iPhone 16 Demand Dips Among Teens, But Interest in Apple Intelligence Could Still Spur Upgrades

[MacRumors]

Apple's grip on the U.S. teen market remains strong, with new survey data showing high iPhone ownership and increasing interest in Apple Intelligence, despite a slight dip in demand for the iPhone 16.

A new report from Piper Sandler's fall 2024 survey provides a comprehensive look at how Apple products continue to dominate among U.S. teenagers. According to the survey, which involved more than 13,500 teens across 47 states, 87% of respondents said they own an iPhone. Additionally, 88% of teens expect their next smartphone to be an iPhone.

The data also highlights a marginal decrease in the number of teens planning to upgrade to the iPhone 16. About 22% of respondents said they intend to upgrade this fall or winter, which is a slight drop from the 23% who planned to upgrade to the iPhone 15 at the same time last year, and from the 24% for the iPhone 14 in 2022. The decrease suggests a growing trend of teens holding onto their iPhones for longer periods before upgrading, with the average iPhone now being three generations behind the iPhone 16. This is a notable shift from two years ago, when the average gap was only 2.5 generations.

Despite the slight decline in immediate upgrade plans, a significant driver of future purchases appears to be Apple's forthcoming suite of AI features. Nearly 30% of surveyed teens indicated that they plan to upgrade their devices because of Apple Intelligence, which Apple plans to roll out starting later this year.

In addition to iPhones, other Apple products remain popular among teens. AirPods continue to be a major hit, with about 70% of respondents reporting ownership of a pair. The report also noted that 25% of teens expect to purchase new AirPods in the next six months.

Meanwhile, ownership of other Apple devices including iPads and Apple Watches, is also strong, with more than 30% of teens saying they own each of these products. However, Apple TV+ appears to have less traction, as only 10% of teens reported using the service, and they spend only about 1% of their total media consumption time on Apple TV+. Apple Music, on the other hand, has maintained a steady presence among teens, with approximately one-third of respondents saying they have access to the service.

Article Link: iPhone 16 Demand Dips Among Teens, But Interest in Apple Intelligence Could Still Spur Upgrades

 

[Hank001]

There wouldn't have been a slight dip if Apple had released conforming their marketing: iPhone 16 with Apple Intelligence.

 

[vertsix]

You mean - interest in Apple Intelligence that is not even available yet?

 

[WarmWinterHat]

There wouldn't have been a slight dip if Apple had released conforming their marketing: iPhone 16 with Apple Intelligence.

Disagree. Apple Intelligence just isn't that interesting when there are already a few dozen companies, with apps, that do basically the same thing.

 

[roland.g]

I can't think of any reason to get an iPhone 16. Nothing about Apple Intelligence says I want that on my iPhone. Actually, Apple Intelligence may make me keep my existing iPhone longer.

 

[kylelerner]

You’d think teens would want something g that looks clearly, visibly different from previous generations so that “it’s obvious that they have the newest thing.” The iPhone 16 looks almost identical to the iPhone 12/13. Let alone the fact that there are almost no elaborate, new features.

 

[Hank001]

You mean - interest in Apple Intelligence that is not even available yet?

Exactly. And by the time it is released people have already grown accustomed to keep using their current iPhone. Besides, this is all US-only. And the world is much bigger than that.

 

[Böhme417]

While I realize my tiny little slice of this world is hardly representative, no one I know cares at all about Apple Intelligence. It’s seen as nothing more than a gimmick/novelty.

 

[cale508]

My 16 year old nephew told me he didn't want it since it looks identical to the 15 Pro Max he already has.

 

[cjsuk]

AI is not a feature. It's a capability. It doesn't command a whole new product. And people know it.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Once Apple Intelligence is off and running everyone will be upgrading once they see they are missing out. Even the smallest changes will be enough. People use any excuse to upgrade and Ai is a game changer.

 

[oneteam]

Mmmm 🤔 I wonder why?

 

[gsmornot]

I asked my daughters about getting new phones, they have 13's. They are ready but it because the batteries are getting old. We could swap those and they probably would not care otherwise. I'm not negative on the 16, but even I was not compelled to get one and have been an every year type since the beginning. I dont care about a camera button so my 15 Pro Max is good for now. iPad mini, now thats what will see my attention next month.

 

[orev]

Not sure how many teens are equipped to pay over $1000 for a phone. Most teens get the hand-me-down when their parents upgrade to the newer one. And if they're asking about upgrades from 15 to 16, of course there's no demand because nobody (except for the crazies here) upgrades every year.

 

[Pagemakers]

I almost wish my iPhone 16 Pro Max didn’t have the camera button. Don’t think I’ve used it more than 2 or 3 times. It seems more of a hindrance having there.

 

[waquzy]

Not sure how many teens are equipped to pay over $1000 for a phone. Most teens get the hand-me-down when their parents upgrade to the newer one. And if they're asking about upgrades from 15 to 16, of course there's no demand because nobody (except for the crazies here) upgrades every year.

Have you been living under a rock or something? Their parents get the phone they like on finance for them. At least that’s how things are in the UK.

 

[jjudson]

Not just teens.

Totally over the upgrade treadmill. These devices are just too expensive to jump for no particular reason…

 

[imtoretto]

What i see is horrendous is to claim that iPhone 16 line up didn’t have a good start and sales are low and also claim that shipping procedures are longer due to the demand????? Like WTH is lying???

 

[cocky jeremy]

I feel like you'd get more accurate info by asking the parents if they plan to upgrade their kids phone. They're the ones with the money. lol. Of course every kid wants to upgrade.

 

[IIGS User]

I can't think of any reason to get an iPhone 16. Nothing about Apple Intelligence says I want that on my iPhone. Actually, Apple Intelligence may make me keep my existing iPhone longer.

You know you can turn it off if you don’t want it?

 

[grantishere]

Teen don’t have the rizz without an iPhone

 

[GuilleA]

I can't think of any reason to get an iPhone 16. Nothing about Apple Intelligence says I want that on my iPhone. Actually, Apple Intelligence may make me keep my existing iPhone longer.

I had (still have) a 15, but was on vacation in San Francisco the day after the launch and said what the hell, might as well get a 16. I did. It's better than the 15, it definitely feels much snappier. The gap between the 15 and 15 Pro was much wider than between the 16 and 16 Pro. It's almost the same phone sans the obvious.

I went for the regular 16, and got an Apple Watch Series 10 as well.

 

[citysnaps]

While I realize my tiny little slice of this world is hardly representative, no one I know cares at all about Apple Intelligence. It’s seen as nothing more than a gimmick/novelty.

It's a tool that's available for use. Many will use it (such as myself). And many won't, not understanding its utility/capabilities/features/uses, and proclaiming it a gimmick.

And that's fine. As you are not required to use it, simply don't.

 

[lenningj]

It's still a £799 entry point for the 16's with 128GB, might not be that enticing unless holding out for Dec release for localized AI

 

[scrapesleon]

the tide is turning if teenagers aren't interested maybe we get some real innovations now