Despite a rough parity in the installed base of Apple and Android phones in the US, iPhone owners tend to last longer with their devices, thanks to factors like build quality. Previous reports from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners have shown that people are keeping their iPhones longer before upgrading. This was a departure from the trend during the Covid-19 pandemic, where people upgraded their iPhones more frequently. A report published by CIRP on Wednesday revealed further insights, including data on Android users’ switching habits, confirming that iPhone users are once again replacing their smartphones less frequently.
iPhone owners seem satisfied with the build quality
Specifically, 61 percent of iPhone buyers have used their previous iPhone for two years or more. This rate is 43 percent of Android owners. What’s more, while 29 percent of iPhone owners have used their last device for three years or more, only 21 percent of Android owners can say the same. On the other hand, only 10 percent of iPhone owners had used their previous device for a year or less, compared to almost a quarter of Android owners at 21 percent.
Common beliefs suggest that iPhone owners are wealthier and more tech- and style-conscious, while Android users are generally more budget-oriented. But the data do not match these assumptions, and CIRP offers several explanations. The iPhone receives annual updates, giving consumers only a one-year incentive to purchase a new device. On the other hand, the Android ecosystem, which includes brands such as Samsung, Google and Motorola, offers multiple new versions every year.