The Android vs iPhone debate never ends, with both sides maintaining strong user bases. Well, a new report from research firm CIRP shows that iPhone owners are sticking with Apple’s ecosystem at a higher rate than last year. The report puts iPhone loyalty at a good 87% for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting stronger retention, but Android switches slow down overall.
iPhone loyalty hits new high as Android switches slow down
The latest CIRP survey found that just 12% of new iPhone buyers in the March quarter had come over from an Android phone. The remaining 1% came from a feature phone. In comparison, this is a three-percentage-point increase from the same quarter a year earlier, when iPhone loyalty stood at 84% but 14% of buyers switched from Android.
CIRP has a history of tracking this trend by asking iPhone buyers which device they used before switching. There were also questions about how they shop. In recent periods, Android switchers have consistently made up 11% to 15% of iPhone buyers. This is a smaller share than in iPhone’s early years when Apple was expanding to more US carriers and gaining new users.
Almost similar trends in recent times
The pattern was the same even in early 2024. Where 13% of buyers switched from Android, and iPhone loyalty stood at 85%. CIRP’s data suggests that most smartphone owners have already chosen their preferred platform. Only a small number switch each year. In fact, other recent surveys have shown a similar trend, although their method and results vary from CIRP’s.
Looking ahead, Apple will roll out the new Siri AI assistant in iOS 27 in the next few months. Additionally, the company also has the iPhone Ultra unveiling in the pipeline. All these might help retain some existing iPhone owners and possibly attract some new audience in the future.
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