Highlights
- A survey revealed that 87% of American teens own an iPhone, and 88% plan to purchase an iPhone as their next smartphone.
- FaceTime and iMessage are key reasons behind iPhone obsession, as American teens want to be part of the blue bubble ride on iMessage(s).
- Features like end-to-end encryption, read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality image and video sharing, and the ability to send large messages are exclusive to iMessage, which is a factor in American teens’ preference for iPhones.
- Apple’s ecosystem, promising seamless integration between AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watch, and more, also plays a role in attracting teens to iPhones.
iPhone Ownership Among American Teens
A survey conducted by investment firm Piper Sandler reveals that 87% of American teens currently own an iPhone, and an overwhelming 88% plan to purchase an iPhone as their next smartphone. The results of this survey suggest a challenging market for Google and Android phone manufacturers. The survey was conducted between September 4th and September 27th and also reveals the geographic distribution of teen iPhone owners.
Teen Preference for iPhones Over Android
While Android remains the most popular mobile OS worldwide, iOS surpasses Android in the United States. The preference for iPhones over Android among American teens may be influenced by FaceTime and iMessage. The “blue bubble” versus “green bubble” phenomenon reflects the desire to be part of the exclusive iMessage features like end-to-end encryption, read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality image and video sharing, and the ability to send large messages.
The Role of the Apple Ecosystem
The seamless integration within Apple’s ecosystem, including products like AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watch, also plays a significant role in attracting teens to iPhones. Though competitors like Samsung have also made strides, the appeal of the Apple ecosystem remains strong. As a result, many teens ultimately end up with an iPhone, contributing to the high ownership rate of 87%.
