Apple has a hit on its hands with this year’s iPhones, and recent research published by Amdocs may help explain why – in brief, people are ready to upgrade and many are more willing than ever to switch. While the latter cuts both ways, this bodes well too for next year’s iPhone Fold.
You see, the data – distributed and therefore masked by last week’s actual iPhone launch event -suggests almost two thirds of US consumers are ready to upgrade. They want new devices. Morgan Stanley tells us this morning that demand for the iPhone 17 seems stronger than it was for iPhone 16 at this point in the cycle last year. He notes that sales seem strong across all Apple’s key markets.
There may also be a strong chance for Apple to convince more Android users than before to switch, as 33% of consumers are open to switching. That data, of course, cuts both ways, so it really depends on the extent to which Apple’s new phones resonate with shoppers across the coming year. Meanwhile, of course, there’s the question if last year’s anticipated huge iPhone upgrade is about to turn up one year later.
What are you looking for?
Among the top upgrade drivers, battery life and device performance lead across all age groups. For top wants from service providers, broader 5G/6G coverage leads (46%). Notably, 62% say satellite-based features would influence—or potentially influence—their provider choice. This marks a turning point: satellite is no longer niche—it’s emerging as a viable secondary network that enables always-on mobility and new monetization opportunities.
What Amdocs said
“It’s 2025, and users still care more about battery life than AI—and that says everything about how integral smartphones have become to every aspect of our lives,” said Gil Rosen, Chief Marketing Officer, Amdocs.
“Our data shows battery longevity (42%) is the top upgrade driver, ahead of Apple Intelligence. That’s a wake-up call. At the same time, we’re entering a new connectivity era where users can rely on two networks—cellular and satellite—unlocking global, always-on coverage. It’s not just for consumers; satellite will open the door to new products and services in verticals like logistics, emergency services, and mobility. It’s a transformative layer that redefines how CSPs approach coverage, customer experience, and monetization.”
So, to the data:
Generational Divide
- 79% of 18–24 year olds report owning an iPhone, compared to just 43% of those 65+.
- 61% of consumers are likely to upgrade their smartphone within 12 months, with intent strongest among 25–44 year olds—nearly half saying they’re “very likely” to upgrade.
Innovation and Cost
- Trade-in offers (30%) remain a key motivator, especially for cost-conscious users.
- Enhanced camera capabilities (33%) and Apple Intelligence (31%) rank highest among new iOS feature interests.
- 31% of 35–44 year olds view Apple Intelligence as a “major innovation,” versus just 3% of those 65+. 59% of older consumers are unfamiliar with the feature.
Trust, Reliability & Churn
- 33% of consumers have switched providers in the past three years—rising to 44% among 25–34 year olds, compared to just 15% of those 65+.
- 80% are satisfied with current network coverage, with satisfaction peaking among older adults—50% of those 65+ are “very satisfied.”
What they want
- 42% of consumers cite battery longevity as their top consideration for switching devices, ahead of features like Apple Intelligence (31%).
- 46% want broader 5G/6G coverage.
- 62% say satellite-based features would influence their choice of provider when upgrading.
The research also reveals that younger generations are the most likely to switch carriers; 44% of those aged 25 – 34 have switched providers in the past year. By contrast, only 15% of those 65 and older have made a change.
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