New report Counterpoint shows that owners of premium Apple smartphones are ready to upgrade their models every 2.75 years.
At the same time, users of basic iPhone versions do not mind waiting a bit and keep their devices for 3.15 years. At first glance, the difference may seem small, but in the premium smartphone market, where Apple promotes more expensive models, this is a sign of a major change.
The trend, as explained in the report, is due to a change in the mindset of iPhone users Many Pro-version owners (45% of respondents) consider themselves «innovators» or by those people who «were the first to adopt the new technology», while still 25% of respondents feel that they are «opinion leaders» who can influence purchase decisions.
This self-perception fuels a sense of urgency to upgrade, often within 2-3 years of the phone’s launch. The latest CIRP data (via AppleInsider) confirm the trend of shorter update cycles: in the fourth quarter of 2024, 36% of iPhone users updated their iPhone within 2 years, compared to 31% a year earlier.
The shorter refresh cycles are also having an impact on the secondary market, as more Pro models are entering resale channels and the availability of refurbished devices is expected to improve, especially in regions such as India and Southeast Asia, where demand for used iPhones is extremely high.
At the same time, users of basic iPhone models are increasingly moving to the Pro line, which attracts them with «exclusive features»: such as advanced cameras, ProMotion displays, and premium materials. The report also highlighted how Apple manages to lure users away from Android: almost 50% of respondents who own an iPhone have previously used Android devices, the most affected brands in this case were Samsung and Google.
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