Teen iPhone Ownership Continues to Soar

[I7guy]

But in reality is both, device and apps

The apps exist on multiple platforms, so why chose on device over another? My guess it’s more the device.

So iMessage and AirDrop are out of the equation. What do you think they respond if they had to choose between FaceTime and Games? I'm sure what most teens will answer, and I think you too.

iMessage is a big thing in the states. I don’t believe you know the collective mindset of the millions of teens who chose an iPhone.

Using the same formula you use to say that iMessage, AirDrop and FaceTime are more important than TikTok, Instagram and games for young people.

Apps are available on multiple platforms including the safari browser. 🤷‍♂️

 

[scorpio vega]

In the last 18 years Windows still ahead of macOS. Spotify still ahead of Apple Music. MS and Google services are still ahead of Apple services. Apple TV still behind gaming consoles. Sonos still ahead of HomePods. Your are right, looks like some things won't never change.

Okay and we aren’t talking about desktop lmao.

Stop trying to double talk because your first argument was flawed.

The last 18 years since 2007, Apple has been the preferred smartphone in the Us and while Android overall sales more devices than Apple does (namely bc they’re cheap), overall Apple does sell more than individual OEMs.

And in America, for the last 18 years, Apple has been the dominant smartphone player.

That’s face. Accept it and move onto something else.

 

[DanVM]

Is there some for consumer oriented, electronic, discretionary device on the face of the planet that has zero issues? It's just the majority don't suffer in silence as you are implying.

And there are cases where it did. When millions and millions of a discretionary oriented consumer electronic product is sold the issue rate is not zero. That doesn't mean the device is flawed or the majority of owners experienced some issue. It's a non-zero probability some devices will have issues that are either self-inflicted or defects.

Anecdotal at best. No one is saying the issue rate is zero or there were not any manufacturing defects, but wholesale issues would be reported in the new.

I am happy with the quality of my airpods. If I want "quality" I'll fire up my home theater or plug in a good set of wired headphones. There has to be a fantastic leap in quality, documented, easy to find to tear me away from my airpods. The features/functions are worth any criticism from MR posters about quality, considering they are close to the top of their game anyway.

I didn't say that that there should be zero issue, so it makes sense any issues teens have with their devices they ignore it o just workaround it.

Regarding AirPods, they are very practical, but there are compromises. You are willing to sacrifice sound quality for practicality. It's evident there are better options if you are looking the best sound quality.

None of my third party devices support spotify connect, so it's not relevant to me. In fact, almost all third party devices support airplay. How many Samsung tvs support spotify connect?

Yes, but that is in about 10 hours and of course I can always plug my iphone into charge and that gives me twenty hours.

Like handoff to a homepod from an iphone.

It's great but such a small use case that the 10% use case does not become the 90% requirement. Mostly I just say to homepod: "hey siri, play chicago greatest hits". BOOM!

A ridiculous tit for tat where the non-requirement somehow becomes the showstopper.

It's strange that you have a home theater and don't supports Spotify Connect. Most receivers, even cheap ones, support Spotify Connect.

I know that I could plug in my phone with AirPlay, but I don't need to do that with Spotify Connect when connected to my receiver. Don't you think it's a better experience?

Have you tried "hey Siri, play Chicago with Spotify". It works! Boom!

 

[scorpio vega]

iMessage is a big thing in the states. I don’t believe you know the collective mindset of the millions of teens who chose an iPhone.

Even if iMessage would come to Android (which I’d hate), I still never will switch back to Android lmao.

Apps are available on multiple platforms including the safari browser. 🤷‍♂️

The apps exist on multiple platforms, so why chose on device o

He doesn’t seem to understand this lol.
Clearly it’s the operating system and phone if they still choose iPhones over Android.

 

[I7guy]

I didn't say that that there should be zero issue, so it makes sense any issues teens have with their devices they ignore it o just workaround it.

It’s a circular arguement. There is nothing manufactured by humans that have a non-zero defect rate. Either self- inflicted or quality control. This makes no sense.

Regarding AirPods, they are very practical, but there are compromises. You are willing to sacrifice sound quality for practicality. It's evident there are better options if you are looking the best sound quality.

I’m looking for the intersection of sound quality and practicality. AirPods fit the bill. For me. Given the popularity I’d say Apple hit the nail on head.

It's strange that you have a home theater and don't supports Spotify Connect. Most receivers, even cheap ones, support Spotify Connect.

AirPlay 1. Spotify connect 0.

I know that I could plug in my phone with AirPlay, but I don't need to do that with Spotify Connect when connected to my receiver. Don't you think it's a better experience?

This makes no sense. The point of AirPlay 2 is a protocol where you don’t need an app on the other end. Spotify connect only works with Spotify. AirPlay 2 works with everything including video streams. And who really cares if a phone has to be plugged in? It’s a niche case you’re making into a showstopper requirement.

Have you tried "hey Siri, play Chicago with Spotify". It works! Boom!

Don’t have Spotify. Don’t need it. To me Apple music is better.

If you like android and Spotify better who am I to argue otherwise. Just convince the teens who prefer iPhones.

 

[im_to_hyper]

Start with a specific fact and make it into a general case. That’s called hyperbole.

Or it’s called “extrapolation”.

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

I'm hearing ya, but doesn't every single person on this website agree with each other that iPhone and Apple are the greatest and no other device can compete?

Haha, Apple fans on a forum about Apple products‽ Sometimes it feels as though this forum exists as an outlet for haters.

 

[shenfrey]

Haha, Apple fans on a forum about Apple products‽ Sometimes it feels as though this forum exists as an outlet for haters.

IKR

 

[splifingate]

when Apple does release a feature that had been on Android for years, people cheer

Ideas-made-concrete are so much more exciting!

 

[splifingate]

They roam around the malls in the Seattle area, heads down, nearly walking into walls and other people.

They do this elsewhere, also . . . and not just the teens :/

 

[splifingate]

Language has shifted "up" just like inflation. What was "hyperbole" is now "literally". What was "anecdotal" is now "factual". What was "opinion" is now "truth".

And what was once "sarcasm" is now "sincerity"

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

Yet when Apple does release a feature that had been on Android for years, people cheer. I don't mind Google copying features of iOS as long as it makes Android better.

That goes both ways. Listen for the deafening silence whenever an Android maker copies a feature from Apple, after they'd spent a year deriding Apple for that very feature.

 

[Mousse]

That goes both ways. Listen for the deafening silence whenever an Android maker copies a feature from Apple, after they'd spent a year deriding Apple for that very feature.

Maybe the rabid fandroid crowd does that. Not me. Hail, I'm hoping some day I can stop Android from tracking me across apps. I shouldn't hold my breath through.

That's the thing I can't understand. A good feature is a good feature. No need to poo-poo something because you can't have it. Sour grapes, that.

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

Maybe the rabid fandroid crowd does that. Not me. Hail, I'm hoping some day I can stop Android from tracking me across apps. I shouldn't hold my breath through.

That's the thing I can't understand. A good feature is a good feature. No need to poo-poo something because you can't have it. Sour grapes, that.

I’m all on board with that attitude.

 

[Abazigal]

So iMessage and AirDrop are out of the equation. What do you think they respond if they had to choose between FaceTime and Games? I'm sure what most teens will answer, and I think you too.

Once upon a time in this forum, people theorised that Google and Facebook held all the power in their relationship with Apple, because the popular theory at the time was that they could just withhold their population apps from iOS and users wold flock to Android. At the time, I said that I would sooner give up the use of those apps than abandon iOS, and it still holds true today.

I suspect this is why we don't see this sort of stunt by the companies. Perhaps some might leave iOS, but most won't, and they are only hurting their wallets because people aren't using their services. So it's a game of mutually assured destruction most simply don't want to play.

So the correct response by Apple is, ironically enough, what everyone is criticising them for - making their ecosystem so sticky that people don't want to leave, even for supposedly greener pastures.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

It’s a circular arguement. There is nothing manufactured by humans that have a non-zero defect rate. Either self- inflicted or quality control. This makes no sense.

I’m looking for the intersection of sound quality and practicality. AirPods fit the bill. For me. Given the popularity I’d say Apple hit the nail on head.

AirPlay 1. Spotify connect 0.

This makes no sense. The point of AirPlay 2 is a protocol where you don’t need an app on the other end. Spotify connect only works with Spotify. AirPlay 2 works with everything including video streams. And who really cares if a phone has to be plugged in? It’s a niche case you’re making into a showstopper requirement.

Don’t have Spotify. Don’t need it. To me Apple music is better.

If you like android and Spotify better who am I to argue otherwise. Just convince the teens who prefer iPhones.

This is a false dichotomy.

Teens like the Apple hardware but not so much the services according to the research.

 

[I7guy]

This is a false dichotomy.

Teens like the Apple hardware but not so much the services according to the research.

More circular reasoning. According to the article teens prefer the iPhone. If someone disagrees just convince the teens.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

More circular reasoning. According to the article teens prefer the iPhone. If someone disagrees just convince the teens.

Did somebody say they didn't?

 

[I7guy]

Did somebody say they didn't?

I wonder if anybody read the details which maybe not. The Apple purchased services is not non-zero. Although critics would turn the increased usage by teens into a criticism of apple services, instead of recognizing a foot in the door is lost important.

 

[DanVM]

Worst for you. I love how you keep trying to tell me what’s good or worse for me. You’re hilarious.

What I understood from your comment is that Apple Intelligence works for you because has better integration. Good for you! But at the end, other AI services, like ChatGPT and Copilot are better and more capable. It seems that you prioritize integration over other features.

BTW, I'm not trying to tell you what it's good or bad for you. I just post what I understood from your comment.

Because I like to be informed. I’m a bartender. I hate gin. I also keep up with the up to date gin cocktails.

I don’t have to like something to want to be in the know.

I like tech.

Next.

When you are in the line of work, you have to interact with things you don't like, like gyn. That's how it is in the workplace. But you like tech, and not are forced to use Android or AI. For some reason you have strong opinions on how bad are both, but still use them. But if you are happy using tech you don't like, good for you!

Okay and the reason why your logic makes ZERO SENSE and you’re literally flailing to make a point is if all they care about is the apps and services and they aren’t using Apple services according to you then why are they not buying androids?

So clearly they do prefer iPhones if 87 percent of them prefer iPhones.

Make it make sense.

Okay and again those apps are on Android lmao. So why aren’t they buying androids.

Clearly they don’t want android.

The reason they buy iPhone is because they are excellent devices, but also because they know they have access to the apps and services they use. When I purchase my 3GS I had no need for 3rd party apps and services. Today is very different. Apps are as important, or even more important, than the device. My point is that teens have iPhone no just because of the device, but also becase of the 3rd party apps and services.

Apple services is not one thing lol. You keep picking and choosing. Apple fitness is popular due to the success of Apple Watch.

Apple Music is popular. It’s just not as popular as Spotify.

I don’t pay much attention to news, arcade or Apple TV. But again Apple services is not one thing.

Apple can afford to be deficient in one area if the overall PACKAGE is doing well.

And I know this sucks for the point you’re failing to make….overall the suite of Apple services is doing fine.

Could the popularity of Apple Fitness be related to the trial included in the Apple Watch? I did some research, and didn't find anything that point out the popularity of Apple Fitness today.

I agree that Apple Music is very popular. I'm a subscriber, and have no issue with it. Although I'm missing features as Spotiy Connect, which are superior to AirPlay 2, specially with 3rd party receivers.

Don't worry about news, arcade or TV+. Most people ignore them, just like you and me.

Apple is not being deficient in one area, but in most areas. They are failing with News, Arcade, TV+ and Fitness. Are they making money with Apple Music? I don't know. They only thing I know they are succeeding is with iCloud with the storage to backup devices in the cloud. And also, I think they have under services the agreement with Google, where the receive some billions to make Google Search the default engine. But I could be wrong.

From an economic POV, as a whole they are doing well. But things are not that good when customers are ignoring most services.

Yes bc teens only game, right? Again you don’t know the demographic.

I was that demographic recently. I have brothers and friends who are that demographic.

Artists. Musicians. Influencer. Podcasts.

These teens are using Mac because Mac’s have always been the to do for media content creators.

Garage band is a highly successful Mac app. That has no true windows equivalent.

You keep mentioning TikTok and instagram. You do realize they use their Macs to edit their videos.

I know. I am an influencer. Hate that term but whatever. I don’t use my surface. I use my iPad and Mac.

Oh and it’s 2025. Please join us and leave 2009. Gaming is fine on Mac these days.

There’s a reason why developers develop for Mac first before windows even though windows has a higher market share.

It's obvious that teens don't only game. But, don't you think is extremely popular between them? I'm sure most teens artists, musicians, influencers and podcasters also play games. And from what I have seen, gaming in Mac still terrible.

Macs are great for content creation and are very popular among teens in those areas. But Windows is far ahead in gaming and streamers. And the reason it's obvious, Windows PC's have a better ecosystem and better hardware for gaming.

BTW, I know that some developers develop first for Mac, but not all of them, and nearly none (maybe none) for AA and AAA gaming.

y using the default mail app?

I’m a grad student and I don’t even use the individual Gmail or outlook apps.

These kids are 15-16. You think they care about the features outside the basic app?

No lmao.

To end your flawed argument: I ask again.

If androids exist and have the same apps and according to you, better AI, then why are pixels, galaxy or any other Android phones not leading the pack?

Why do 87 percent still choose iPhones?

Spoiler alert: they like their iPhones.

I agree with you. They like their iPhones because they are excellent devices, but also because they have the apps and services they need. That's my point. Don't you agree?

 

[DanVM]

The apps exist on multiple platforms, so why chose on device over another? My guess it’s more the device.

iMessage is a big thing in the states. I don’t believe you know the collective mindset of the millions of teens who chose an iPhone.

Apps are available on multiple platforms including the safari browser. 🤷‍♂️

They choose the iPhone because they are an excellent device. But without the apps and services, it's not an useful device. Apps are part of the iPhone experience, don't you think? Do you really think people purchase an iPhone are looking forward to use iOS Mail, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade or Apple Intelligence? 3rd part apps is what makes the what it is today.

iMessage is a big thing in the states. I don’t believe you know the collective mindset of the millions of teens who chose an iPhone.

Yes, I know how big is iMessage. But I don't think it is as big compared to TikTok, Instagram or gaming, especially in teens.

Apps are available on multiple platforms including the safari browser. 🤷‍♂️

Yes, and that's one the reasons teens like iPhone, they can access the apps and services they use.

 

[I7guy]

They choose the iPhone because they are an excellent device. But without the apps and services, it's not a useful device.

Even flip phones have apps. What cell intending have apps in 2025?

Apps are part of the iPhone experience, don't you think?

Also part of the android experience and yet teens prefer iPhones.

Do you really think people purchase an iPhone are looking forward to use iOS Mail, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade or Apple Intelligence?

Yes, I do.

3rd part apps is what makes the what it is today.

3rd party apps makes every single consumer platform what it is today.

Yes, I know how big is iMessage. But I don't think it is as big compared to TikTok, Instagram or gaming, especially in teens.

You’re comparing an app made for mindless consumption with a communication app.

Yes, and that's one the reasons teens like iPhone, they can access the apps and services they use.

As they can on almost every other cell platform yet they chose iPhone.

 

[DanVM]

It doesn't matter what other services do if I am happy with the service provided.

Apple Intelligence summarizes my teams messages as well, very useful. You're arguing a use case that with some function on my phone, something else is better, when I am satisfied with the service provided and don't require the other service. Remember we are talking about an iphone, not a enterprise wide desktop class computer. My experience with AI on my iphone is good because of Apple Intelligence and my use case.

I'm satisfied with my SUV, but when I see an AM DBX or MB G63 it's evident there are better options. Apple Intelligence may work well for you, but that doesn't mean there are better, more capable options. Even Apple admitted that needs to improve. But if you are happy with Apple Intelligence, even though Apple are not happy with it, good for you!

 

[DanVM]

Okay and we aren’t talking about desktop lmao.

Stop trying to double talk because your first argument was flawed.

The last 18 years since 2007, Apple has been the preferred smartphone in the Us and while Android overall sales more devices than Apple does (namely bc they’re cheap), overall Apple does sell more than individual OEMs.

And in America, for the last 18 years, Apple has been the dominant smartphone player.

That’s face. Accept it and move onto something else.

I agree with you that the iPhone is the preferred phone. But article also mentions "Though teen interest in the ‌iPhone‌ is high, other Apple products and services are not as popular." That's the reality. Accept it and move onto something else.

 

[DanVM]

Once upon a time in this forum, people theorised that Google and Facebook held all the power in their relationship with Apple, because the popular theory at the time was that they could just withhold their population apps from iOS and users wold flock to Android. At the time, I said that I would sooner give up the use of those apps than abandon iOS, and it still holds true today.

I suspect this is why we don't see this sort of stunt by the companies. Perhaps some might leave iOS, but most won't, and they are only hurting their wallets because people aren't using their services. So it's a game of mutually assured destruction most simply don't want to play.

So the correct response by Apple is, ironically enough, what everyone is criticising them for - making their ecosystem so sticky that people don't want to leave, even for supposedly greener pastures.

From the article,
"Though teen interest in the iPhone is high, other Apple products and services are not as popular."

Looks like teens do not care too much Apple ecosystem.