Skip to main content

iPhone users have highest phone bills, majority pay over $100 a month

iPhone 5
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Detailed on AllThingsSD earlier today, a new study conducted by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) discovered that the typical wireless service provider bill was the highest for consumers that owned an iPhone. Specifically, nearly sixty percent of all iPhone users spend at least $101 or more on the monthly bill. In addition, approximately ten percent of iPhone owners break the $200 barrier when it comes to the monthly payment with carriers such as AT&T or Verizon. By comparison, approximately 53 percent of Android users broke the $100 barrier each month.

Samsung galaxy s4While Windows phone users also had a relatively high monthly bill with 56 percent spending over $100 a month, only forty percent of BlackBerry users hit the three digit mark on their monthly bill. The BlackBerry figure was nearly identical to the monthly bills for users of basic wireless phones that aren’t classified as smartphones.

This study recorded at money spent on service packages that include minutes, text message and data allotments as well as additional carrier fees. The study did not analyze what the respondents were spending on applications each month through the various platforms. 

When asked about the differences between iPhone and Android users, CIRP partner Michael Levin stated “We think it has to do with their data plans and carriers, rather than their usage habits. They are all on expensive data plans, unlike Android users, some of which are on prepaid or unsubsidized plans with regional carriers.

In addition to the data regarding money spent on monthly service plans, the CIRP analysis included information about how successful each platform is at retaining users when switching or upgrading smartphones. For instance, both the Android and iOS platforms have been successful in attracting new users that previously operated a Windows or BlackBerry smartphone. In addition, Apple is the most successful in retaining users that were previously utilizing the iOS platform.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
Best iPhone 15 deals: How to get Apple’s latest iPhone for free
The display on a green iPhone 15.

The iPhone 15 is Apple’s current flagship phone, and it’s also one of its most popular phones. It’s come storming out of the gate since its release and has skyrocketed to make our ranks of the best phones. Its popularity can make it difficult to find iPhone 15 deals, but there are some out there. We’ve rounded up the best iPhone 15 deals going on right now, and while most of them entail trading in a device for savings, trade-in value is very high and could land you a free iPhone 15 if you’re trading in the right device. We’ve got all of those details below, so read onward and start saving on a new Apple iPhone 15.
Today's best iPhone 15 deals

: Get up to $830 in savings when you trade in a similar device. Also included is 3 free months of Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, and 4 free months of Apple Arcade.
: Save up to $830 with device trade-in and inclusion of Verizon Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plans.
: Save up to $830 via 24 monthly bill credits when you add a line on a qualifying plan and trade in an eligible device.
: Save up to $700 when you trade in an eligible device and commit to an AT&T Unlimited plan of more than $76 per month.

Read more
Why you should buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max instead of the iPhone 15 Pro
Someone holding an iPhone 15 Pro Max outside on a patio, showing the back of the Natural Titanium color.

If you want the best iPhone money can buy in 2024, you have two options: the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They have the same chipset, similar display technology, nearly identical cameras, etc. It's a really close battle, save for the fact that the iPhone 15 Pro is $200 cheaper.

It might be tempting to save some cash and choose the iPhone 15 Pro, but I recommend you splurge for the larger (and more expensive) iPhone 15 Pro Max. Why? Let me explain.
It's a big iPhone you won't hate using

Read more
This one thing could make iOS 18 the best iPhone update in years
The Home Screen on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Apple’s WWDC 2024 is just a couple of months away. As with every WWDC, we’ll see what Apple has in store for the next generation of software across its hardware portfolio, including the iPhone with iOS 18.

Rumors have been swirling about iOS 18 and how it will be “one of the biggest updates yet.” We know some features like RCS support in Messages are definitely coming, with other whispers of big home screen customization changes and more.

Read more