Mikey Campbell
An informal poll conducted last week suggests one in ten iPhone owners plan to upgrade to "iPhone 13" this fall, though fence-sitters could be swayed by surprise features.
In a survey of 1,500 iPhone users, Savings.com found only 10% are committed to purchasing Apple's next-generation iPhone at launch, with 64% saying they have no plans to upgrade. Another 26% are undecided, though new features could push this group to the buy category.
Among this year's rumored enhancements, customers are most interested in satellite communications, camera improvements and more capacious batteries, the study found. Some 27% of existing iPhone owners who plan to upgrade are excited about low-earth orbit satellite connectivity, while 22% are most interested in camera and video features. A larger battery and faster processor also rank at the top of owners' wish lists, with a respective 15% and 14% of users looking forward to such improvements.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was first to tip low-earth orbit satellite communications for iPhone in a note to investors last month, with follow-up reports claiming the feature will be restricted to emergency use in select markets. Whether the rumored function will debut with "iPhone 13" is unclear, though Apple is thought to be working on the technology.
For 2021, iPhone camera enhancements are predicted to include larger lenses, improved sensors, a new ultra-wide module with autofocus on "Pro" models and a host of software upgrades like support for ProRes video.
Battery capacity is also expected to see a bump this year, though the operational run time of Pro models might not increase significantly from current models due to the rumored inclusion of 120Hz ProMotion displays.
Earlier this week, a study of 2,000 iPhone owners conducted in the UK saw 19% of respondents say that they intended to upgrade to a new model within the next year. Many customer wants were identical to those voiced in today's published survey.
Apple is widely expected to unveil "iPhone 13" and "Apple Watch Series 7" at a recently announced "California Streaming" event on Sept. 14. AppleInsider will be covering the keynote live from 10 a.m. Pacific.
Charles Martin
Amber Neely
Sponsored Content
AppleInsider Staff
Malcolm Owen
Oliver Haslam
30 Comments
So with over a billion iPhones in use that’s “only” 100 million definite iPhone 13 purchases “this fall” with another 260 million undecided.
in any event I’m one of the decided: buying a 13 pro max at the first opportunity. Of course being enrolled in the Apple Upgrade program makes it a no brainer: my monthly cost remains virtually the same and I get to enjoy the latest iPhone. Love that program.
I’m on the iPhone Upgrade Program, and it’s been two years (I have an 11) so I’m “due” for an upgrade. But I’m actually on the fence, because I hardly go anywhere due to the restrictions, so I could sit another round out till—maybe—travel becomes a thing again.
Bet I’m not the only one.
I'll be swayed to get an iPhone 13 PRO MAX when AT&T gives me a ridiculous amount of money for my iPhone 11 PRO MAX and a promise of 24 more months of service!
I was fine with my iPhone X. I figured I'd upgrade to a 13 or 14.
But then AT&T offered me a ridiculous amount for a trade-in on my X. So I have a 12 Pro now. That decision took maybe an hour to make. My parents did the same with their iPhone 7's (now 12's).
Point being: sure, no one is planning on it unless they need a new phone. Carriers can (and will) sometimes surprise you with deals and THAT will be more of a deciding factor to upgrade than current plans.
Love how a poll of only 1,500 people speaks for the masses. <eye roll>