Apple’s introduction of the iPhone 17 this week finds a receptive audience that is interested in both new features and capable handling of basic tasks, according to a survey about cell phone usage from Amdocs.
The survey found that 42% feel that longer battery life is key. This is counterbalanced by a significant but smaller portion — 31% — who felt that new features such as Apple Intelligence are the priority. Almost half (46%) wanted broader 5G and 6G coverage and more than six in ten (62%) said that satellite-based features would impact their decision.
Dynata surveyed 1,000 “general consumers” on behalf of Amdocs, according to the stated methodology. Sixty-one percent of the survey respondents said they are open to a cell phone upgrade.
Commentary from Amdocs in the survey, titled“The Life of a Smartphone: 2025 Connectivity Report,” said that flexible and affordable plans and robust trade-in programs still are influential factors.
“The iPhone 17 launch illustrates a clear truth: to capture consumer loyalty, providers must blend innovation with fundamentals,” according to the cell phone survey.
“That means expanding coverage, enabling flexible and affordable plans, offering robust trade-in programs, and embracing satellite as the next frontier. Reliability will always be the cornerstone, but the carriers who layer in innovation at the right moment will own the loyalty window that the iPhone 17 has just opened.”
The survey found a significant generational divide among responders. For instance, 79% of 18- to 24-year-olds own an iPhone, while only 43% of those 65 years old or older own one. This type of age distinction can be seen throughout the cell phone survey. For instance, younger users see more value in “major innovations” than older respondents and younger consumers are more likely to have switched carriers during the past three years.
Cell phone service is of course not optional for most people. In July, doxo, a bill paying firm, found that on average Americans spend $96 monthly on cell phone service. The report found that annual spending on mobile services is $166 billion, which is about 4% of the $4.55 trillion spent on bills annually.
One thing that’s certain is that people are very, very attached to their devices.
