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Android Beats iOS In Smartphone Loyalty, Study Finds
Android users don't appear to be switching to the iPhone like they used to. According to a new study from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), Android users have higher loyalty than iOS users do. "The research firm found that Android brand loyalty has been remaining steadily high since early 2016, and remains at the highest levels ever seen," reports TechCrunch. From the report: Today, Android has a 91 percent loyalty rate, compared with 86 percent for iOS, measured as the percentage of U.S. customers who stayed with their operating system when they upgraded their phone in 2017. From January 2016 through December 2017, Android loyalty ranged from 89 to 91 percent (ending at 91 percent), while iOS loyalty was several percentage points lower, ranging from 85 to 88 percent. Explains Mike Levin, partner and co-founder of CIRP, users have pretty much settled on their brand of choice at this point. "With only two mobile operating systems at this point, it appears users now pick one, learn it, invest in apps and storage, and stick with it. Now, Apple and Google need to figure out how to sell products and services to these loyal customer bases," he said. It's worth noting that Android hasn't always led in user loyalty as it does now. CIRP has been tracking these metrics for years, and things used to be the other way around.
Every Android phone I have bought had a comparable iPhone at the same price. I buy Android phones because once I do, I don't have to use anything Google if I want. When I buy Apple, I know I'm going to have to use iTunes for something eventually. Then I'll be using Apple software and seeing Apple advertising, and that makes me feel locked in.
Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
The other day a friend told me of going to a meeting and seeing a guy who had an Apple logo tattooed to his upper arm. We had a good laugh. Now that there is loyalty - perhaps cultish loyalty. So I was going to comment that Apple users are obviously more loyal using this anecdote, but then I did quick image search and sure enough - there are idiots out there with Android logo tattoos. :(
I'm curious how this would change if app authors gave you a license to both the Android and iOS version of their app when you bought it. I imagine a lot of the loyalty is actually to the person's library of apps, not the OS itself.
I bought an iPad. Apple repeatedly broke it until I became unwilling even bother with it. That taught me I definitely didn't want an iPhone.
Watching my SO fight with hers merely confirmed my decision. Her next phone will be an Android-based model, because she's watched mine consistently work with very few problems, and no significant problems at all.
Bottom line, Android works well enough, and yes, just pre-ordered a new one (S9+.) It still has a headphone jack. And a memory card. And no "notch." I appreciate the cowardice it takes not to screw the customer in the name of absurd rationalizations.
I've fallen off your lawn, and I can't get up.