Financial Times: Survey shows that 34% of Generation Z users use iPhone

A recent survey by the Financial Times revealed a surprising trend among young Americans born between 1996 and 2012, also known as Generation Z.

According to the report, 34% of Generation Z users, considered the most diverse and inclusive generation in history, use iPhones, a rather staggering figure considering Samsung, the brand that sells the most Android smartphones worldwide, only accounts for 10% of sales to this group.

Most young people think it is shameful to use Android smartphones.

The report suggests that many young consumers are concerned about being excluded by not owning an iPhone. The closed ecosystem of Apple's operating system is cited as the main reason for this concern. Specifically, many iPhone users interviewed said iMessage is one of the main reasons they use an iPhone. This messaging service discriminates against Android users by displaying their messages as green bubbles, which can be quite embarrassing for some users.

As a result, many young people choose iPhones over Android devices to avoid the social pressure associated with the "green bubble". In addition, Google has launched multiple campaigns urging Apple to make iMessage compatible with third-party messaging protocols such as the RCS standard. However, Apple has not yet addressed this issue.

Interestingly, the report also suggests that iPhone owners are more likely to buy other Apple devices such as MacBooks, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

For every 100 iPhones sold worldwide, Apple sells 26 iPads, 17 Apple Watches, and 35 pairs of AirPods. In contrast, for every 100 Galaxy phones sold, Samsung only sells 11 Galaxy Tabs, 6 Galaxy Watches, and 6 pairs of Galaxy Buds.

The trend isn't limited to the U.S. Canalys, a consulting firm that specializes in market analysis, found that 83% of iPhone owners under the age of 25 in Europe plan to continue using Apple smartphones. By contrast, less than half of Android users plan to continue using Android devices.

The report highlights the surprising impact of Apple's operating system on young people, who are considered the most diverse and inclusive generation in history. Many young people choose Apple devices over Android devices due to the fear of being excluded without an iPhone. This trend is not limited to the United States, but is also prevalent in Europe. In addition, the report shows that the closed ecosystem of Apple's operating system is driving sales of other Apple devices, such as MacBooks, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

Generation Z prefers iPhone to Android.

As technology continues to advance, the debate between iPhone and Android users continues. However, for the younger generation known as Generation Z, it has become a norm that they prefer iPhone over Android.

According to a 2021 Piper Sandler survey, 88% of American teens currently own an iPhone, while only 10% own an Android device. This is an increase from the previous year, when 85% of teens owned an iPhone. This trend is also reflected globally. In countries such as the UK, Australia, and Canada, most teens own an iPhone.

So why do Generation Z prefer iPhones over Android devices? Here are some reasons:

Brand Loyalty: Apple has successfully built brand loyalty among its users, especially among the younger audience. iPhone is not just a device, it is a lifestyle. Apple has built a culture around its products that makes owning an iPhone fashionable and cool.

Ecosystem Integration: Apple's ecosystem includes iCloud, iMessage, and AirDrop, which enable seamless integration between devices. This integration makes it easier for users to share and access files across all devices. In addition, the App Store offers many high-quality applications that are only available on iOS.

Security: iPhones are known for their security features that make them less vulnerable to hackers and malware. For Generation Z, who are constantly aware of the dangers of the internet, having a device that prioritizes their safety is a necessity.

Social Media: Social media is an important part of the daily life of Generation Z. Many social media influencers and celebrities use iPhones, which makes many people desire to own one. In addition, social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat are usually optimized for iOS, providing a better user experience on iPhone.

Aesthetic Appeal: The iPhone’s design and aesthetics are often seen as sleek, sophisticated, and modern, appealing to Generation Z’s desire for style and trendy technology.

While these reasons aren’t specific to Gen Z, they are more pronounced for this age group. Apple has done a great job of creating a brand that appeals to the younger generation, as evidenced by their preference for iPhones over Android devices.

While it’s difficult to make blanket statements about the preferences of an entire generation, other surveys have shown that Gen Z does prefer iPhones over Android devices.

For example, a 2020 survey by Business Insider found that 63% of Gen Z respondents reported owning an iPhone, while only 29% owned an Android device.

However, it’s important to note that these surveys may not represent the views of all Gen Zers. Individual preferences can vary widely. Additionally, factors such as income, geographic location, and cultural influences may play a role in shaping technology preferences.

In summary, the iPhone’s greater popularity among Generation Z than Android devices is not just a matter of personal preference, but a combination of brand loyalty, ecosystem integration, security, social media, and aesthetic appeal.

From ZOL