According to a report from market research firm comScore http://www.comscore.com/ even in today's tough economic times, Apple's iPhone is attracting buyers from below-average incomes. Its multiple uses actually transform the iPhone from a luxury item to a practical communication and entertainment tool - cheaper than purchasing two or more such devices.
While 43 per cent of iPhone owners earn in excess of US$100,000 annually, the strongest growth in users is coming from those earning less than the median household income, particularly since the launch of the iPhone 3G.
3G Wireless
According to a new comScore report, "All about iPhone," iPhone adoption since June 2008 rose 48 per cent among those earning between $25,000 and $50,000 per year and by 46 per cent among those earning between $25,000 and $75,000.
These growth rates are three times that of those earning more than $100,000 per year. Overall, iPhone penetration grew 21 per cent.
Apple-iPhone-3G
"As an additional household budget item, a $200 device plus at least $70 per month for phone service seems a bit extravagant for those with lower disposable income," said Jen Wu, senior analyst, comScore, the report's author.
"However, one actually realizes cost savings when the device is used in lieu of multiple digital devices and services, transforming the iPhone from a luxury item to a practical communication and entertainment tool."
While the number of consumers in the $25,000 to $50,000 income demographic declined marginally from June to August 2008, their ranks among smartphone owners and mobile content users grew, in most cases above the rate of the overall market.
According to comScore Mobile, the number of people earning between $25,000 and $50,000 accessing news and information via their mobile browser grew by five per cent since June, while the market overall grew by three per cent. comScore also reported seven per cent growth in mobile email usage and five per cent growth in mobile music consumption among those earning between $25,000 and $50,000 per year.
"These data indicate that lower-income mobile subscribers are increasingly turning to their mobile devices to access the Internet, email and their music collections," observed Mark Donovan, senior analyst, comScore.
"Smartphones, and the iPhone in particular, are appealing to a new demographic and satisfying demand for a single device for communication and entertainment, even as consumers weather the economy by cutting back on gadgets."