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Smart Central

US Cell Phones

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by

John McCormick
in

Smartphone Ownership in the US

Smartphone ownership in the United States varies across demographics:

Age:

  • 18-29: 94%
  • 30-49: 89%
  • 50-64: 73%
  • 65+: 50%

Income:

  • Over $75,000 annually: 93%
  • Under $30,000 annually: 67%

Education:

  • College graduates: 97%
  • Some college: 80%
  • High school graduates: 69%

Location:

  • Urban: 83%
  • Suburban: 78%
  • Rural: 65%

Race:

  • White and Hispanic: 77%
  • Black: 75%

Regional variations exist, with higher ownership in the Northeast and lower in the South. Notably, 91% of Americans now own a smartphone, a significant increase from just 35% in 20111.

Infographic showing smartphone ownership percentages across different age groups, income levels, and education levels

Rise of Smartphone Dependence

About 15% of U.S. adults are "smartphone-only" internet users, lacking home broadband. This group often includes:

  • Lower income individuals
  • Those with less formal education

Factors contributing to smartphone dependence:

  • Improved mobile technology
  • Increased functionality of smartphones
  • Cost considerations for broadband access

This trend has both advantages and disadvantages, affecting how Americans access online resources and interact with the world. By 2025, it is predicted that 72% of internet users will exclusively use mobile devices to access the internet2.

People from various backgrounds using smartphones as their primary internet device

Smartphone Market Dynamics

The U.S. smartphone market is competitive, with shifting operating systems, brands, and market shares.

Operating Systems (Global Market Share):

  • Android: 71.31%
  • iOS: 27.73% (55.48% in the U.S.)
  • Others (e.g., Samsung, KaiOS): smaller percentages

Brand Competition:

  • Major players: Samsung, Apple, Google Pixel, OnePlus
  • 5G technology influencing market dynamics

Future Projections: By 2025, 72% of internet users may primarily use mobile devices for online activities. The global smartphone market continues to grow, with a 7.8% increase in Q1 2024 alone3.

Various smartphone brands and operating systems competing in the market

Smartphones remain central to daily life, essential for communication and task management. Their impact and development continue to shape our increasingly connected environment. As of 2024, there are approximately 7.21 billion smartphones worldwide, accounting for around 90% of the global population4.

  1. Pew Research Center. Mobile Fact Sheet. 2024.
  2. eMarketer. Global Digital Users Update. 2024.
  3. IDC. Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. 2024.
  4. Statista. Number of smartphone users worldwide. 2024.