Majority of iPhone 15 buyers opt for higher storage: CIRP report

WEB DESK: A recent report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) has provided fresh insights into the buying patterns of iPhone users, specifically focusing on their choices regarding storage capacity.

This report illustrates that Apple’s profit margins tend to increase with the sale of higher-storage iPhones, pointing to a lucrative strategy for the tech giant.

The CIRP findings reveal that nearly half of iPhone buyers opt for storage upgrades when purchasing a new device.

This trend becomes even more pronounced with the iPhone 15 series, with more than 50 per cent of customers selecting additional storage. Notably, last week, CIRP reported a drop in sales for the iPhone 15 lineup compared to its predecessor, indicating a complex sales landscape.

The report details how storage upgrade behaviour varies depending on the model and generation. It suggests that buyers of the newest, more expensive iPhones, like those from the iPhone 15 series launched in September 2023, are more likely to pay extra for higher storage.

More than half of iPhone 15 buyers choose this option, while fewer than 40 per cent of iPhone 14 buyers and around 30 per cent of iPhone 13 and 12 buyers do the same.

This pattern is consistent with the notion that customers seeking older models are generally more budget-conscious, whereas those opting for the latest models are willing to spend more for extra storage.

The report also breaks down the storage upgrade trend within the iPhone 15 lineup, differentiating between the Pro and non-Pro models. A striking 54 per cent of iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max buyers choose higher storage tiers, while only 36 per cent of iPhone 15 and 15 Plus buyers do so.

This significant disparity is particularly noteworthy given that the Pro models already start with double the storage capacity compared to their non-Pro counterparts.

Overall, CIRP’s report provides valuable insights into consumer behaviour, highlighting the fine line Apple must tread between offering sufficient base storage and enticing users to upgrade to larger storage capacities.

While Apple has extensive data on consumer purchasing trends, this report sheds light on a key aspect of the company’s sales strategy and could inform future decisions on iPhone storage offerings.

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