lineup, however, showed a higher rate of growth, increasing 33.3 percent to 255.3 million total units. In turn, Apple's overall market share dropped from the same period in 2013 from 13 percent of shipments to 11.7 percent. Android jumped up to 84.7 percent of devices shipped, compared to 79.6 percent in the same quarter in 2013.

Apple did, however, dominate the higher-end tier of handsets priced over $400. 60 percent of Android's handsets shipped, meanwhile, were priced under $200.

Want an iOS look on Android?

iOS 8 is still at least a few weeks away, so for those who seriously can't wait, the arrival of an iOS 8 look may be just the fix - for Android users.

The iOS 8 Launcher app gives Android fans another option in their arsenal to annoy the iOS buddies awaiting the new update's download and is available right now in the Google Play Store.

Although it isn't exactly like iOS 8, users can enjoy iOS-like customizable app folders, app icons and animations - all while still keeping it Android. Drop-down Notifications Drawer functions remain the same, along with other apps, according to Yahoo Tech.

What do you make of the latest IDC data? Are you in the market for an upcoming Android smartphone or iPhone set to release before the end of the year? Let us in on your thinking with a relevant comment.