Apple data reveals iPhone loyalty vastly varied across 2019 and 2020

TL;DR

• According to Apple’s own data, more than a quarter of iPhone users switched to another phone between Q1 and Q2 2020.
• The data was revealed during Apple’s court battle with Epic Games.
• Although that seems a large portion of users, Apple probably has little to worry about.

According to data released during Apple’s trial with Epic Games, between 12% and 26% of iPhone users switched to another device between Q3 2019 and Q3 2020. Apple doesn’t mention Android by name, but presumably, these users are switching to Android devices.

The data (spotted by Android Central) stems from Apple’s own market research and demonstrates how loyal consumers were to the company between 2019 and 2020. However, what’s interesting is how these figures differed throughout the year.

In Q3 2019, 19% of iPhone users sought another device. But between Q1 2020 and Q2 2020, more than a quarter of iPhone users jumped ship. This is particularly interesting, as the iPhone 12 series debuted in Q3. It suggests iPhone users are more likely to ditch iOS for Android just prior to a new iPhone release.

However, iPhone users searching for alternatives could also be down to the economic effects of the pandemic. Several Android devices are much cheaper than iPhones, especially if users don’t require Apple-specific perks.

More reading: How to switch from iPhone to Android

Despite these blips, iPhone loyalty jumped back up to 88% again in Q3 2020, likely buoyed by strong iPhone 12 sales. The series remained the most lucrative device line at the beginning of 2021. Notably, the top three best-selling smartphones in Q1 2021 were iPhone 12 devices.

What about Android users jumping to iOS?

It’s unclear how many users jump ship from Android and other mobile platforms to iOS. Without this data, we can’t really tell which side is benefiting more.

But according to our own research, some users aren’t loyal to Google’s platform either. In a recent poll on our website, nearly a quarter of our readers would switch to an iPhone if they were handed one for free. Just under 43%, however, wouldn’t consider this move at all.

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