Toni Dimaano Tech 02.22.2023 07:Feb AM EST

Gen Z's Increasing iPhone Preference Threaten Android Sales

There is societal pressure and a generational shift toward Apple products since young Americans prefer the company's devices by wide ages against competitors.

According to Android Authority, Zoomers account for 34% of all iPhone owners in the US, helping Apple boost its market share there to more than 50%.

The iPhone Adoption Among Gen Z Has Increased Steadily

Those born after 1996, sometimes referred to as Generation Z or Zoomers, are a critical challenge for the Android operating system.

This is because particularly in the US, the Gen Z audience increasingly favors Apple's iPhones over even the best Android smartphones.

The survey claims that 34% of all iPhone owners in the US are from Generation Z, as compared to Samsung's 10%.

Due in large part to this rapid growth among Zoomers, Apple's overall US market share climbed from 35% in 2019 to more than 50% in 2022.

Zoomers' popularity is increasing even as the average price of an iPhone approaches the $1,000 level, which is nearly three times the price of the typical Android handset internationally.

Although Gen Z iPhone adoption has grown most dramatically in the US, this is not simply a North American phenomena.

For instance, 83% of European iPhone users under 25 indicate they want to continue using their device.

Because of this, less than half of the same group's Android users said they will continue using the operating system.

It goes without saying that if Gen Z stops using Android, Android will eventually start to slowly die, Android Authority notes.

Statistics Paint A Picture Of The Situation

Younger consumers' fear of social rejection for not owning an iPhone is causing them to purchase other Apple goods and services.

According to Mac Rumors, this increases the company's market share in a number of other product categories.

With these users being significantly more likely to buy AirPods, Apple Watches, and Macs, the effects of this shift favoring Apple gadgets among younger people go beyond iPhones.

According to researchers that consult businesses on consumer preferences, Gen Z clients spend the most time online of any age group, up to six hours each day on their smartphones.

As a result of the poor experiences with SMS group chats and messaging, Apple's ecosystem is influencing social decision-making, with a focus on the significance of iMessage as a social signal.

Because iMessage does not work properly with Android devices, Zoomers feel pressured to either get an iPhone or remain with iOS at all costs.

The same trend is also seen in Europe, where Android has a larger market share and iMessage is less common.

According to Canalys research, 83% of Apple consumers in western Europe under 25 plan to continue using an iPhone.

However, as Gen Z ages, this trend is anticipated to intensify and further consolidate Apple's market share, making it more challenging for competitors to gain market share and attract new users.