New data shows that Apple Watch owners have entirely different iPhone purchasing habits than those that don't. Here's how they're different.
Apple Watch Ultra
Although the Apple Watch can perform some tasks independently, it still more or less requires an iPhone for most things in early 2023. Therefore, virtually all Apple Watch owners also have an iPhone.
A new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners examines how the Apple Watch fits into the Apple ecosystem. The iPhone dominates, and the iPad and Mac are also significant, but the Apple Watch plays an important role too.
According to data as of December 2022 among iPhone buyers who also own an Apple Watch, the Pro models in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 lineups were the most popular phones, each owned by 27% of Apple Watch owners. Conversely, those without an Apple Watch were likelier to possess a cheaper iPhone.
In that category, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini were the most popular models for people without an Apple Watch, owned by 31% of customers. However, only 15% of those non-Watch owners purchased an iPhone 13 Pro/Max or iPhone 14 Pro/Max, making them about half as likely as Watch owners to do so.
But CIRP believes the data isn't surprising.
"It makes sense that Apple customers who invest in an Apple Watch are more likely, and perhaps more able, to invest in a premium iPhone," says the report. "Apple Watch owners are more dedicated to the Apple ecosystem overall, so they see value in owning the most advanced iPhone models to complement their Apple Watch."
It's been proven throughout the years that those with multiple devices will likely be more committed to the Apple ecosystem. The report doesn't include data about other Apple products owned by Apple Watch owners and non-owners. The iPhone, however, is most certainly a requirement.