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Last week, we told you that a survey of consumers who purchased a new iPhone during the first quarter of 2026 revealed that 12% of the buyers had come to iOS from an Android device. The survey, conducted by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), also showed that 1% of the iPhone buyers came from a feature phone, a smartphone running something other than Android, or a first-time phone purchase.
Android switchers aren't looking for the same thing as iPhone users when buying a new iPhone
CIRP's latest survey looks at iPhone purchases made over a six-month period ending in March 2026. The data reveals that, unlike legacy iPhone users who are always looking to purchase the newest iPhone models with the latest processors, the newest cameras, and the latest features, Android switchers are not as picky.
Android users moving to the iPhone aren't as interested in having a model with the newest silicon, the best cameras, and the largest batteries. Those coming to iPhone from Android seem more interested in being able to access FaceTime and iMessage on their handsets.
Survey revealed more demand from Android users for older iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models
We can see this in the data compiled by CIRP. During the aforementioned 6-month period that ended in March, 17% of Android switchers bought a less-expensive iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus compared to 12% of existing iPhone buyers who stayed with the iPhone when they bought their new handset.
CIRP suggests that since there are so many less expensive Android models, some who switch to iPhone are naturally attracted to cheaper iOS-powered iPhone models. But CIRP also feels that some Android switchers would rather avoid the more expensive premium models since the features on these phones seem "marginal" when compared to the huge change experienced when switching from an Android phone to an iPhone.
Android users did show the same demand for the premium iPhone 17 Pro Max as iOS users
And since price has to be important to many of these Android users leaving for iOS, we see Android users interested in the year-old but cheaper models and the entry-level "e" versions. For example, 13% of Android users switching to iPhone during the six months ending in March bought the iPhone 16 compared to 9% of iPhone users who stuck with the brand. The iPhone 16e was purchased by 9% of Android users during the aforementioned timeframe compared to 6% of legacy iPhone users.
The iPhone 17e is another great example. Five percent of those switching from Android to iOS bought that model compared to only 1% of consumers who stuck with the iPhone. Interestingly, the trend didn't hold for the most premium, top-of-the-line iPhone 17 Pro Max. While 27% of iPhone users were responsible for the purchase of that unit, a healthy 25% of Android switchers decided to shell out for the pricey flagship model.
