Apple doesn’t release sales numbers anymore, but analysts estimate that the company sells hundreds of millions of new iPhones each year. While many 9to5Mac Readers may buy new models for features like camera upgrades or Apple intelligence, and new data reveals very different motivations for the vast majority of buyers.
iPhone sales are driven by broken and malfunctioning phones far more than anything else
CIRP just has Published a new report Providing insights into what drives purchases of new iPhones.
Despite the amount of money and effort Apple spends promoting new iPhones, developing new features, and the like, this only seems to increase a small percentage of sales.
Michael Levine and Josh Lowitz write:
40% of buyers say they bought their new iPhone because of a problem with their old phone. It still worked, but experienced sluggish performance, screen damage, diminished battery life, or otherwise proved disappointing. Another 27% replaced a phone that was completely inoperable, lost or stolen.
Only 13% of US iPhone buyers reported that they upgraded specifically to take advantage of new features: a better camera, improved display, or improved performance. Some of these devices included Android adapters that wanted to better communicate with iOS users.
The full chart is listed below:
Take 9to5Mac
In some ways, the CIRP data should not be surprising. Of course people buy iPhones because their old devices don’t work properly.
But what I find surprising is how small a percentage of people buy the new features. As the report notes, 13% also includes Android switchers who want the benefits of iMessage.
I think 13% of the hundreds of millions of iPhones sold each year is still somewhat relevant. But when compared to all the other reasons people buy iPhones, it seems shockingly low.
What do you think of this iPhone sales data? Do you have any fast food? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links to earn income. more.