Retired iPhone Ages Show Two Kinds of iPhone Owners
Retired iPhone Ages Show Two Kinds of iPhone Owners
https://cirpapple.substack.com/p/retired-iphone-ages-show-two-kinds
Publish Date: 2026-05-20 08:55:00
Source Domain: cirpapple.substack.com
As we look at iPhone buyer behavior with the most recent CIRP consumer survey data, one thing jumps out. Two types of iPhone buyers are emerging: those that keep their iPhone for a very long time, and those that keep them for a much shorter time.
For at least six years, we have seen several forces nudging iPhone owners to keep an iPhone for a longer time. They include improved durability, the end of subsidized phone purchases tied to carrier contracts, higher purchase prices, longer installment purchase plans, and perhaps more incremental upgrades with each new model. The average age of retired iPhones has increased about 50% over that period.
At the same time, we see a gradual increase in the share of iPhone owners that keep their phone for only one or two years. With all of the factors encouraging longer ownership, what makes these owners replace their phone more quickly? The data shows the dual profiles. As of the March 2026 quarter, 39% of iPhone buyers had their previous iPhone for three years or more (Chart 1). About one-third had their previous iPhone for two years or less. The two-to-three-year cohort in the middle continues to shrink.
