Survey: US Smartphone Owners Uninterested in Foldables and AI Upgrades

A recent survey commissioned by CNET and conducted by YouGov reveals that most U.S. smartphone owners are not motivated to upgrade their devices based on foldable designs or artificial intelligence features. Among 2,407 respondents, only 13% considered foldable phones a reason to upgrade, while just 12% cited AI integrations. This trend poses a potential challenge for Apple, which is preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone and expanded Apple Intelligence features this fall. In contrast, practical factors remain the primary drivers for upgrades, with price (55%), battery life (52%), and storage capacity (38%) ranking as the top motivators. Camera features and display size also outranked novelty technologies. Although interest in foldables was slightly higher among current iPhone owners at 14%, analysts warn that the anticipated $2,000 price tag could further dampen consumer enthusiasm. The findings suggest that despite industry hype around new form factors and AI capabilities, mainstream consumers prioritize value and functionality over innovative but expensive technological additions.