Leslie Massey
Australia has one of the highest smartphone adoption rates in the world, with approximately 88% of the population owning a smartphone. This figure has been steadily increasing over the years, with an estimated 19.9 million smartphone users in 2017, expected to reach 23.6 million by 2026. This high ownership rate can be attributed to various factors such as advancements in technology, socio-economic factors, and scale manufacturing practices. The use of smartphones in Australia goes beyond basic communication, with many people utilising advanced features for tasks such as mobile email, internet browsing, digital payments, gaming, and social networking. With the integration of 5G networks and AI, the way Australians use smartphones is evolving, further enhancing their integration into people's lives and businesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of the Australian population that owns a smartphone | 88% |
| Number of smartphone users in Australia in 2017 | 19.9 million |
| Estimated number of smartphone users in Australia by 2026 | 23.6 million |
| Percentage of the Australian population that used a smartphone in 2017 | 81% |
| Estimated percentage of the Australian population that will use a smartphone by 2026 | 87% |
| Percentage of Australian children aged 6 to 13 who used a mobile phone in 2020 | 46% |
| Percentage of Australian children aged 6 to 13 who owned a mobile phone in 2020 | 33% |
| Percentage of Australians who use their phone to connect with family and friends at least once a week | 80% |
| Percentage of Australians who say their mobile devices provide them with more freedom | 48% |
| Percentage of Australians who find mobile phones annoying | 10% |
| Percentage of Australians who find mobile phones distracting | 40% |
| Percentage of smartphone users in Australia who expressed that the use of mobile devices increases their stress and anxiety | 32% |
| Percentage of the Australian population that has adopted wearable mobile devices to monitor their health and track their fitness journey | 18% |
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What You'll Learn
Smartphone ownership in Australia is at 88%
Australia has embraced smartphone technology, with an estimated 88% of the population owning a smartphone. This makes Australia one of the leading adopters of smartphone technology globally, ahead of other Western countries like the United States, which had a smartphone ownership rate of 64% in 2017. The high ownership rate in Australia can be attributed to various factors, including advancements in technology, socio-economic factors, and scale manufacturing practices.
The integration of smartphones into Australians' daily lives is profound. They are used for a wide range of activities beyond basic communication, such as navigating social media, browsing the internet, playing games, and accessing email and chat apps. Additionally, mobiles are used for everyday tasks such as transferring money, serving as a boarding pass, and even for health and fitness tracking. This versatility has made smartphones indispensable for many Australians, with 48% claiming that their mobile devices provide them with a sense of freedom.
The rapid technological advancements in the mobile phone space have transformed how Australians use their smartphones. The introduction of 5G networks and improvements in wireless technology and hardware have led to more advanced capabilities and increased integration into day-to-day life. This is evident in the business sector, where smartphones are critical for interconnectivity and accessibility, enabling businesses to grow and scale online.
Smartphone usage is also prevalent among younger Australians. In 2020, 46% of children aged 6 to 13 used a mobile phone, with one-third owning their device. While smartphones offer numerous benefits, there are concerns about their problematic use, especially among young people. Some Australians find mobile phones annoying or distracting, and 32% of smartphone users express increased stress and anxiety due to their mobile device usage.
In summary, smartphone ownership in Australia is high, with 88% of the population owning a smartphone. This technology has become deeply integrated into Australians' lives, offering convenience, connectivity, and enhanced functionality. As Australia continues to adopt new technologies, such as 5G, the role and impact of smartphones in the country are expected to evolve further.
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3% of Australian internet users don't have smartphones
Australia has witnessed a rapid rise in mobile phone users, with smartphones becoming integral to the lives of many Australians. In 2024, smartphone usage in Australia stood at 97% among internet users aged 16-64, translating to approximately 756,300 people without smartphones in this age group. This small minority of Australians without smartphones face limitations in their internet access, particularly when engaging with online services and content.
While mobile services are evolving, the large number of mobile-only users in Australia highlights the importance of initiatives for inclusive internet access, such as free or subsidised Wi-Fi services. Mobile-only users face challenges due to the limited capabilities of mobile devices compared to desktops or laptops. Complex tasks like filling out intricate forms or accessing specific applications can be difficult on smartphones. This disparity in digital abilities contributes to the relative digital exclusion experienced by mobile-only users.
Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in mobile-only use, with individuals from low-income households, the unemployed, and those with lower education levels being more likely to rely solely on mobile devices for internet access. Additionally, Indigenous Australians exhibit a particularly high level of mobile-only use, at 49%. This underscores the importance of addressing digital inclusion to ensure equitable access to online resources and opportunities for all Australians.
The adoption of smartphones in Australia is influenced by various factors, including technological advancements, convenience, and the integration of smartphones into daily life. Smartphones offer portability, ease of use, and interconnectivity, enabling users to access the internet through Wi-Fi or mobile broadband. The integration of 5G technology further enhances the capabilities of smartphones, reshaping how Australians utilise their devices. However, the expense of mobile internet access remains a consideration, impacting the overall cost of smartphone ownership.
In conclusion, while smartphone usage is prevalent among Australians, with a penetration rate projected to reach around 87% by 2026, a small minority of internet users still lack access to smartphones. This disparity underscores the importance of initiatives promoting digital inclusion and addressing the limitations faced by mobile-only users. As smartphone technology continues to evolve and shape daily life in Australia, ensuring equitable access to mobile devices and the internet remains crucial to bridge the digital divide.
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46% of Australian children aged 6-13 use a mobile phone
Mobile phone usage has been steadily increasing in Australia, with smartphones becoming integral to people's lives. In 2017, 81% of Australians used smartphones, and this figure is expected to rise to 87% by 2026, translating to over 23.6 million smartphone users. This widespread smartphone adoption is driven by technological advancements, such as 5G networks, and the convenience they offer in various aspects of daily life.
While smartphone usage is prevalent across all age groups, it is worth noting that a significant proportion of Australian children also have access to mobile phones. According to a 2019 survey, 46% of boys and 50% of girls aged 6-13 own or have access to a mobile phone. This trend is even more pronounced among older children, with 80% of 12- to 13-year-olds having access to mobile phones.
The survey, titled "Kids and Mobiles: How Australian Children are Using Mobile Phones," highlights the various activities children engage in with their devices. Playing games was the most common activity, with 70% of children using their phones for gaming. Taking photos was also popular, with 67% of children doing so, followed by using apps (64%) and calling parents or family (57%). Other activities included listening to music (57%), sending or receiving text messages (55%), and accessing the internet.
The availability of mobile phones to children as young as six or seven years old presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, mobile phones provide children with a means of communication, allowing them to stay connected with their parents and families. However, it also places a lot of responsibility in their hands, as these devices provide unrestricted access to the internet and various advanced features.
As Australia continues to embrace advancing technologies, it is important for parents and caregivers to guide their children in navigating the digital world safely and responsibly. This includes educating them about the privileges and potential pitfalls of mobile phone usage and helping them develop healthy habits and a balanced relationship with technology.
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32% of smartphone users say mobiles increase stress and anxiety
Australia has embraced smartphone technology, with around 88% of the population owning a smartphone. This equates to approximately 19.9 million people in 2017, a figure expected to reach 23.6 million by 2026. With such high adoption rates, it is no surprise that smartphones have transformed the way Australians communicate, learn, and entertain themselves.
However, the constant stream of notifications and updates can create a sense of urgency and a fear of missing out, leading to increased anxiety and stress. This is reflected in a survey where 32% of smartphone users in Australia agreed that mobile devices increase their stress and anxiety. Furthermore, excessive smartphone usage can interfere with sleep, which is crucial for maintaining good mental health.
Research supports this claim, showing a correlation between heavy smartphone and social media usage and adverse mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and even suicidal ideation. A study among Australian adults categorised smartphone use into three groups: low-moderate, moderate-high, and high-severe. The results indicated that compared to the low-moderate group, average stress scores were 3.4 points higher for moderate-high users and a striking 7 points higher for those in the high-severe category.
These findings highlight the potential negative impact of excessive smartphone usage on mental health. Reducing smartphone usage may help optimise mental well-being, particularly in terms of reducing stress and anxiety. It is essential to recognise that while smartphones offer numerous benefits, mindful usage is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with these devices.
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Apple is the leading smartphone brand in Australia
Australia has a relatively high smartphone penetration rate, with approximately 88% of its population owning a smartphone. This makes Australia one of the foremost adopters of smartphone technology in the world. The country is at the forefront of advancing mobile technologies, including smartphones, eSIMs, and other devices.
Apple's dominance in the Australian market can be attributed to the brand's strong performance in the premium and ultra-premium price segments. While Samsung's Galaxy Z5 Series competes in this space, Apple's iPhone 15 series has gained wider consumer acceptance. Additionally, Apple's iPhones offer a seamless and valuable mobile user experience, which has helped build trust among Australian consumers.
Apple's iPhones are also known for their integration with other Apple products and services, creating an ecosystem that locks users into the brand. The brand's consistent innovation and updates to its iPhone lineup have also played a role in maintaining its market leadership. Apple's strong market position in Australia is further evidenced by its ability to gain market share even in a declining smartphone market, showcasing the brand's resilience and consumer loyalty.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2019, almost all Australians aged 18 and older owned a smartphone. In 2017, around 19.9 million Australians owned smartphones, which was about 81% of the population. By 2026, this number is expected to reach 23.6 million, or 87% of the population.
In 2020, 33% of Australian children aged 6 to 13 owned a mobile phone, up from 41% in 2015.
In 2024, only 3% of Australian internet users aged 16-64 didn't own smartphones. This equates to around 756,300 people.
Australians use smartphones for a variety of tasks, including fitness and health tracking, digital payments, gaming, and social networking. Social media and communication are considered the most prevalent uses of smartphones.
Apple is the leading smartphone brand in Australia, with 58.42% of the market share. iOS also maintains more than 50% of the market share for mobile operating systems.
