In a few hours, the next-generation iPhones in the iPhone 13 series will be unveiled. In the meantime, a new report suggests that iPhones are usually exchanged at a higher rate than Android smartphones. It is claimed that almost one-third of the Apple trade-ins are done for an upgrade.
iPhone Users Prefer Upgrades
As per a survey by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), over 35 per cent of iPhone owners with a new or used device over a period of 12 months ending in June have either sold or exchanged their old model. Of them, nearly, 30% have exchanged their iPhones while over 5% have sold their device. This survey involves 2,000 smartphone users in the US, reported AppleInsider.
In comparison with Android users, only a meagre 5 per cent of Android smartphone users upgrade their smartphones’ hardware in the same period and have sold their device. Likewise, only 10 per cent have traded in their Android smartphones seeking an upgrade.
The upgrades for iPhone are more common as the same is driven by Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Programme. This program lets users get a new iPhone every year by simply paying a monthly fee.
Furthermore, nearly 50 per cent of the Android smartphones are retained by uses whereas only 29 per cent of users with an iPhone retain their devices in a year, claimed the survey. It indicates that Android users hold on their smartphones for future use while iPhone users feel that it is worthwhile to either sell or exchange their old hardware.
Android vs iPhone Usage Trends
Interestingly, 10 per cent of the Android devices out there were recycled, which is more than double the number as reported by iPhone users. The report notes that nearly 14 per cent of Android smartphones were stolen, lost or broken. There isn’t any stark difference with the iPhones as 12 per cent of iPhones are reportedly lost, broken or stolen.
With usage, wear and tear is quite common. Going by the same, 84 per cent of iPhone users with an old model claim to have a scratched but usable or perfect display. On the other hand, a relatively lower 70 per cent of users with an old Android smartphone claim so.