Android, which is built on a modified Linux kernel, represents Linux’s footprint in the mobile market. With Android holding over 70% of the global smartphone market, it’s clear that the Linux kernel is in the hands of billions of users worldwide, even if they’re not directly interacting with a traditional Linux desktop environment. This extended reach reveals Linux’s versatility, as it can be adapted to serve different functions across varied hardware and applications.
Additionally, Linux’s market share might be undercounted due to its popularity among privacy-focused users. Many Linux users employ privacy tools such as VPNs, ad blockers, and user-agent switchers, which make it harder to track their presence accurately. Consequently, a portion of Linux’s actual desktop market share may be hidden, as many Linux users intentionally avoid or block tracking software. This underrepresentation is a unique quirk of the Linux user base, which generally values privacy and security.