iPhones have held a strong allure for consumers since their inception in 2007. Despite Android’s global dominance, Apple has cultivated a brand that garners unwavering loyalty. But just how prevalent is iPhone usage worldwide? Let’s delve into some enlightening statistics and analyze the driving forces behind its success.

Approximately 20% of all smartphones sold globally are iPhones

 

As per the latest data from Apple, there are more than 1.8 billion active Apple devices worldwide, with over 1 billion iPhones as of Q1 2022. Considering that the total number of global smartphone users crossed 5 billion in 2019, iPhones currently make up approximately 20% of the total smartphones in use.

To provide context, let’s examine the growth of iPhone sales over the years:

Year iPhone Sales

2007 (initial launch) 1.4 million 2011 93 million 2015 (blockbuster iPhone 6/6S) 231 million 2018 208 million 2021 241 million

These figures reveal a nearly 200-fold increase in iPhone sales, from 1.4 million units in 2007 to over 240 million units sold in 2021. Although growth has slowed due to market saturation, iPhones consistently represent 1 in 5 of all smartphones sold each year.

The USA boasts more than 140 million iPhone users

 

While Apple doesn’t disclose precise iPhone user counts by country, estimates can be derived from overall market data. According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) data from March 2021, there were over 113 million iPhone users in the USA. This accounts for approximately 47% of the estimated 300 million smartphone users in the country.

Considering growth since early 2021, it’s likely that the USA now has over 140 million active iPhone users. With a total population of 330 million, this means that nearly 40% of Americans currently use an iPhone.

China, despite Android’s dominance, boasts over 130 million iPhone users

 

China stands as Apple’s second-largest market, with sales steadily reaching around $68 billion in fiscal year 2021. According to StatCounter, iPhones had a 15% market share of smartphones in China as of September 2021. With approximately 850 million smartphone users in China, this translates to over 130 million iPhone users.

Despite Android’s overwhelming presence with over 80% market share, iPhones are considered aspirational purchases, particularly among the rising middle class. Apple’s local manufacturing expansion caters to the growing demand in China.

India: From 10 million to 50 million iPhone users

 

India represents an essential emerging market for Apple. After surpassing 10 million users for the first time in 2020, the iPhone user base has rapidly grown to over 50 million active users as of 2022. Smartphone penetration in India remains at around 55%, primarily driven by affordable Android models. However, premium iPhones appeal to the burgeoning upwardly mobile demographic.

Apple’s local manufacturing of newer models like the iPhone 14 aims to make them more affordable. Reports suggest that Apple has ambitious goals to capture a 5% market share in India by 2025, reflecting their confidence in the market’s potential.

Pre-owned iPhones thrive in South East Asia and Africa

 

The market for used and refurbished iPhones serves cost-conscious consumers in South East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. According to IDC, Apple leads in the used smartphone market in these regions, with approximately 1 in 7 used phones being an iPhone. Vendors like Tekcetera and GreenDust offer refurbished iPhones with warranties at appealing prices.

As improved connectivity expands access to digital services, pre-owned iPhones will play a crucial role in bringing millions of first-time smartphone users online, particularly in Africa.

Average iPhone users spend over 4 hours daily on their devices

 

Apple’s iOS 16 software provides detailed insights into usage patterns and trends. Some interesting statistics on how iPhone users spend their time on their devices include:

  • The average iPhone user spends more than 4 hours daily on their device.
  • Approximately 25% of that time is dedicated to social networking and messaging apps.
  • Gaming accounts for 10% of usage, averaging 25 minutes daily.
  • The top 20% of users spend a significant 5.4 hours on their iPhones.

These statistics highlight the deep reliance on smartphones in our daily lives. Apple is actively working to help users reduce mindless scrolling with digital well-being tracking features in iOS.

Over 60% of American teenagers prefer iPhones over Android

 

Teenagers are tech-savvy and make up a significant portion of annual iPhone shipments. According to market research firm Piper Sandler:

  • 87% of American teenagers currently own an iPhone.
  • Over 60% of them plan an iPhone as their next smartphone purchase.

Once users become accustomed to Apple’s intuitive iOS ecosystem, their loyalty remains high. Services like iMessage, Apple Pay, and AirDrop make switching to Android a more challenging proposition.

Why do people adore iPhones? Let’s ask the experts

 

Industry analysts attribute the iPhone’s success to a combination of aspirational branding, strategic retail initiatives, and Apple’s unwavering commitment to user experience. Tech expert Avi Greengart notes that “Apple didn’t necessarily make the first smartphone, but they made the first one you wanted to show off at a bar.” The sleek and minimalist design appeals to aesthetics beyond mere utility.

According to Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak, customers are drawn to Apple’s “simplicity, longevity, and privacy features.” Apple focuses on delivering an exceptional user experience rather than chasing after specifications.

Industry analyst Neil Shah, a longtime Apple expert, highlights how Apple has nurtured an emotional connection between consumers and the brand through marketing and retail presence. The Apple Store provides a luxury shopping experience. While iPhones may not always lead in terms of hardware specs compared to Android flagships, Apple’s brand power and customer loyalty overshadow technical differences.

Refurbished iPhones represent a $17 billion global market

 

Not everyone can afford to buy a new iPhone model each year, which is where refurbished iPhones play a crucial role in bridging the affordability gap. According to research firm Counterpoint, the global refurbished smartphone market was valued at approximately $17 billion in 2019. They estimated that around 140 million pre-owned smartphones were shipped that year. iPhones accounted for around 15% of used and refurbished smartphones sold globally in 2019, and this share has likely increased to around 20% today.

Approximately 30 million refurbished iPhones were estimated to have been shipped worldwide in 2019, generating around $5 billion in revenue. The demand for pre-owned iPhones is excellent news for vendors like Gazelle, Orchard, and Itsworth, offering cost-effective access to these devices.

Foldable displays, satellite connectivity, and more – future innovations await

While each iPhone generation may appear similar on the surface, Apple consistently integrates cutting-edge technologies under the hood. Industry experts predict future innovations, including:

  • Foldable iPhones: Apple is expected to perfect more durable foldable displays.
  • Satellite connectivity: iPhones may gain basic messaging capabilities even without cellular signals by linking to low Earth orbit satellite networks.
  • Behind-the-screen Touch ID: In-display fingerprint readers may complement Face ID for enhanced authentication.
  • Far-field wireless charging: Charging iPhones from a distance to eliminate the need for cables.
  • Enhanced augmented reality: Immersive AR applications leveraging precise positional tracking and scene mapping.

Apple’s teams are also actively working on brain-machine interfaces, self-driving vehicles