Danny Weber
CIRP data shows former Android users buy older and entry-level iPhones more often, although iPhone 17 Pro Max remains nearly as popular.
People moving from Android to iOS are more likely to choose more affordable iPhone models than long-time Apple customers. Consumer Intelligence Research Partners reached that conclusion after examining US purchases over the six months ending in March 2026. CIRP previously reported that Android switchers accounted for about 12% of new iPhone buyers.
Among former Android users, 68% bought a current iPhone 17 model. The share was notably higher among people who already owned an Apple smartphone, reaching 80%. CIRP believes that when changing operating systems, access to iMessage, FaceTime and other ecosystem features may matter more than the specifications of a particular model.
Android switchers were more likely to choose the still-available iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, which together represented 17% of purchases, compared with 12% among existing iPhone owners. The iPhone 16 alone was selected by 13% of Android switchers and 9% of users upgrading from an older iPhone.
A similar pattern appeared with the more affordable e-branded models. The iPhone 16e accounted for 9% of purchases among former Android owners, versus 6% among Apple’s established audience. The new iPhone 17e was chosen by 5% of Android switchers and only 1% of people who already used an iPhone. Apple introduced the iPhone 17e as the family’s least expensive model, starting at $599 in the US.
Still, not every new iOS user is looking to save money. The most expensive iPhone 17 Pro Max was selected by 25% of Android switchers, only slightly below the 27% recorded among long-time Apple customers. The results suggest that former Android owners consider older and entry-level models more often, while the flagship Pro Max remains almost equally attractive to both groups.
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