Young people may not be quite as addicted to iPhone as assumed

iPhone 14

A new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) examines the issue using data from a recent study along with an old one from April 5. That report looked at how quickly people replace or repair their Apple devices.

Most respondents — over 80% — said they would replace a lost, stolen, or broken iPhone immediately or within a few days rather than waiting. Only 6% of respondents said they would wait more than a week for a functioning iPhone.

CIRP's new report on Wednesday looks at how that view changes based on a person's age. For example, younger people don't replace their devices as quickly as older folks.

Only 60% of customers between 18 and 24 said they would replace an iPhone immediately or within a few days. However, the urgency rises with age, revealing that nearly 90% of consumers aged 45 or older would replace a device immediately or within a day or two.

It might be related to financial health, as older people tend to have more money than younger people and can afford to replace a device more quickly.

The numbers are slightly different for the iPhone and Mac, with 45% to 50% of the 18-24 group would replace a device immediately or within a few days. But, again, that rises with age, with 78% to 93% of people aged 25 to 54 who would quickly replace a gadget.

However, for these devices, the sense of urgency to repair or replace declines for iPad owners over 55.

The drop is considerably more evident among older buyers of Mac computers. For example, a Mac computer would be replaced by almost half of the 18 year to 24 year age group within a day or two, but only about one-third of people aged 65 or older would immediately replace a Mac or within one or two days.

Although the reasoning behind the discrepancies isn't 100% clear, other than budget differences, it clearly distinguishes between generations. Maybe the kids are alright.