Smartphone price comparison platform SellCell surveyed over 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users in August to assess upgrade interest and brand loyalty before Apple’s event. According to the data, 68.3% of current iPhone users intend to purchase an iPhone 17 model at launch, marking an increase from 61.9% recorded ahead of the iPhone 16 launch in 2024.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models are expected to dominate early sales, accounting for 38.1% of planned upgrades. The standard iPhone 17 is the choice for 16.7% of respondents, while 13.5% expressed interest in the all-new iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to feature an ultra-thin design. Only 3.3% of respondents indicated they are holding out specifically for a foldable iPhone, which Apple has yet to release.
The survey highlights that 72.9% of users feel more satisfied with their iPhone today than in previous years, but 27.1% said they believe Apple has “lost its edge” compared to rival smartphone makers.
Battery life emerged as the most important upgrade driver, with 53.% of respondents citing it as their top reason for upgrading. Other motivating factors included new designs and features (36.2%), display improvements (34.3%), camera upgrades (28.1%), and AI and software enhancements (7.1%).
Price remains the primary deterrent, with 68.9% of users listing cost as the main reason for not upgrading. Satisfaction with existing devices is also a significant factor, with 71.7% stating they are content with their current iPhone. A smaller share of users cited interest in foldables (7.5%), discomfort with eSIM (6.6%), or interest in switching to Android (5.3%) as reasons for holding off.
Foldables from Samsung and Google are emerging as a competitive threat. If Apple does not release a foldable iPhone by 2026, 20.1% of respondents say they would consider switching to Samsung, and 10.2% to Google. Brand loyalty remains high, with 69.6% of respondents stating they plan to stay with Apple regardless of competing products.
When asked to choose between device thinness and battery capacity, 47.5% of respondents said they would accept a shorter battery life in exchange for a thinner design. Meanwhile, 29.7% said they are not interested in ultra-thin phones at all.
44% of iPhone users said they view Apple Intelligence as a very important feature. Another 33% said AI does not matter to them. When asked which company leads in AI, 44% named Apple, while both Samsung and Google were selected by 6.6% of respondents. Ten percent of users said no brand currently leads in the AI space.
36.8% of users would delay upgrading if prices rise significantly, while 29.2% said they would decide based on the size of the increase. Only 34% said they would proceed with their purchase regardless.
The survey was conducted using an online survey platform, with responses collected in August 2025 from a sample of over 2,000 U.S. adults who currently own an iPhone. The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be announced on Tuesday, September 9.
This article, “Survey: Nearly 70% of Users Plan to Upgrade to iPhone 17” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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