Apple risks losing 30% of iPhone users to foldable Galaxy and Pixel phones: Report

SellCell, a US-based price comparison website, surveyed 2,000 iPhone owners ahead of the iPhone 17 launch to gauge upgrade intentions. With the unveiling just eight days away, 68.3% of respondents said they plan to upgrade to an iPhone 17, marking a 10.3% increase over last year’s 61.9% who intended to buy an iPhone 16. Among those upgrading, 38.1% are opting for the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, 16.7% for the standard iPhone 17, and 13.5% for the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air.

Despite the strong upgrade interest, 27.1% of iPhone owners believe Apple has “lost its edge,” although 72.9% report being more satisfied with their current iPhone than in previous years. Price remains the primary barrier to purchasing a new iPhone, with 68.9% citing high cost. Other factors include perceived lack of innovation (16%) and consideration of switching to Android (5%).

Drivers for buying a new iPhone 17 include larger battery capacity (53%), a new design or colour options such as ultra-thin models or lavender/orange shades (36%), major camera upgrades (28%), and new AI features on iOS (7%).

The survey also highlights a potential risk for Apple from foldable competitors. If a foldable iPhone is delayed until next year, 20.1% of respondents say they would consider switching to a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold or Flip, while 10.2% would move to a Pixel foldable. Combined, more than 30% of current iPhone users are at risk of switching to foldable devices from Samsung or Google. Only 3.3% would wait for Apple’s foldable release.