iPhone Pro users change more phones than non-pro users, research reveals

iPhone 16 Pro Max

If you own an iPhone Pro, chances are you’re already planning to upgrade your phone to a newer pro model. And you’re not alone. According to a new report from Counterpoint Research, iPhone Pro users are swapping their phones much faster than those with the regular iPhone models. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

iPhone Pro users replace their phones every 2.75 years on average, while standard iPhone users keep theirs for about 3.15 years, the report reveals. That might not seem like a huge difference, but in the world of smartphones, it’s significant. Pro users just don’t like waiting around for the next big thing—they want the latest and greatest as soon as possible.

One of the biggest reasons behind this is that the Pro users expect a premium experience. When Apple releases a new Pro model with advanced features like an improved camera, ProMotion display, and a faster processor, these users don’t want to miss out. Many of them are tech enthusiasts, with nearly 45% identifying as "innovators" who must have Apple’s latest tech as soon as it’s released. Another 25% call themselves "early adopters," who set trends and influence others. This means more than two-thirds of Pro users are eager to upgrade the moment a new Pro iPhone hits the shelves.

A large number of iPhone users also move up to the Pro models after initially using the base variants. Once they have experienced the Pro, they rarely go back to cheaper models. It’s like upgrading from an economy seat to business class—once you’ve experienced the best, it’s hard to settle for less. This shift has also impacted the secondary smartphone market, as more used Pro models become available, making high-end devices more accessible to buyers looking for a good deal.

Apple isn’t just keeping its existing users happy—it’s also pulling in more people from the team Android. The report highlights that 48% of iPhone owners in the survey previously used an Android phone.