When Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) launched its big screen iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in September, many analysts predicted that the new devices would attract a lot of Android switchers. That was a reasonable prediction. In the past, most Android users shied away from the iPhones due to their smaller screen size. Now that the iPhone 6 with 4.7-inch display and iPhone 6 Plus with 5.5-inch screen are available, an interesting trend has emerged.
Screen size is not the only factor
There seems to be more to choosing a phone than just screen size. Android and iOS are two different platforms with different functionality. Android users might not want to give up their customizability, just for a big screen device from Apple. Moreover, they have options like Nexus 6 and Galaxy Note 4 with large display.
According to a survey conducted by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are much less popular among Android switchers than initially believed. This year, fewer iPhone buyers came from Android platform compared to the number of Android switchers in 2013 following the launch of the iPhone 5S and 5C.
Only 12% iPhone 6 buyers switched from Android
In 30 days following the launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, only 12% of the iPhone buyers said they switched from Android. By comparison, 23% had reported formerly owning an Android device in 2013. The iPhone 5S and 5C launch also witnessed more customers coming from Windows and BlackBerry devices, reports MacRumors.
CIRP co-founder Josh Lowitz said that a vast majority of the iPhone 6 buyers were already iPhone owners. Existing iPhone users accounted for 80% of new iPhone purchases after this year’s launch, compared to less than 65% in September 2013. What’s more, Android switchers who were accustomed to larger displays preferred the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. According to CIRP, 31% of former Android users opted for the iPhone 6 Plus, compared to just 25% existing iPhone users choosing the 5.5-inch phablet over the iPhone 6.
Android switchers preferred expensive iPhones this year
What’s more, data show that Android switchers this year went for more expensive iPhones compared to last year. In 2013, only 52% of former Android users chose the iPhone 5S. By comparison, 85% of Android switchers opted for the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. It is important to note that the CIRP’s survey had a very small sample size of just 300 Apple customers who bought an iPhone in the first 30 days following the iPhone 6 launch on September 19.
