Apple continues to dominate the U.S. teen market, but the latest survey reveals some interesting trends. According to a fall 2024 report by Piper Sandler, Apple’s products, especially the iPhone, still hold a strong presence among teenagers, though there are signs of slower upgrade cycles. This survey collected data from over 13,500 teens across 47 U.S. states, offering a detailed insight into teen preferences around technology.
As of now, 87% of the teens surveyed own an iPhone and a remarkable 88% expect their next smartphone to also be an iPhone. However, there is a slight decrease in the number of teens planning to upgrade to the iPhone 16 this year. About 22% of respondents said they plan to upgrade either this fall or winter, down from 23% who upgraded to the iPhone 15 last year and 24% to the iPhone 14 in 2022.
This shift suggests that teens are holding onto their current iPhones for longer, with many now using models that are three generations behind the newest release. Two years ago, the gap between the latest iPhone and the average teen’s device was only 2.5 generations.
While the immediate desire to upgrade may be tapering off, there’s a growing anticipation for Apple’s upcoming artificial intelligence (AI) features, which could significantly boost future sales. Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-driven features set to roll out later this year, has caught the attention of nearly 30% of teens, many of whom are considering upgrading to these new capabilities.
Apart from iPhones, other Apple products remain popular among teens. Around 70% of respondents own a pair of AirPods, and 25% expect to buy a new set within the next six months. Other devices such as iPads and Apple Watches are also widely owned, with over 30% of teens reporting ownership of these products.
However, Apple’s streaming service, Apple TV+, has not gained the same traction. Only 10% of teens said they use Apple TV+, with a mere 1% of their total media consumption spent on the platform. Apple Music, on the other hand, remains more popular, with about a third of respondents having access to the service.
In summary, while there is a slight dip in demand for the iPhone 16, the introduction of AI features may spark future interest. Teens continue to be loyal to Apple products, but their purchasing patterns are evolving, reflecting longer upgrade cycles and a growing interest in AI-powered innovations.
