The exodus of Android phone users to the iPhone and Apple’s iOS ecosystem could be slowing.
According to a report by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), based on US consumer data from the past five years, found that the share of iPhone buyers who were former Android users fell last year from 15% in 2022 to 13% last year; However, that is still a higher percentage than in 2020 and 2021, when the number was 11%.
It’s not unheard of for users to migrate from Android to Apple and vice versa, although according to the same study, more than 90% of smartphone users tend to stick with the ecosystem they were first introduced to.
Over the five years, 2022 will see the biggest increase in the number of Android users switching to iPhones. The flagships of that year were the Samsung Galaxy S22Ultra for Android and the iPhone 13 Pro And iPhone 13 Pro Max.
This isn’t just a trend in the US, as data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) shows that the rising popularity of iPhones will knock Samsung out of the top spot as the world’s largest smartphone provider globally by 2023; a spot that has been held for 12 years.
So why are Android users switching to Apple?
There are many reasons why users switch between smartphone ecosystems and others CIRP research lists the reasons why Android users switch to Apple, four of which are the most common:
Previous phone problems: They didn’t like their old phone because it was outdated, needed to be repaired, or had a flaw that affected their user experience.
New phone features: they wanted more and different ways to use their smartphone, such as a better camera, improved accessory options or a more intuitive user interface.
Cost: they could spend less on a new iPhone than they expected or on a comparable Android smartphone.
Connecting Community: they wanted a smartphone that could integrate with family and friends, including using iMessage and FaceTime on iOS.
There are other factors too, such as the general popularity of Apple products, as well as the relatively easy integration into the ecosystem if you already own other Apple devices. The research also shows that some users switched simply because they “wanted something new,” or couldn’t articulate why they wanted to switch to Apple.
However, it’s worth noting that the CIRP surveys don’t include numbers on users switching from Apple to Android, which seems like it could help paint a more complete picture.
While every ecosystem has pros and cons, competition is healthy for phone makers because it forces them to innovate. This has led to recent developments such as foldable phones and the integration of AI features, leading to better products and experiences for consumers.
If you’re thinking of switching from Android to Apple, check out our best iPhone list to see if it’s worth it. If you’re an iPhone user considering switching to Android, check out our best Android phones list.