Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series is already creating massive buzz, with a new survey showing nearly 70% of US iPhone users planning to upgrade. Battery life, design, and Pro models lead the demand, despite pricing concerns.
Strong Demand Ahead of Launch
Apple is set to launch the iPhone 17 series on September 9, 2025, at its “Awe Dropping” event. Ahead of the launch, a survey by SellCell revealed that nearly 70% of iPhone users in the US plan to upgrade. This marks a jump from last year, where only 61.9% intended to switch to the iPhone 16 series.
Pro Models Lead the Pack
The survey found that iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are generating the most excitement, with 38.1% of potential buyers preferring them. The standard iPhone 17 was selected by 16.7% of users, while 13.5% expressed interest in the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. Interestingly, only 3.3% showed interest in a foldable iPhone, which Apple has yet to release.
Battery Life Tops Upgrade Reasons
When asked about upgrade motivations, battery life emerged as the top driver, cited by 53% of participants. Other key reasons included new designs and features (36.2%), display technology (34.3%), and camera improvements (28.1%). Apple’s AI features were mentioned by just over 7%.
Pricing and Rival Competition
While demand is strong, pricing remains a key barrier—with nearly 69% of respondents calling cost their main concern. At the same time, 71% said they are satisfied with their current iPhones. Rival competition also looms: about 20% of users said they may switch to Samsung by 2026 if Apple fails to launch a foldable iPhone.
High Brand Loyalty Persists
Despite challenges, Apple still enjoys remarkable loyalty. Nearly 70% of iPhone users confirmed they will stick with Apple, regardless of what competitors like Samsung or Google launch.
