Apple saw a significant increase in the number of Android users switching to the iPhone in the June 2024 quarter, with the proportion of new iPhone buyers who previously owned an Android device rising to 17% – nearly double the percentage from the prior year.

This could be seen as a positive sign for Apple, as the company is expanding its consumer base by attracting users from the rival Android ecosystem.

But the increased Android switcher numbers have also been linked to weaker sales of the iPhone 15 series compared to previous iPhone models.

A report from market research firm Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) highlighted that sales of the iPhone 15 lineup were lower than the iPhone 14 series. This was attributed to a combination of economic pressures and only marginal changes in the new iPhone models.

The CIRP data suggests that while Apple is successfully luring more Android users to the iPhone, this influx of switchers may also be contributing to the lower-than-expected sales of the iPhone 15. The report indicates that the growing number of Android-to-iPhone conversions could be a double-edged sword for Apple, as the company seeks to maintain its momentum in the premium smartphone market.

According to data from the CIRP, the proportion of new iPhone buyers who previously owned an Android device jumped to 17% in the June 2024 quarter - nearly double the percentage from the prior year.

However, CIRP suggests that this increase in Android switchers is not necessarily positive for Apple’s bottom line. The research firm notes that these new iPhone owners tend to be more price-conscious and are more inclined to opt for older, cheaper iPhone models rather than splurging on the latest flagship.

The logic behind this is that Android users switching to the iPhone are often less focused on having the absolute latest and greatest model, and are more interested in finding good value for money. As a result, they are more likely to select previous-generation iPhone models that offer similar features and functionality at a lower cost, rather than upgrading to the brand-new iPhone 15 series.

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This shift in consumer behaviour is seen as a key factor contributing to the weaker sales performance of the iPhone 15 lineup compared to the iPhone 14 series. Not only are Apple’s traditional iPhone loyalists upgrading less frequently, but the influx of Android switchers opting for older, more affordable models is also dampening demand for the latest flagship devices.

The data suggests that while Apple is successfully expanding its customer base by attracting Android users, this trend may come at the expense of robust sales for its newest premium iPhone offerings.