Apple Users Holding On to Devices Longer, But Why?

The report, which was published on July 11, highlights a shift in consumer behavior, with many users opting to hold onto their devices for longer periods. This trend is particularly pronounced among iPhone users, with 71% of them using their devices for over two years.

Weibo users have been weighing in on the issue, with some users expressing their dissatisfaction with the performance of their iPhones. One user, who has been using their iPhone for a year and a half, lamented the device's tendency to overheat, stating "I really want to rant about how serious the overheating is! When I play games, it gets so hot it's like it's going to die. Plus, it freezes every time I play for a while, and I have to put it in the fridge to cool down."

Another user, who has been using an Android device for three years, boasted about the device's performance, saying "I've been using my Android phone for three years now, and it's still working great. You don't necessarily need an iPhone, and Android devices are getting better and better."

Some users have attributed the trend to Apple's long-term software support and updates, which enable older devices to remain functional and meet users' needs, thereby reducing the urgency to upgrade to new devices. One user astutely observed, "This is actually Apple's own doing. The long-term software support and updates make it possible for old devices to still meet users' needs, reducing the need to change to new devices. Plus, they offer a range of value-added services like iCloud, Apple Music, and App Store, which increase user stickiness."

Despite some users' dissatisfaction with their devices, many are still loyal to Apple's products. The company's stock market value has recently broken the $3.5 trillion mark, a testament to its enduring popularity.

The trend may also be driven by Apple's recent sales strategy. During the 618 e-commerce promotion in June, Apple adopted a price-cutting strategy, which led to a significant boost in sales of its iPhone 15 series. This has boosted the company's expectations for the iPhone 16 series, with production targets expected to reach around 90 million units this year.

The news has sparked a lively debate on Weibo, with some users expressing their concerns about the environmental impact of frequent device upgrades, while others are eager to get their hands on the latest iPhone models. As one user succinctly put it, "还能咋整" (What can you do about it?).