iPhone 17 Upgrade Intentions Soar as 70% of Users Plan to Buy New Model

A new survey reveals massive consumer interest in Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17. Nearly seventy percent of current iPhone owners plan to upgrade to a new model this year. This data comes from a study by SellCell conducted in August.

The findings suggest record-breaking demand ahead of Apple’s “Awe dropping” event on September 9. This surge in upgrade intent is significantly higher than last year’s figures for the iPhone 16 launch.

Pro Models Dominate Early Upgrade Plans

The SellCell survey polled over 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users. It found that 68.3% intend to purchase an iPhone 17 model at launch. This is a notable increase from the 61.9% recorded before the iPhone 16 launch.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be the most popular choices. They account for 38.1% of all planned upgrades. The standard iPhone 17 is the target for 16.7% of respondents.

Interest is also high in the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. About 13.5% of users expressed a desire for this new design. Only a small fraction, 3.3%, are waiting specifically for a foldable iPhone.

Battery Life and Price Are Key Decision Factors

Battery life remains the single most important upgrade driver for users. A majority of respondents, 53%, cited it as their top reason for buying a new phone. New designs and features followed closely at 36.2%.

Display improvements and camera upgrades were also significant motivators. However, price is the biggest barrier to adoption for many consumers. A striking 68.9% of users listed cost as the main reason for not upgrading.

Brand loyalty towards Apple remains incredibly strong. The data shows that 69.6% of respondents plan to stay with Apple regardless of competing Android products. This loyalty persists even as foldable phones from Samsung and Google emerge as a competitive threat.

The strong upgrade intention signals robust early sales for the iPhone 17 lineup. Consumer focus on battery life and design will likely define this product cycle’s success. All eyes are now on Apple’s September 9th event for official details.

Info at your fingertips

When is the iPhone 17 being released?

Apple will likely announce the iPhone 17 on September 9. Pre-orders should begin a few days later, with a full release the following week.

What is the most wanted iPhone 17 model?

The survey indicates the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are the most anticipated. They account for over 38% of planned upgrades among current users.

What is the main reason people are upgrading?

Improved battery life is the top reason, chosen by 53% of respondents. New features and design changes are also significant factors for buyers.

Are iPhone users considering switching to Android?

Brand loyalty remains high. Only 5.3% cited a potential switch to Android as a reason for not getting an iPhone 17.

How important is Apple Intelligence to buyers?

Opinions are split. 44% of users view Apple’s AI features as very important, while 33% said AI does not matter to them at all.