X Faces Growing Threat from Threads and Grok as Android Installs Collapse
Android users are leaving X in large numbers while iOS continues to see record downloads, highlighting a growing divide between platforms.
X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, is facing a tough period on Android even as iOS downloads keep climbing. According to Appfigures, global Android installs fell 44% year-over-year in July 2025. That slump dragged total mobile installs down 26% compared with the same month last year.
Meanwhile, iOS downloads rose 15%, showing a stark contrast between the two platforms. Android’s decline isn’t just a number — it reflects a longer-term problem with the app’s stability. Users have long complained about crashes and glitches, and the recent metrics suggest those frustrations are finally affecting growth. In June, total downloads had already dropped 35%, with Android installs nearly halving year-over-year.
Android App Problems Remain a Major Hurdle
The Android app’s shaky performance has been a sticking point for years. Nikita Bier, X’s newly appointed head of product, has acknowledged the issues and is recruiting engineers for an “Android Dream Team” to rebuild the app from the ground up. While iOS saw a record week for downloads, the Android problems continue to weigh heavily on overall growth.
Users May Be Looking Elsewhere
It’s not entirely clear where frustrated Android users are going. Bluesky, a smaller rival, had just 119,000 downloads in July. Meta’s Threads, on the other hand, is steadily gaining daily active users on mobile, and some of X’s Android users may be shifting there.
Subscription Revenue Under Pressure
The drop in Android installs has also affected subscription revenue. X generated $16.9 million in net revenue from subscriptions in July, down from $18.8 million in March. Advertising still drives the majority of revenue, but premium subscriptions had become a key secondary stream. Some users may now be switching to Grok, which offers a standalone AI app similar to the features X Premium previously provided.
What Comes Next for X
For now, X is leaning on its iOS base to keep installs afloat. But Android remains the dominant mobile platform worldwide. Without a full rebuild of the app, X risks continued declines in both downloads and subscription revenue.
Competitors like Threads and Grok are ready to capitalize, making it crucial for X to act quickly. Bier’s team faces a tough challenge: rebuilding the Android app isn’t just about fixing bugs; it’s about restoring trust and keeping users engaged. How quickly that happens will likely shape X’s performance for the rest of 2025.
| Month / Metric | Android Downloads | iOS Downloads | Total Mobile Downloads | Subscription Revenue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2025 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $18.8M | Baseline revenue before major Android decline |
| June 2025 | -49% YoY | n/a | -35% YoY | $16.8M | Android installs nearly halved; first signs of slowdown |
| July 2025 | -44% YoY | +15% YoY | -26% YoY | $16.9M | Android slump continues; iOS grows; total downloads down |
| Competitor Metrics | Bluesky: 119K | n/a | n/a | n/a | Threads steadily gaining daily active users |
| Key Issues | Crashes, bugs, instability | Stable | n/a | Subscription dip | Android app struggles affecting growth; users explore alternatives like Grok |
Go to TECHTRENDSKE.co.ke for more tech and business news from the African continent.
Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
TechTrends Media Podcasts
