Pew: 46 percent of American adults are smartphone users

by Steven Mostyn - Mar 2 2012, 07:00

While we’re all aware that smartphone devices are becoming increasingly popular, a new study has in the United States has isolated the numbers where usage and demographic are concerned.

The study in question, which was conducted by The Pew Research Center, reveals that smartphones are currently owned by around 46 percent of all American adults, and the fastest-growing market segment belongs to those aged between 18 and 24 (up 18 points to 67 percent).

Running the study’s core numbers against a similar report carried out in May of 2011, a 46 percent usage rate across U.S. adults equates to an 11 percent year-on-year rise.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the March 1 report labels Apple’s iconic iPhone device as the country’s best-selling single platform, and most smartphone purchases are presently being made by gadget-loving consumers aged between 25 and 34 (around 71 percent).

Although the research discovered a modicum of growth in the uptake of prospective buyers over the age of 65 (up two points to 13 percent), it would appear the older generation remains somewhat reticent where the adoption of smartphone technology is concerned.

In terms of platform-specific numbers, iPhone use shifted year-on-year from 10 percent to 19 percent, while those preferring handsets powered by Google Android pushed upward from 15 percent to 20 percent.

Meanwhile, BlackBerry usage fell from 10 percent to six percent over the last year, and Windows-powered phones could only chip in a meager one percent.

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