More users than ever are switching from Android to iPhone — but not in the models you might expect

Android users switching from their little green robot to their iPhone is nothing new. Maybe they want a phone that’s more secure, or maybe they’re tired of their phones being left behind until they can update — either way, they’ve abandoned ship. The switcher statistic has been around 10-14% for a while now, but this year we’ve seen a large group of people who used to use Android switch to Apple devices.

CIRP estimates that number at 17%, up about 7% from last year. Interestingly, the devices these movers are buying aren’t the latest iPhone 15 models, but older ones that will likely cost them less.

What about the newest ones?

It’s no wonder that new buyers won’t necessarily want to go for the more expensive newer models. After all, even the slightly older iPhone 14 will still provide a new experience for those accustomed to Google’s operating system. iOS will feel different, the device itself will feel different in the hand, and even the apps will be different when you carry it around. They don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a new experience.

What’s even more interesting is that CIRP claims that “the consistency and urgency of those upgrading iPhones is apparently at an all-time low.” Given that iPhone 15 sales may not have been as good as Apple might have hoped, and that Android users are buying older models, that means Apple’s core customer base isn’t upgrading like it used to. These are devices aimed at Apple customers, not new customers, CIRP claims, so the fact that they aren’t selling as well means fewer people are upgrading from their older devices.

Why? That’s everyone’s best guess, although there may be some credibility to the idea that 2-year phone contracts are becoming a culprit. Perhaps users are seeing fewer reasons to upgrade to newer versions because they’re innovating less, or maybe they’re just trying to save some money. Either way, the iPhone 16, due later this year, may have a tough job convincing users to upgrade.