The study conducted by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), using data gathered over a 12-month period ending in December 2023, highlights an interesting pattern among iPhone purchasers.
About 15% of the total iPhone buyers in a quarter were identified as former Android users, who notably favored older iPhone models instead of the latest releases. Specifically, 29% of these Android switchers chose the iPhone SE, iPhone 12, or iPhone 13 models.
This contrasts with 21% of existing iPhone users who upgraded to the same models, underscoring a distinct preference for affordability over the newest features.
Despite a general inclination towards more economical options, a significant number of Android users still opted for higher-end iPhones.
The analysis showed that 37% of the Android switchers bought the iPhone 14 and 15 Pro and Pro Max models in 2023, compared to 43% of existing iPhone users who chose these premium models.
This indicates that while there’s a clear trend towards more budget-friendly choices, the appeal of Apple’s high-end offerings remains strong among some Android converts.
The reasons behind this trend appear twofold. Many Android switchers come from using less expensive Android phones, making the move to a similarly priced iPhone a more manageable financial step.
Additionally, the value proposition of joining Apple’s ecosystem, with exclusive features like iMessage and FaceTime, plays a significant role. It suggests that for these users, the benefits of accessing Apple’s “walled garden” outweigh the need for the latest hardware. This points to a more pragmatic approach to smartphone selection, where the emphasis is on value and essential functionality rather than owning the newest model.
