U.K.: smartphone usage by age 2012-2023

Smartphone usage in the United Kingdom has increased across all age ranges since 2012, most noticeably among those aged 55-64 years of age. Whereas just nine percent of mobile phone users aged 55 to 64 years used a smartphone in 2012, this number rose to over 90 percent by 2023.

Smartphones becoming more accessible

As well as becoming more ubiquitous, smart phones are also becoming more accessible. In terms of price, the global average selling price of smartphones has fallen from 336.8 U.S. dollars in 2010, to 276.20 U.S. dollars in 2015. However, estimates available from 2019 predicted that the average selling price of smartphones worldwide will increase again and reach 317 U.S. dollars by 2021. The average selling price for smartphones in Europe was at around 373 euros in 2019.

Smartphone usage in the UK

   Smartphones are the swiss army knife of digital devices, with its capabilities limited by the creativity of developers as much as it is the technology contained in the phone. In 2017, communications were the most popular ways to use a phone, however 87 percent of users report using camera apps frequently, 85 percent report frequent use of browser apps, and 68 percent report frequent use of navigation apps.

Share of smartphone users in the United Kingdom (UK) 2012-2023, by age

Characteristic	Aged 16-24	Aged 25-34	Aged 35-44	Aged 45-54	Aged 55-64	Aged 65+
2012	86%	75%	71%	46%	9%	3%
2013	90%	88%	78%	66%	40%	20%
2014	84%	88%	84%	74%	49%	26%
2015	93%	92%	85%	80%	56%	28%
2016	93%	90%	86%	85%	59%	39%
2017	93%	91%	89%	85%	64%	46%
2018	96%	98%	94%	87%	71%	55%
2019	98%	98%	95%	95%	80%	62%
2020	98%	98%	98%	95%	87%	65%
2021	98%	99%	97%	98%	90%	69%
2022	100%	97%	97%	97%	89%	67%
2023	99%	99%	99%	98%	91%	71%

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Release date

January 2024

More information

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

2012 to 2023*

Number of respondents

3,539**

Age group

16 years and older

Special properties

All respondents who use a mobile phone

Method of interview

Telephone interview

Supplementary notes

This question was phrased by the source as follows: "Do you personally use a mobile phone? Is this a smartphone? A smartphone is a phone on which you can send ad receive emails, use apps, view websites and generally go online. Popular brands include iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. (Single code)"
* September 27 to November 12, 2023 was the date of the most recent survey.

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