According to the Reviews.org Smartphone Lifespan Report 2026, the average American now upgrades their smartphone every 32 months, a 10% increase from 29 months in 2025. As high-end smartphones, including $2,000 foldable devices, hit the market, Americans are holding onto their current phones longer.
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Despite planning to upgrade after an average of 20 months, consumers typically wait an additional year before making a purchase. Tim Tincher, a spokesperson for Reviews.org, noted that while flagship devices like the iPhone 18 Pro garner significant attention, many consumers are not inclined to spend $1,200 to $2,000 annually. Instead, they prefer to maximize the lifespan of their devices, upgrading only when performance or battery issues arise.
The report highlights several key findings: the average cost of a smartphone is $634, significantly lower than premium foldables, and most upgrades are driven by concerns over performance (21.3%) and battery life (19.2%). The iPhone 11 or older remains the most commonly used iPhone model in the U.S. at 9.4%, with the iPhone 13 following at 8.0%. Overall, iPhones account for 58% of U.S. smartphone ownership, compared to 42% for Android.
The methodology involved a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted online on August 15, 2026, with results weighted by device type to represent U.S. adult smartphone owners.