Estimates from market research firm Consumer Intelligence Research Partners indicate that 87% of iPhone buyers in the United States during the first quarter of 2026 had previously used another iPhone.

This percentage reached its highest level in the three years covered by the report, rising from 84% in 2025 and 85% in 2024.

In contrast, 12% switched from Android phones, down from 14% in 2025 and slightly below the 13% recorded in 2024, according to a report by Apple Insider, a technology news site, as seen by Al Arabiya Business.

The remaining 1% were people who switched from basic non-smartphones, bought their first smartphone, or fell into another category.

The figures point to a smartphone market where most buyers have already settled on their operating system choice for years. Apple is still able to attract Android users, but the bigger opportunity lies in convincing hundreds of millions of existing customers to replace their old iPhones with newer models.

Android user switching remains within normal range

Users of the Android system, developed by Google, have made up between 11% and 15% of new iPhone buyers in recent years, making the 12% recorded in the March quarter within the normal range for Consumer Intelligence Research Partners.

The decline from 14% in 2025 appears to be a natural fluctuation rather than a significant shift in Apple’s ability to attract Android users.

Switching between operating systems may mean transferring years of data, replacing apps and accessories, and rebuilding accustomed workflows. In contrast, existing iPhone owners face much less friction, as they can easily transfer their photos, messages, passwords, apps, and settings to the new model.

Still, the 12% represents a significant source of new customers for Apple’s scale. The company posted record iPhone revenue, while research firm Counterpoint estimated that iPhone sales volume in the US rose 1.3%, even as the overall market shrank by 5.7%.

Moreover, the increase in the number of iPhone buyers makes it difficult to rely on percentages alone to assess the number of Android users switching to iPhone. The share of Android users among total iPhone buyers may decrease, while their actual number remains steady or even rises, if the total number of people buying iPhones increases.

Repeat buyers give Apple a strong sales base

The 87% figure illustrates why Apple does not need a large increase in platform switching to sustain iPhone momentum. Existing users already know iOS, own compatible accessories, and may have years of purchases and personal data tied to Apple services.

Additionally, carrier offers and trade-in programs can make buying another iPhone the easiest choice both financially and technically.

Apple also benefits after the phone sale, as repeat buyers may continue using products such as iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and various services.

Apple said on January 29, 2026, that its active device base exceeded 2.5 billion devices worldwide, though it does not disclose the number of iPhones within that base or the number of new users.

Only 1% of iPhone buyers surveyed by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners came from basic phone users, first-time smartphone buyers, or other paths.

Winning a new customer means convincing someone to leave a platform they are accustomed to, while retaining an existing customer helps secure future revenue from devices and services. Moreover, every user who switches from Android can become part of Apple’s repeat buyer base in future upgrade cycles.

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