New smartphone data from Mixpanel reveals that Apple’s older iPhone models are more popular than many would have otherwise assumed. As of this week, Mixpanel’s data found that approximately 38% of iPhone users are using iPhone models that predate the iPhone 6.
Mixpanel’s data effectively supports Tim Cook’s recent remarks indicating that 60% of iPhone owners who owned devices before the larger-screened iPhone 6 was launched in September of 2014 still haven’t upgraded to either the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6s. That being the case, it appears that Apple has a huge base of installed users arguably on the cusp of upgrading.
UP NEXT: How Samsung became Samsung, and why Apple is still Apple
According to information provided to us by Mixpanel, the most recent data surrounding iPhone usage across models shows that Apple’s lineup of 4-inch iPhone models (5s, 5c, 5) accounts for 32.54% of active iPhones while 3.5-inch iPhone models (4s, 4, and older models) account for 5.76% of active iPhones.
The data set above calls into question the widely assumed notion that most smartphone users prefer larger displays. Personally, I know of a few people who have held off on upgrading to the iPhone 6 or later because they simply find the form factor of the iPhone 5s and previous models more accommodating.
Apple of course plans to address the lack of a more advanced 4-inch iPhone in its lineup this March when it will reportedly introduce the iPhone 5se. Rumored to be similar in appearance to the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 5se will finally offer users next-gen technology in a smaller form factor. Specifically, we’ve heard that the device will come with the same A8 processor used on the iPhone 6 along with an NFC chip for Apple Pay support. Notably, rumor has it that the iPhone 5se will not support 3D Touch nor will it come with a more advanced camera than what’s currently found in the iPhone 5s.
