Do Billionaires Use iPhone or Android? (The Answer Might Surprise You)
The Phone in a Billionaire's Pocket
You've wondered it. Don't lie. You're standing in line at Starbucks, iPhone in hand, and you think: "Does Elon Musk use one of these? Does Jeff Bezos? Are we... the same?" Spoiler: kind of. But also, not really. Let's dig into what the world's wealthiest humans are actually carrying around — and what it says about them.
First, the Big Picture: iPhone Dominates at the Top
Here's something that will either validate your life choices or make you question everything: the majority of the world's billionaires use iPhones. According to Statista, iPhone holds over 55% of the US smartphone market — and that number skews even higher among high-income earners.
But it's not unanimous. Some of the world's most powerful people are die-hard Android loyalists. And a few — bless them — use both. Because when you have $100 billion, why choose?
Billionaires Who Use iPhone 🍎
Jeff Bezos iPhone
The Amazon founder and one of the richest humans alive is a confirmed iPhone user. Bezos has been photographed with iPhones on multiple occasions, and given that Amazon's Alexa integrates seamlessly with iOS, it makes sense. Also, when you own a rocket company, you probably appreciate things that just work.
Fun fact: In 2018, Bezos's iPhone was reportedly hacked via a WhatsApp message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Even billionaires aren't safe from sketchy links.
Tim Cook iPhone (Obviously)
The CEO of Apple uses an iPhone. We know. Groundbreaking journalism. But what's interesting is that Cook has spoken publicly about using every iPhone model extensively before launch — meaning he's probably used more iPhones than anyone alive. His net worth? Around $2 billion. Not bad for a guy who basically sells the phone you're probably reading this on.
Bill Gates Android (Formerly)
Here's where it gets spicy. Bill Gates — co-founder of Microsoft — famously used Android for years, citing his preference for the customization options. However, in recent interviews, Gates has been more coy about his current device. Given that Microsoft now has deep iOS integration (Teams, Office, Outlook all run beautifully on iPhone), don't be shocked if he's made the switch. We're watching, Bill.
Warren Buffett iPhone
The Oracle of Omaha — a man who famously used a flip phone until 2020 — was gifted an iPhone by Tim Cook himself. Buffett has since become a convert, and Berkshire Hathaway owns a massive stake in Apple. So yes, Warren Buffett uses an iPhone. He also thinks it's one of the greatest businesses ever built. When the world's greatest investor puts his money where his mouth is, that's worth noting.
"It's an incredibly useful product," Buffett said of the iPhone. High praise from a man who spent decades avoiding smartphones entirely.
Elon Musk iPhone (and Android)
Of course Elon Musk uses both. Because of course he does. Musk owns X (formerly Twitter) and has been vocal about his complicated relationship with Apple — threatening to ban iPhones at Tesla HQ, then having dinner with Tim Cook and making up. He's been photographed with iPhones regularly, but as the owner of a platform that runs on both ecosystems, he keeps his options open. Classic Elon: can't commit to just one phone, just like he can't commit to just one company.
Mark Zuckerberg Android
Meta's CEO is a confirmed Android user — specifically, he's been seen with various Samsung Galaxy and Pixel devices. This makes sense: Meta's platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) are used by more Android users globally than iPhone users, and Zuckerberg needs to experience his products the way most of his users do. Also, Meta and Apple have had a famously frosty relationship since Apple's App Tracking Transparency update cost Meta an estimated $10 billion in revenue. So yeah. Android it is, Mark.
Larry Ellison iPhone
Oracle's co-founder and one of Apple's biggest individual shareholders is a devoted iPhone user and a close personal friend of the late Steve Jobs. Ellison has been one of Apple's most vocal supporters in Silicon Valley. He's also worth over $100 billion, so his phone case game better be on point.
Sundar Pichai Android (Pixel)
The CEO of Google uses a Google Pixel. Shocking, we know. Pichai has spoken about using Pixel phones extensively to test Google's AI features, camera improvements, and Android updates. If the guy who runs Google used an iPhone, that would be a story. He doesn't. Moving on.
Oprah Winfrey iPhone
Oprah is famously an Apple enthusiast — she's featured Apple products on her "Favorite Things" lists multiple times and is a known iPhone user. She's also partnered with Apple TV+ for her book club and interview series. When Oprah endorses something, it tends to stick. Her net worth: around $2.5 billion. Her phone: iPhone. Her energy: immaculate.
Sam Altman iPhone
The CEO of OpenAI — the company behind ChatGPT — is an iPhone user. Somewhat ironic given that Apple and OpenAI have a partnership that brings ChatGPT to Siri. But also: of course the AI guy uses the phone with the best AI integration. Sam Altman is worth billions and is arguably the most influential person in tech right now. He uses an iPhone. You're welcome.
The iPhone vs Android Billionaire Scorecard
📊 The Results
| Billionaire | Net Worth | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Bezos | ~$200B | 🍎 iPhone |
| Elon Musk | ~$200B+ | 🍎 iPhone + Android |
| Mark Zuckerberg | ~$170B | 🤖 Android |
| Larry Ellison | ~$140B | 🍎 iPhone |
| Warren Buffett | ~$130B | 🍎 iPhone |
| Bill Gates | ~$110B | 🤖 Android (historically) |
| Sundar Pichai | ~$1.3B | 🤖 Android (Pixel) |
| Sam Altman | ~$2B | 🍎 iPhone |
| Oprah Winfrey | ~$2.5B | 🍎 iPhone |
| Tim Cook | ~$2B | 🍎 iPhone (obviously) |
iPhone: 7 • Android: 3 • Both: 1
Why Do Most Billionaires Choose iPhone?
🔒 Security & Privacy
When you have billions of dollars, trade secrets, and sensitive communications, security isn't optional. Apple's end-to-end encryption, Secure Enclave chip, and tight hardware-software integration make iPhone the preferred choice for high-stakes users. According to Forbes, iPhone consistently ranks higher in enterprise security assessments. When your texts could move markets, you want the most secure phone available.
✨ The Ecosystem Effect
Billionaires have assistants, multiple devices, smart home setups, and complex workflows. Apple's ecosystem — iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods — all talking to each other seamlessly — is unmatched. When you're running multiple companies and need everything to just work, the Apple ecosystem is the obvious choice. It's the same reason minimalist phone users love iPhone: less friction, more focus.
💼 Status & Social Signaling
Let's be honest: in certain circles, the blue bubble matters. iPhone has become a status symbol in the US and many Western markets. Pew Research found that iPhone dominates among higher-income demographics. Billionaires didn't get where they are by ignoring social dynamics. The iPhone is the default choice of the professional class — and billionaires are very much aware of that.
📸 Camera Quality
Billionaires attend galas, give keynotes, appear on magazine covers, and document their lives extensively. The iPhone's camera system — especially on the Pro models — is consistently rated among the best in the world. When your photo might end up in the Wall Street Journal, you want the best camera in your pocket. Check out our iPhone 16 cases that protect that camera without covering it up.
What Does This Mean for You?
Here's our hot take: the phone doesn't make the billionaire. Jeff Bezos didn't build Amazon because he had an iPhone. Mark Zuckerberg didn't create Facebook because he had Android. The device is a tool — what matters is how you use it.
That said, if you're going to use an iPhone — like the majority of the world's wealthiest people — you might as well protect it properly. Not with a bulky case that makes your sleek device look like it's wearing a hazmat suit (we wrote a whole post about why you should stop buying bulky phone cases), but with something that actually reflects your taste.
💡 Billionaire Energy Tip: Warren Buffett says the iPhone is one of the greatest products ever made. Tim Cook uses one daily. If you're going to carry the same phone as some of the world's most successful people, at least put a great case on it. Browse our iPhone 17 cases or iPhone 16 cases — premium protection that matches the phone's premium design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Elon Musk use iPhone or Android?
Elon Musk has been photographed with both iPhones and Android devices. As the owner of X (Twitter) and Tesla, he uses multiple devices across both platforms. He's primarily seen with iPhones in public appearances.
What phone does Jeff Bezos use?
Jeff Bezos is a confirmed iPhone user and has been photographed with Apple devices on multiple occasions. His iPhone was notably hacked in 2018 via a WhatsApp vulnerability.
Does Mark Zuckerberg use iPhone?
No — Mark Zuckerberg uses Android devices, primarily Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones. This is partly due to Meta's complicated relationship with Apple and partly to experience his products as most global users do.
What phone does Warren Buffett use?
Warren Buffett uses an iPhone, gifted to him by Apple CEO Tim Cook. Buffett famously used a flip phone for decades before switching. Berkshire Hathaway is one of Apple's largest shareholders.
Do most billionaires use iPhone?
Based on publicly available information, yes — the majority of well-known billionaires use iPhones. This aligns with broader data showing iPhone dominates among high-income demographics in the US and Western markets.
What phone does Bill Gates use?
Bill Gates has historically used Android phones, citing customization preferences. However, his current device preference is less publicly documented. Given Microsoft's deep iOS integration, his choice may have evolved.
Is iPhone better than Android for security?
iPhone is generally considered more secure due to Apple's closed ecosystem, hardware-software integration, and Secure Enclave chip. This is a key reason high-profile individuals with sensitive communications tend to prefer iPhone. Learn more about choosing the right setup for your iPhone.
Keep Exploring
Same Phone as a Billionaire. Better Case.
You might not have Jeff Bezos's bank account or Elon Musk's rocket collection, but you can have the same phone — and protect it better than most. Browse our premium iPhone cases and find the one that matches your energy.
