Yes, you're definitely not imagining things; there is a known performance gap between Android and iOS users when it comes to X Ads (formerly Twitter Ads), and it often boils down to tracking limitations, user behavior, and cost differences between the platforms.
1. iOS = More Privacy, Less Data
Ever since Apple rolled out App Tracking Transparency (ATT), it's been much harder to track conversions from iOS users. Many opt out of tracking, which means:
Fewer attributed conversions
Less accurate optimization
X Ads’ algorithm has a harder time learning and scaling on iOS traffic
So even if your ad is working, you may not see the performance as clearly, or X might shift budget away from iOS due to lack of signal.
2. Android = More Data, Lower CPMs
Android users are generally:
Less restricted in tracking
Cheaper to reach (lower CPMs)
Easier for the platform to optimize around
That often results in better-reported performance and more stable ROAS.
3. User Behavior Also Plays a Role
iOS users may engage more with content but convert less frequently on certain offers or landing pages, especially if your checkout process isn’t fully mobile-optimized.
What You Can Do:
Segment performance by device inside X Ads and GA4 to see real engagement/conversion differences.
If iOS is underperforming, try device-level bid adjustments or split campaigns by OS.
Test shorter funnels or different CTAs for iOS users to reduce drop-off.
Bottom line:
Yes, there’s a real difference—and it’s not just creative or targeting. iOS tracking limitations and Android’s optimization friendliness make performance diverge, even with the same setup. Keep testing both, but don’t expect identical results.