According to data from the Pew Research Center, 98% of Americans have a cellphone. Today, around nine in ten Americans – equivalent to 91% of the US population – own a smartphone, marking a sharp increase from 35% in 2011 when the Center first conducted its first smartphone ownership survey. Americans aged 18-29 have the highest share of ownership across age groups, with 98% saying they own a smartphone.
Aside from smartphones, other consumer electronics have also gained popularity across the country. Oberlo data shows that 68.3% of the US population own laptops and/or a desktop, and 48.4% own tablets. Meanwhile, 41.2% and 40.9% of Americans own gaming consoles and TV streaming devices, respectively. Overall, consumer electronics sales in the US are expected to reach $537 billion by 2025, according to Statista.
Smartphone and electronics use
According to a 2022 survey by Asurion, three-quarters of Americans view their phones as a “necessity” instead of a “luxury.” The same research found that, on average, most Americans reach for their phones an average of 352 times daily. Staying in touch with family and friends has become a key factor behind phone attachment among many Americans, with 86% saying they use their phones to reach out to friends and family through calling, chatting, texting, or emailing. Other major contributors to phone use among Americans are capturing photos and videos (61%), mobile banking (46%), mobile gaming (40%), and online shopping (31%).
Meanwhile, Statista data shows that working, studying, and playing video games are among the key factors driving the use of tablets and personal computers. Watching TV continues to be popular, with data from the American Time Use Survey showing that nearly 80% of the US population watches TV on a given day. Statista Consumer Insights also found that many Americans are adopting smart devices, with smart TVs, smart speakers, and streaming devices now owned by 64%, 27%, and 24% of US adults, respectively. But how have smartphones and other electronics become so popular among many Americans?
Increased accessibility
73% of Americans use web browsers on their phones to shop for personal electronics like laptops and headphones, according to a YouGov survey. Meanwhile, one-third (32%) of Americans use their smartphones to shop for household electronics like washing machines, televisions, and air conditioners. This means that a significant contributing factor behind the widespread adoption of consumer electronics is their increased accessibility. Today, widely used consumer electronics, like the Apple iPad and JBL Flip 6 portable speakers, are available online on a larger scale than ever before. For instance, retailer QVC stocks smartphones online, alongside a range of desktop computers, smart home devices, and wearable tech. This easy access through digital devices, coupled with a convenient checkout process and e-commerce platforms, has made purchasing electronics as simple as the tap of a finger.
Enhanced capabilities
According to Statista, home devices like smart TVs and smart speakers are popular in American households for entertainment, while smart home tech like connected thermostats have become crucial for managing home energy consumption. AI is also a popular component in modern electronics, with TechNet citing that many Americans value AI’s practical uses. Today, smartphone manufacturers incorporate innovative AI features that enhance user experience, such as Apple’s Apple Intelligence system built into the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and iPads and Macs equipped with M1 and later chips. This tech enables translation, AI-powered image editing, and creative touches in messaging. As American consumers show increased interest in devices with enhanced capabilities, incorporating innovative technology into electronics has become an effective way to potentially drive sales and use.
Thanks to their increasing accessibility and adoption of innovative tools like smart technology and AI, electronic devices have gained steady appeal and popularity in the US. With the widespread popularity of consumer electronics, American consumers have proven themselves to be fully embedded in the digital age.
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