Key Takeaways
1. Pro iPhone users upgrade their devices every 2.75 years, while non-Pro users keep theirs for about 3.15 years.
2. Many Pro model owners see themselves as trendsetters and influencers, driving their need to upgrade quickly.
3. The resale market for Pro models is growing, especially in regions with high demand for refurbished iPhones, like India and Southeast Asia.
4. Apple is successfully attracting former Android users, with nearly half of surveyed iPhone owners having switched from Android devices.
5. Shorter upgrade cycles are influenced by carrier trade-in offers, installment plans, and Apple’s introduction of exclusive features on newer models.
Pro iPhone users are swapping their devices much quicker than those who own base models, a recent report from Counterpoint reveals the reasons behind this. On average, Pro users upgrade their iPhones every 2.75 years, while non-Pro users keep their phones for about 3.15 years. This difference might appear small initially, but in the high-end smartphone market where Apple is promoting pricier models, it indicates a significant change.
What’s Causing the Change?
The shift in behavior among iPhone users plays a key role in this trend. A lot of Pro model owners view themselves as trendsetters or early adopters, with 45 percent claiming they are the first to try out new tech. Additionally, 25 percent see themselves as influencers who sway buying choices. This self-view creates a pressing need to upgrade, often within two to three years after a phone is released. Meanwhile, users of base models are increasingly drawn to the Pro line, attracted by features like better cameras, ProMotion displays, and higher-quality materials.
Effects on the Resale Market
The trend of shorter upgrade cycles is also impacting the secondary market. With more Pro models being sold again, the number of refurbished devices is likely to increase, especially in places like India and Southeast Asia, where there’s a strong demand for used iPhones. Supply issues have made it hard for many customers to find refurbished Pro models, but this change could help alleviate some of those problems.
The timing of this shift is particularly noteworthy with the iPhone SE 4 launch expected tonight. Apple’s most budget-friendly iPhone has traditionally catered to buyers who are more price-conscious, but the new model is speculated to come with a significant redesign, likely resembling the iPhone 14, complete with Face ID and an OLED screen. If Apple maintains competitive pricing, the SE 4 could serve as an ideal choice for first-time iPhone buyers and those switching from Android.
Apple’s Success Against Android
Furthermore, the report points to Apple’s increasing success in attracting users who previously owned Android devices. Nearly half of the iPhone owners surveyed had come from Android, with major brands like Samsung and Google feeling the impact. As more premium Android users transition to iPhones, companies like Samsung, OnePlus, and Vivo are focusing more on AI-driven features and high-end specs to remain relevant.
Recent statistics from CIRP (via AppleInsider) support the idea of shorter upgrade cycles. In Q4 2024, 36 percent of iPhone users upgraded within two years, a rise from 31 percent the previous year. Carrier trade-in offers and installment plans have made upgrading easier, while Apple’s tactic of launching exclusive features on newer models is pushing users to upgrade sooner than before.
Even though iPhones can last four to five years, Apple continues to introduce new innovations that instill a sense of urgency among its core users. Whether this trend will persist depends on future product launches, but for now, Pro users are upgrading more rapidly, and Apple is steering the market to maintain that forward momentum.
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