How ConsumerAffairs uses cookies

This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. To learn more, view the following link:

Smartphone vs. Cell Phone Ownership

Last updated
March 6, 2026
Frequency
Annually
Source
Pew Research Center
Key insights
  • In 2024, 98% of Americans owned a cell phone, while 91% owned a smartphone.
  • Smartphone ownership peaked in 2023, with 92% of Americans owning one.
  • In 2013, the iPhone became available from all U.S. cell phone providers. Smartphone ownership jumped 10 percentage points, rising from 46% in 2012 to 56%.

Methodology

The ConsumerAffairs research team analyzed Pew Research Center data on cell phone and smartphone ownership rates from 2011 to 2024.