Smartphone Upgrade Cycle in the USA: How Often Do People Upgrade?
The rate at which smartphone users in the USA upgrade their devices varies depending on several factors, including the age of the device, the user’s budget, and their carrier contract. However, according to a recent study by Counterpoint Research, the average upgrade cycle for smartphones in the US is now 34.9 months, which is equivalent to 2.9 years. This means that, on average, US smartphone users upgrade their devices every 2.9 years.
However, it’s important to note that this is just an average. Some users may upgrade their devices more frequently, while others may wait longer. For example, users who purchase high-end flagship devices may be more likely to hold onto their devices for longer, while users who purchase budget-friendly devices may be more likely to upgrade more frequently.
Factors Affecting Smartphone Upgrade Cycle
- Carrier contracts: In the past, carrier contracts often required users to upgrade their devices every two years. However, this is becoming less common as more users opt for prepaid plans or unlocked devices.
- Device financing: Many carriers and retailers now offer device financing plans that allow users to spread the cost of a new device over a period of time. This can make it more affordable for users to upgrade their devices more frequently.
- Technological advancements: As new smartphone models are released with new features and improved performance, some users may be tempted to upgrade their devices more frequently.
Conclusion
The average smartphone upgrade cycle in the US is currently 2.9 years. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the device, the user’s budget, and their carrier contract.
Image Prompts
- A person holding a smartphone.
- A graph showing the average smartphone upgrade cycle in the US.
- A map of the US with different colors representing different upgrade cycles.