CNET’s latest survey highlights an intriguing shift in consumer attitudes towards AI features in smartphones. Despite tech giants like Apple, Google, and Samsung investing heavily in AI, a significant portion of smartphone users remain skeptical.
Key Findings from the CNET Survey
According to the survey, a quarter of smartphone owners—25%—don’t find new AI features helpful. This scepticism reflects broader trends and concerns among consumers about the practical benefits of AI in their everyday lives.
Reluctance to Pay for AI Features
One of the most striking findings is that 45% of respondents are hesitant to pay a monthly subscription fee for AI capabilities. This resistance underscores a growing subscription fatigue among users, who are already overwhelmed by the number of services they’re paying for.
Privacy Concerns with AI
Privacy remains a significant issue, with 34% of smartphone owners expressing concerns about how their data is handled when using AI features. As AI technology becomes more integrated into our devices, ensuring data security and user privacy will be crucial for tech companies.
Battery Life and Storage: The Real Motivators
When it comes to upgrading their devices, longer battery life is the top priority for 61% of US adult smartphone owners. This is followed by the need for more storage (46%) and better camera features (38%). Surprisingly, only 18% see AI integrations as a major factor in their decision to buy a new phone.
Tech Giants’ AI Push: What’s New?
As companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung push forward with AI innovations, the response from users has been mixed.
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Apple is expected to announce its iPhone 16 lineup soon, which will likely feature the new Apple Intelligence suite. This includes smarter Siri, AI-powered writing tools, and potential ChatGPT integration.
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Google recently showcased its Pixel 9 series with new Gemini functions like Live, aimed at creating more natural interactions with its virtual assistant.
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Samsung also highlighted its Galaxy AI at its Unpacked event, promising improvements like better translation and photo editing.
While these advancements show how AI is becoming more prominent, they also illustrate the challenges companies face in convincing users of their value.
The High Cost of AI Features
Tech companies are betting on AI to drive future sales, but consumers may have to foot the bill. For example:
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Samsung has stated its Galaxy AI features will be free until the end of 2025, after which users might need to pay.
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Google’s Gemini Advanced, which unlocks full AI capabilities, requires a subscription.
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Apple might also eventually charge for some AI features.
With many users already grappling with subscription fatigue, adding another monthly fee may not be appealing.
Generational Differences in AI Enthusiasm
Despite widespread scepticism, Gen Z and Millennials are showing more enthusiasm for AI features. About 20% of each generation finds AI capabilities exciting and useful. They use AI for various tasks, including:
- Photo editing
- Image creation
- Summarising or writing text
Moreover, 20% of Gen Zers and 19% of Millennials regularly use AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini on their smartphones.
Privacy: A Major Concern
Privacy concerns about AI remain prominent. A third of smartphone owners worry about how their data is used. For instance:
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Apple emphasises on-device processing for many of its AI models, reducing data transmission.
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Google and Samsung have also highlighted their commitment to user privacy.
Ensuring transparency and robust privacy measures will be crucial in winning over sceptical users.
Reasons to Upgrade Your Smartphone
While AI is a significant focus for many tech companies, it’s not the main reason most users choose to upgrade their phones. The top reasons include:
- Longer battery life (61%)
- More storage (46%)
- Better camera features (38%)
Other factors influencing upgrades are:
- Display and screen size (32%)
- Ecosystem continuity (24%)
- Phone colour (10%)
With flagship phones costing between $800 and $1,200, many users prefer to hold onto their devices longer. According to the survey, 44% wait until their phone breaks or needs replacement, while 30% keep their devices for three years or more.
Foldable Phones: Still a Niche Market
The survey also reveals that foldable phones have yet to capture the public’s imagination. Over half (52%) of smartphone owners are not interested in foldable devices. Only 13% would consider buying one in the next two years.
This opens a potential opportunity for companies like Apple to introduce a foldable iPhone in the future, though it may take years for widespread adoption.
Methodology
The survey was conducted by YouGov Plc with a sample size of 2,484 adults, including 2,387 smartphone owners. Fieldwork was completed between August 28-30, 2024. The data is weighted and representative of all US adults aged 18 and over.
