more_than_half_of_smartphone_users_dont_upgrade_until_they_need_toWhile it might seem technology companies no more than release a new smartphone model before they start hyping the next great advancement to come, consumers aren’t necessarily jumping on the upgrade bandwagon with each new release.

A new survey conducted by Gallup reveals that 54% of smartphone users say they are only willing to upgrade when their current phones stop working or become entirely obsolete.

To arrive at their findings related to upgrade preferences, pollsters surveyed 15,766 members of the Gallup Panel who also own smartphones.

The study was weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population and included a total of 8,234 iPhone users and 6,072 Android users. Another 1,105 non-iPhone and non-Android users were also polled.

How Often People Are Willing to Upgrade

Pollsters asked respondents to explain just when they get new or upgraded smartphones. The results cast some light on the overall willingness of smartphone owners to rush out and by new models as soon as they become available.

Here’s how respondents fielded the poll’s three main questions:

  • When a new model comes out (roughly every year) – 2%
  • When cellphone providers allow it (roughly every two years) – 44%
  • When the phone stops working or becomes completely obsolete – 54%

iPhone Users Are Unique

One interesting finding that pollsters came across was that iPhone users were a little more eager to upgrade as soon as possible versus more conservative responses from their Android-loving counterparts.

Here’s how respondents answered the three main questions based on the types of smartphones they use:

When new models come out

  • iPhone users – 2%
  • Android – 2%
  • Other smartphones – 3%

When cellphone providers allow upgrades

  • iPhone users – 51%
  • Android – 40%
  • Other – 21%

When phones become obsolete or stop working

  • iPhone users – 47%
  • Android – 58%
  • Other – 76%

Researchers noted that iPhone users might be more willing to upgrade than Android users for financial reasons.

Among those surveyed who had household incomes of $75,000 or more a year, about 55% said they owned an iPhone while 40% owned an Android.

Gallup suggests the cost of frequent upgrades might be an obstacle for those who gravitate toward Androids.

The bottom line, pollsters say, is that smartphones have become the norm in America, but not everyone is willing to rush out to buy the latest and greatest models when they hit the market.

Despite strong marketing efforts to entice smartphone users to upgrade, Gallup found that “Americans are divided in how frequently they upgrade their phones.”

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