As we get closer to the rumored launch date of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone 5, consumer anticipation is high. We reported yesterday that Piper Jaffray had released a report showing that Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) was the favorite carrier of the iPhone line, according to consumers. A second report, released by Baird Equity Research Technology seems to also indicate a high demand for the iPhone 5.
One of the points covered in the August 23rd report was the high rate of mobile customers who are eligible for an upgrade of their handset from their carrier. The survey covered 2000 people, and of that number, 39% said they are eligible for an upgraded at this time, while another 6% indicated that they will become eligible within the next 3 months.
Of the customers in the survey, who are eligible for an upgrade, 45% of them indicated that they would be purchasing an iPhone model. Baird also notes that most of these consumers said they would wait for the iPhone 5, which is rumored to launch in September. If these percentages are an accurate overview of the wireless consumers in the U.S., Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will easily beat forecasted sales, and sell 50 million plus iPhones across all models in the line.
When asked about the features they hoped to see in the new iPhone, the customers noted that some important changes would be nice on the new model. The first concern on this list was longer battery life, as iPhone is known to be power hungry at times. The capability to use 4G LTE technology was another top priority to the consumers, as it will allow much faster surfing of the web through the phone’s browser, and also the ability to play the games and apps much more smoothly. The final three in the list of 5 improvements, included things like and upgraded version of Siri, a better back camera, and a larger screen.
This survey by Baird, shows that iPhone customers are some of the most loyal to their brand. 77% of the consumers surveyed, who already own an iPhone, say they plan on purchasing another one. 185 of the people in the study said they were undecided, and only 5% indicated that they plan on purchasing a Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android device.
Incidentally, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android customers also had a decent loyalty rate, with 48% of them stating that they would buy another Android device, while 34% were undecided and 17% plan to purchase an iPhone.
Among the manufacturers who make Android devices, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (KRX:005930) was the obvious favorite. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s arch rival easily outranked HTC, Motorola, and LG, when consumers were asked which handset manufacturer they liked the most.
We have heard rumors that Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Facebook are both planning to release smartphones sometime in the near future, and Baird was sure to ask consumers their thoughts on the matter. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) drew a whopping 51% vote. Surveyed consumers said they would definitely be interested in an Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) phone. However, surprisingly, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) only received 7% in positive results. This is just one more area where Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) seems to be struggling in an effort to satisfy the public.
So, how does all of this relate to the business world? Well, it looks like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will definitely come out on top, once its new iPhone 5 hits the stores. Although Samsung is never far behind, Apple is constantly coming up with new innovations, and bringing a strong line of products to consumers, from its desktop computers and notebooks, to its iPad tablet series. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will most likely regain their seat at the top of the mobile phone sales food chain.
