Apple has built a reputation on sleek design, seamless integration, and a promise of security that keeps users loyal to the brand. But new research suggests that this very confidence might be working against them. According to a study by cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes, iPhone owners are more likely than Android users to fall for scams and engage in risky online behaviour.
More trust, more trouble
The Apple ecosystem is designed to be smooth and safe: iPhone, iPad, AirPods, MacBook, Apple Watch — everything works neatly together. iOS is also far more closed off than Android, limiting outside apps and giving users the impression of being well protected. But this sense of being in a secure bubble can encourage complacency.
The Malwarebytes study, which surveyed 1,300 people across the US, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, found that 53% of iPhone users admitted they had already fallen victim to an online scam, compared to 48% of Android users.
It’s not that iPhones are less secure, but their users often act as if nothing can touch them — while Android owners, who are generally more exposed to security warnings, tend to behave more cautiously.
Risky habits revealed
The survey highlighted some telling examples:
- 47% of iPhone users confessed to shopping on unfamiliar websites purely for a bargain, compared to 40% of Android users.
- 41% of iPhone users said they had messaged sellers directly on social media to grab a discount code, versus 33% of Android owners.
These behaviours increase the chance of handing personal data to fraudsters or stumbling into phishing schemes. Android users, while far from immune, were shown to be slightly less likely to take such risks.
A false sense of security
When it comes to protective measures, iPhone owners also lag behind. Only 21% of iOS users reported installing mobile security software, compared to 29% of Android users. Likewise, just 35% of iPhone users said they used unique passwords for every account, while the figure rose to 41% for Android.
Perhaps most tellingly, 55% of iPhone owners believe their device is “perfectly secure” without needing any extra precautions. By contrast, 50% of Android users felt the same. That difference may seem small, but it reflects a mindset: many Apple users assume the brand itself is protection enough.
Staying safe, whatever your device
The truth is, no smartphone is 100% safe. Whether you use iOS or Android, caution is key. Experts recommend creating strong and unique passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, and constantly checking that a website is legitimate before making a purchase. And if you ever receive a message with a suspicious link — whether it’s about a parcel, a bank account, or a mystery prize — the best advice is simple: don’t click it.
In the end, Apple’s polished design may make users feel untouchable, but as the Malwarebytes study shows, cybercriminals thrive on overconfidence. A little scepticism goes a long way in keeping both your phone and your data safe.