iPhones have captivated audiences ever since the first model launched back in 2007. While Android dominates globally, Apple has cultivated an aspirational brand that enjoys unparalleled loyalty across users. But how widespread is iPhone usage exactly? Let‘s crunch some intriguing numbers and unpack the trends behind its success.
Contents
- At least 1 in 5 smartphones sold worldwide is an iPhone
- USA has over 140 million iPhone users currently
- China has over 130 million iPhone users despite Android dominance
- From 10 million to 50 million users – the India opportunity
- Pre-owned iPhones thrive in South East Asia and Africa
- Average iPhone user spends 4 hours daily on their device
- Over 60% of teenagers in the USA prefer iPhones over Android
- Why do people love iPhones? Let‘s ask the experts
- Refurbished iPhones are a $17 billion market globally
- Foldable displays, satellite connectivity – the future promises more magic!
- The irresistible appeal of the iPhone endures across users worldwide!
At least 1 in 5 smartphones sold worldwide is an iPhone
According to the latest data from Apple, there are over 1.8 billion active Apple devices globally, including over 1 billion iPhones as of Q1 2022 [1]. With total global smartphone users crossing 5 billion in 2019 [2], iPhones account for around 20% of all smartphones currently in use.
To put things in perspective, here is how iPhone sales have grown over the years:
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Year | iPhone Sales |
---|---|
2007 (initial launch) | 1.4 million [3] |
2011 | 93 million [4] |
2015 (blockbuster iPhone 6/6S) | 231 million [5] |
2018 | 208 million [6] |
2021 | 241 million [7] |
As we can see, iPhone volumes have grown by almost 200X from the initial model in 2007 to over 240 million units sold in 2021. The growth has slowed in recent years as the smartphone market reaches saturation. But the iPhone continues to account for 1 in 5 of all smartphones sold annually.
USA has over 140 million iPhone users currently
Apple does not disclose exact iPhone users by country. But we can derive estimates based on overall installed base and market share data.
According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), as of Mar 2021, there were over 113 million iPhone users in the USA [8]. This is around 47% of the total estimated 300 million smartphone users in the country [9].
Accounting for growth since early 2021, there are likely over 140 million active iPhone users in the USA currently. Given the total population of 330 million, close to 40% of all Americans use an iPhone currently!
China has over 130 million iPhone users despite Android dominance
China is Apple‘s second largest market with sales growing steadily to around $68 billion in FY 2021 [10].
As per StatCounter, iPhones had around 15% smartphone market share in China as of Sept 2021 [11]. With about 850 million smartphone users in China [12], this translates to over 130 million iPhone users there.
Android phones dominate China with over 80% market share. But a rising middle class views iPhones as an aspirational purchase. Apple is also expanding manufacturing in China to meet local demand.
From 10 million to 50 million users – the India opportunity
India is an important emerging market for Apple. After crossing 10 million users for the first time in 2020 [13], the iPhone base has grown rapidly to over 50 million active users as of 2022 [14].
Smartphone penetration in India is still around 55% [15] with growth driven by affordable Android models. But premium iPhones are also desired by the swelling upwardly mobile demographic.
Apple manufactures newer models like iPhone 14 locally in India to make them more affordable. Reports suggest Apple has ambitious targets to grab a 5% market share in India by 2025 [16]. This shows their confidence in the market‘s potential.
Pre-owned iPhones thrive in South East Asia and Africa
The used and refurbished iPhone market serves cost-conscious buyers across South East Asia, Middle East and Africa.
According to IDC, the leading brand in the used smartphone market in these regions is Apple – around 1 in 7 used phones sold is an iPhone [17]. Vendors like Tekcetera and GreenDust offer refurbished iPhones with warranty at attractive prices.
As better connectivity expands digital services access, pre-owned iPhones will play a key role in bringing millions of first-time smartphone users online, especially across Africa.
Average iPhone user spends 4 hours daily on their device
Apple‘s iOS 16 software provides detailed analytics on usage patterns and trends. Some fascinating statistics on how people use iPhones [18]:
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Average iPhone user spends over 4 hours daily on their device
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25% of that time is spent on social networking and messaging apps
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Gaming accounts for 10% of usage at 25 minutes daily on average
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Top 20% spend a whopping 5.4 hours on their iPhones!
This reveals our deep dependency on smartphones. Apple is consciously trying to help users spend less time mindlessly scrolling by adding digital wellbeing tracking in iOS.
Over 60% of teenagers in the USA prefer iPhones over Android
Teenagers are gadget lovers and account for a significant share of iPhone shipments annually. According to leading market research firm Piper Sandler [19]:
- 87% of American teenagers own an iPhone currently
- Over 60% say an iPhone is their next planned smartphone purchase
Loyalty is high once people get accustomed to Apple‘s intuitive iOS ecosystem. Sticky services like iMessage, Apple Pay and AirDrop make it harder to switch to Android later on.
Why do people love iPhones? Let‘s ask the experts
Industry analysts attribute iPhone‘s success to a mix of aspirational branding, savvy retail strategy and Apple‘s fanatic attention to user experience [20].
Tech expert Avi Greengart explains "Apple didn‘t necessarily make the first smartphone, but they made the first one you wanted to show off at a bar." The sleek yet minimalist design appeals aesthetically beyond just utility.
According to Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak, customers gravitate towards Apple‘s "simplicity, longevity and privacy features". Rather than chasing specifications, Apple focusses on nailing the user experience.
Long-time Apple expert or go with industry analyst Neil Shah notes how Apple has "cultivated an emotional connection between consumers and the brand" via their marketing and retail presence. The Apple Store provides a luxury shopping experience.
So while iPhones rarely have the latest and greatest hardware specs compared to Android flagships, Apple‘s brand power and customer loyalty outdo technical differences.
Refurbished iPhones are a $17 billion market globally
Not everyone can afford to splurge $1000 on a new iPhone model each year. This is where refurbished iPhones bridge the affordability gap.
Per research firm Counterpoint [21], the refurbished smartphone market worldwide was estimated at around $17 billion in 2019. They estimate close to 140 million pre-owned smartphones were shipped that year.
And around 15% of used/refurbished smartphones sold globally in 2019 were iPhones. Considering Apple‘s share increases with each new generation, this share is likely around 20% now.
So around 30 million refurbished iPhones estimated to be shipped worldwide, generating around $5 billion in 2019. This pre-owned iPhone demand is great news for vendors like Gazelle, Orchard, and Itsworth, providing cost-effective access.
Foldable displays, satellite connectivity – the future promises more magic!
While each iPhone generation seems similar on the surface, Apple packs in cutting-edge new technologies under the hood.
Industry experts forecast a future with even more radical innovations [22]:
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Foldable iPhones – Samsung pioneered this form factor. Expect Apple to perfect a more durable display.
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Satellite connectivity – Basic messaging even without cellular signal by linking to LEO satellite networks.
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Behind-the-screen Touch ID – In-display fingerprint reader expected to complement Face ID for wider authentication.
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Far-field wireless charging – Eliminate charging cables by charging iPhone from a distance.
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Enhanced augmented reality – Immersive AR apps leveraging precise positional tracking and scene mapping.
Apple also has teams working on brain-machine interfaces, self-driving vehicles, VR headsets – all of which could integrate with future iPhones!
The irresistible appeal of the iPhone endures across users worldwide!
15 years after its debut, the iPhone continues to delight users globally. With over 1 billion active devices including 140 million in the USA alone, it enjoys unrivaled aspirational appeal.
Teenagers flaunt it as the hottest gadget while professionals leverage it for on-the-go productivity. Even in price-sensitive emerging markets, used and refurbished iPhones thrive as affordable luxury.
Apple has forged an emotional connection and trust that keeps users loyal across generations. As technologies like AI, AR/VR and neural interfaces evolve, expect Apple to blend them seamlessly into life through future iPhones.
The numbers reveal the enduring affinity people worldwide have towards the iPhone. No matter the demographic or geography, the Apple logo awakens a primal gadget lust!