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TechBest Companies

Apple’s iPhone Is the Dominant Smartphone Among Teenagers

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
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By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
April 11, 2017, 10:39 AM ET

Teenagers are obsessed with Apple’s iPhone.

A staggering 76% of U.S. teenagers have an iPhone, according to Piper Jaffray’s latest Taking Stock With Teens survey of more than 5,500 kids. That figure is up from 74% in the fall. Better yet for Apple, 81% of respondents told Piper Jaffray that their next smartphone will be an iPhone, up from 79% in the fall.

In a note to investors, Piper Jaffray analyst Michael Olson said that the survey results “add more fuel” to his belief that Apple’s smartphone business is “well-positioned” in the market and should see growth through the rest of the year.

The survey, which Piper Jaffray conducts twice per year, sheds light on how younger people are using technology and which companies are doing the best job of targeting the critical demographic. Considering the iPhone is expected to account for the lion’s share of phone purchases among teenagers in the coming years, the survey suggests Apple’s future might be bright with a wealth of younger customers accustomed to using its smartphones.

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But Apple (AAPL) isn’t only the go-to option in smartphones. Piper Jaffray also asked teenagers which device they prefer when they buy a smartwatch. While many of those teenagers said they’re not interested in buying a smartwatch soon, 13% of them said that they plan to buy an Apple Watch in the next six months, topping all other wearables. Samsung’s Gear wearable came in second place after 2% of teenagers said they plan to buy that device in the next six months.

Still, the smartwatch market has yet to catch on in the teenage demographic. According to Piper Jaffray, 84% of teenagers don’t own a smartwatch.

For Olson, though, Piper Jaffray’s survey data makes one thing abundantly clear: teenagers know what they like.

“Overall, we view the Teen Survey data as a sign that Apple’s place as the dominant device brand among teens remains intact,” he told investors.

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
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