Research shows: Apple makes devices too good (so people don’t upgrade)

Research has shown that Apple makes devices that are so good, that users don’t buy a new device for a long time. Here’s why.

Apple devices last a long time

Apple users are using their devices for longer and longer. This is evident from research by the Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP). The report collected data that looked at the behavior of users with an Apple device. It showed that Apple makes very good devices, because according to the research they need to be replaced much less quickly than before.

In recent years, iPhones, iPads and Macs have been used longer than in the period before. In the past twelve months, 71 percent of iPhone users and 68 percent of Mac users said their device was more than two years old. That’s much higher than in 2020, when these figures were 63 and 59 percent. This indicates that the devices Apple makes are getting better and better, because the lifespan of the device is getting better.

Better processors (and covid-19)

According to CIRP, 56 percent of users say they’ve been using their Mac for three years or more. That’s a big increase from 2020, when only 40 percent of users said the same. The research shows that this increase is largely due to the introduction of Apple’s M1 chip. This processor is much more powerful than the old Intel chips and also lasts longer. Apple’s devices still work well after three years thanks to this technical advancement.

There is a caveat to be made when looking at the data from 2020. That year, the pandemic started, forcing many people to work from home. It became more important to have a good iPhone and Mac, resulting in users purchasing new devices from Apple. This is also reflected in the survey, where many respondents indicated that they had a new device.

Few new features in Apple’s devices

After the pandemic, prices have actually gone up, so many users are choosing to keep their iPhone or Mac for longer. Apple expert Mark Gurman sees the same trend, with ‘older’ Apple devices staying in good condition for longer and being replaced less often. According to him, this is also due to the improvements in new devices. Often only small changes are made, so you no longer have to upgrade every year.

Gurman also indicates that users are less likely to need improvements to their iPhone or Mac, because Apple devices are already of very good quality. An even faster processor is actually not necessary, especially for daily tasks. Do you also have a device that is older than two or three years? And are you looking for a new iPhone, iPad or Mac? Then check out the best prices here, so that you do not pay too much for your new device!