Bitkom survey: Smartphone remains indispensable – AI is increasingly shaping everyday life | News

The smartphone plays an important role in many people’s everyday lives, and the corresponding market is correspondingly high in sales. The industry association Bitkom takes a close look at the value creation of the “smartphone ecosystem” in Germany. He also conducted a representative survey of more than 1,000 people aged 16 and over, which produced some interesting findings: Smartphones are being used for longer and longer, AI is playing an increasingly important role – and the features that are most important from a user perspective are largely of a practical nature.

Sales in the smartphone ecosystem are increasing, AI is on the rise
The total sales generated in the smartphone ecosystem increased slightly again this year: a total of 40.6 billion euros, with the lion’s share coming from data and voice services (23.8 billion euros) followed by end devices (12.1 billion euros). More investment was made in the network infrastructure this year. However, apps recorded the biggest increase: the market segment even increased by 3.9 percent.

38 percent of smartphone users use AI features on their devices, and 54 percent of those under 30 years of age. A third say they are willing to pay a premium for comprehensive AI tools. Voice assistants and chatbots are the most popular. 37 percent of smartphone users surveyed have already asked the AI ​​for assistance in writing messages, and another 36 percent can imagine doing so. However, 53 percent of participants who own a smartphone cannot specify where exactly AI is used.

97 percent of smartphone users no longer want to be without their phone
86 percent of those over 16 use a smartphone – this proportion varies considerably depending on the age cohort: “Practically everyone” of 16 to 30 year olds owns a smartphone, while of those over 65 the figure is only 53 percent. 97 percent of users can no longer imagine life without such a device. However, 62 percent admit that it bothers them if their partner frequently looks at their smartphone. 60 percent say they become anxious if they don’t have access to their phone for a long time. 57 percent say they often don’t enjoy a moment because they spend it on their cell phone.

Buying new smartphones is happening less often
32 percent of smartphone users privately use a device that is no more than a year old. According to Bitkom, this value was twice as high in 2021.

When buying a smartphone, the practical features of the phone play an important role: 97 percent value a robust screen glass, 82 percent cite repairability as a relevant feature. The battery life and storage space are at the top with 92 percent each.