Average Upgrade Cycle for U.S. Smartphones is 32 Months, NPD Group Finds

The average U.S. smartphone upgrade cycle is 32 months, up from 25 months one year prior (2H 2017 vs. 2H 2016), according to the latest Mobile Connectivity Report from NPD Connected Intelligence. Over the same time period, the percentage of smartphone users holding on to their smartphones for over three years has increased from 18 percent in the second half of 2016 to 22 percent in the second half of 2017.

“One factor that has impacted the upgrade cycle is that carriers have tightened upgrade policies,” said Brad Akyuz, director, industry analyst, NPD Connected Intelligence. “Many carriers require that customers fully pay-off their devices before trade-in, which has slowed down upgrade cycles for postpaid customers.”

The prepaid segment historically has recorded the shortest upgrade cycle, due in part to affordable pricing and high churn. In the second half of 2017, 21 percent of prepaid smartphone users reported upgrading their devices within a year of purchasing their phone, this compares to only 10 percent of postpaid consumers.

“The continuous improvement of device build quality and components, coupled with higher price tags, has motivated consumers to hold on to their smartphones for longer periods than in the past,” Akyuz said. “However, with the debut of 5G networks in the coming years, OEMs and mobile operators will have the opportunity to educate consumers on the benefits of 5G services and convince them to upgrade to devices boasting a 5G chipset. This 4G to 5G migration will ultimately result in the acceleration of the device upgrade cycle.”

The results of the NPD Group Connected Intelligence Mobile Connectivity Report are based on consumer panel research that reached 3,600 U.S. cellphone users, aged 18+ from diverse regions and demographical backgrounds. This survey was completed in February 2018.

(For more information visit https://www.npd.com).