Millions of Android users may switch to iPhone 13

Signals suggest strong demand again this year

Apple seems set for yet another strong iPhone release sequence with iPhone 13 as around 44% of existing users plan to upgrade to the new device, says SellCell’s survey.

A potential half billion

The research also shows strong interest from Android users, 18.3% of which would consider switching one the new smartphone is released. That’s down on last year.

All the same, the idea that 18% of approximately 2.5 billion Android users are interested in switching to iPhone represents almost half a billion iPhone sales. Given how good Apple is at retaining customers once it wins them over, this should lead to significant market share gains where iPhones are sold.

What are the most popular models?

The largest iPhone 13 Pro Max is the most popular pick among potential Android-to-iPhone switchers at 39.8%, followed by the standard iPhone 13 model (36.1%), iPhone 13 Pro (19.5%), and iPhone 13 Mini (4.6%).

What do switchers like?

The survey team also asked what people liked about iPhones and what might drive them to upgrade from Android. The data shows as follows:

• Longer software support, (51.4%),
• Apple ecosystem integration, (23.8%),
• Better privacy protection, (11.4%),
• Better prices, (5.2%).
• Better features (camera, specs, design), 4.3%
• Compact form factor, 1.8%
• More intuitive UI, 1.2%
• Upcoming child safety features (child sexual abuse material or CSAM detection and Communication Safety), 0.9%

What they like

What don’t they like?

There are also many things Android users don’t like, with Apple’s clumsy CSAM scanning features roundly rejected by many.

• Lack of fingerprint scanner on iPhones, (31.9%),
• Limited customizability in iOS, (16.7%),
• Restrictions on sideloading apps in iOS, (12.8%),
• Android phones have better hardware than iPhones, (12.1%), Intrusive iCloud photo scanning, (10.4%).
• iPhones are expensive, – 4.5%
• Prefer an older iPhone model, 3.9%
• Prefer Google Assistant over Siri, 2.6%

[ALSO READ: iPhone 13 rumors: Good with masks, September 24, costs more?]

• Lack of split-screen multitasking, 2.3%
• No support for multiple user profiles, 1.5%
• No foldable options like Galaxy Z Fold3, 0.8%
• Missing app lock feature, 0.5%

What they don’t

What else are people interested in?

The report also tried to guage interest in Apple’s other upcoming products. This seemingly showed plenty of interest in Apple Watch with less in AirPods. “14.7% of potential iPhone switchers are looking forward to buying the Apple Watch Series 7, while only 6.2% are interested in the AirPods 3,” the survey said.

The report is based on an online survey – conducted between Aug 13-30, 2021 – involving more than 5000 Android users, aged 18 years or older, based in the United States.

Please follow me on Twitter, or join me in the AppleHolic’s bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.