Smartphone ownership Australia 2019 by age

Smartphone ownership is becoming more and more an essential part of our everyday lives. Keeping in touch with loved ones via social media, getting directions, and sharing photos instantly are just some of the things we use our handsets for. During 2019, almost all Australians aged 18 years old and older owned a smartphone.

Smartphone penetration and use in Australia

The penetration rate of smartphones in Australia has been significantly increasing year on year since 2012; as of 2016, it had reached just over 66 percent and is expected to reach just under 75 percent by 2022.

Australian consumers are using their phones increasingly to access video content in all forms, with short videos (for example YouTube) being the most popular viewing format; in 2016, around 60 percent of users aged 18 to 24 years old watched short videos on their handsets.

Smartphone services

For Australian smartphone users, the features and services their provider can offer are also important. In 2018, around three quarters stated the importance of no hidden or surprise costs and a similar amount said that the total monthly cost was among the most important features their provider could offer.