Did you know that only 24% percent of American adults who own smartphones run mobile apps?
Indeed, a recent survey conducted by Pew seems to indicate that the majority of adults who have apps on their phones – particularly older individuals – refuse to use them.
“An apps culture is clearly emerging among some cell phone users, [specifically] men and young adults,” explained Pew spokesperson Kristen Purcell.
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“Still, it is clear that this is the early stage of adoption when many cell owners do not know what their phone can do. The apps market seems somewhat ahead of a majority of adult cell phone users.”
Purcell also noted that compared to other cell phone use, the apps user population skewed male, with a younger, more affluent and educated demographic.
“[Nevertheless], apps use still ranks relatively low when compared with other non-voice cell phone activities.
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“[For example], taking pictures and texting are far and away the most popular non-voice cell phone data applications, with more than seven-in-10 adult cell phone users embracing these features of their phones.”
Meanwhile, Nielsen spokesperson Roger Entner emphasized that even the current adoption rate of 24% was impressive.
“This is a pretty remarkable tech-adoption story, if you consider that there was no apps culture until two years ago.
“Every metric we capture shows a widening embrace of all kinds of apps by a widening population.
“[Yes], it’s too early to say what this will eventually amount to, but not too early to say that this is an important new part of the technology world of many Americans.”