iPhone Is Most Popular Among Low Earners

[Edmund]

A survey by internet monitoring firm comScore has shown that the iPhone is proving most popular among low income earners, despite its high price tag.

The survey shows that 16 percent of iPhone owners are the one who earn less than $25,000 a year, and 48 percent are those who earns between $25,000 and $49,999.

“As an additional household budget item, a $200 device plus at least $70 per month for phone service seems a bit extravagant for those with lower disposable income,” said Jen Wu, senior analyst at comScore.

Wu suggested that consumers are increasingly using the iPhone as a computer replacement. The iPhone has traditionally been a big hit among the younger crowd, many of whom are either in college or early in careers — thus, living on their own, and likely not making a ton of money. He pointed out that the number of people earning between $25,000 and $50,000 accessing news and information via their mobile browser grew by five per cent since June, while the market overall grew by three per cent.

“These data indicate that lower-income mobile subscribers are increasingly turning to their mobile devices to access the internet, email and their music collections,” observed Mark Donovan, senior analyst at comScore.

“One actually realizes cost savings when the device is used in place of multiple digital devices and services, transforming the iPhone from a luxury item to a practical communication and entertainment tool,” notes Wu.