iPhones seem unbeatable, to such an extent that many consider having an Android phone as a meme, but what do young Spaniards think? Is it a question of popularity or do they really know what they are buying?
It seems that the surveys speak for themselves. 87% of American teenagers surveyed currently own an iPhone, and 87% also plan for their next phone to be this brand. This is near record levels for surveys and shows that Apple continues to maintain an undisputed leadership in the premium smartphone market.
It is no surprise that these products are widely popular around the world, but in recent years, They have achieved an almost iconic status among young people, to such an extent that using an Android device has become something almost “secondary”.
During the first half of the year, the iPhone 14 Pro Max became the best-selling smartphone in the world, with an astonishing total of 26.5 million units, according to Omdia reports.
These numbers are impressive on their own, but the real story behind this trend lies in Apple’s appeal to youth, so, Why not ask some of them and really see what they think, if these statements are true and, for those who resist making the switch to iPhone, what their reason is.
Omdia
“From Android I can buy dozens of different mobile phones with the same features, but from Apple, there is only one from Apple, it is not a question of features (they are still important, but they take a backseat) it is a question of differentiation” , comments Javier Brenes Ruiz, 1999, 24 years old, Android user.
“If the status only costs 1,000 euros, wouldn’t you buy it?”
Apple’s appeal among young people goes beyond the technical characteristics of its devices. It is based on building a brand that symbolizes innovation, elegant design and a sense of community. From the first iPods to the latest iPhone 15 and MacBooks, Apple has maintained an aesthetic and quality of devices that attract certain young people.
“When it comes to spending a lot of money to create this look, it is natural that it is done on a durable object, like a cell phone and not, for example, a pair of sneakers. The question is, why Apple? This is because it is the only brand that is considered “luxury”. The others like Samsung, although they have devices of the same quality and price, are not perceived as a luxury by society,” says Patricia Freitas Rubio, 1996, 26 years old. , iPhone user.
There are more countries that prefer Android than those that prefer Apple, but the difference is not very big. Android reigns in Spain.
ElectronicsHub
“Many of these lives that we follow on social networks are not even real, some of them have the “additives” of the brands, that is, these people receive money and products from the brands to recreate idyllic lives. This leads to all “Their audience needs to recreate, to the extent they can, the lives of these influencers. From buying a cell phone that reflects their status to retouching their social media posts,” adds Fabiola Pérez Domínguez, 1996, 26 years old, Android user.
“100% of young people do not buy iPhones for status, but it is one of the most important factors”
Apple has perfected its operating system, iOS, or its cameras to offer a user experience at another level. Simplicity and ease of use are distinctive features that young people find very attractive.
Regular software updates, security and extensive application support and sweet specs also help keep them more than satisfied, although Do they really know what they are buying?
“We young people do not put much emphasis when buying a mobile phone based on its characteristics. Surely if you ask, the majority do not really know characteristics such as RAM, the Mpx of the camera, what type of processor they have, etc. We could say that It is something that acts as a basis for making a decision, but I think that Apple focuses more on what really matters to young consumers, such as a very good camera or video stabilizer, Apple technologies that do make them choose iPhone,” adds Javier Brenes.
Spain is one of the countries that hates iPhones the least, with 14.52%, and Androids, with 9.02% of hate tweets among those analyzed.
ElectronicsHub
In parallel with the growing popularity of Apple, an interesting phenomenon has developed on social networks: using an Android device has become a meme in itself.
Many of them joke about the differences between Android and Apple, often exaggerating the perceived disadvantages of Android devices. This not only reinforces the preference for Apple, but also creates a kind of loyalty among iPhone users.
“I think that many times it is justified to spend that money on an iPhone because “I work with the cell phone” but I think that any other cell phone that has decent capabilities gives you the same result. There are a lot of people addicted to Apple simply for the fact of having that popularity boost,” adds Fabiola.
The key question is whether Apple can maintain its dominant position among young people in the future. While the current numbers are impressive, the technology industry is highly volatile.
Rival brands, such as Samsung or Google’s Pixel, among others, continue to compete fiercely. However, if Apple continues to focus on innovation, design and building its brand, it is likely to remain the undisputed leader among the young—and the not-so-young.
“I would still buy an Apple phone. Spending that money on a product for daily use that I am very happy with, I think is a good investment. I would only stop using Apple if I couldn’t afford it. Apple has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the market , and keep its clients with its models and its continuous improvements,” says Patricia Freitas.
