Tag: mobile shopping

M-commerce apps used more often by iPhone than Android users

m-commerce app mobile shoppingThe results of a recent study have indicated that Apple smartphone users shop over applications the most.

Arbitron has just released the results of its most recent marketing research study, and has revealed that when it comes to m-commerce apps, iPhone owners are using them much more often than Android smartphone owners.

The difference in the proportion of device owners who are using these apps is a considerable one.

The study showed that 67.5 percent of iPhone owners also use m-commerce apps, when compared to Android smartphone owners, among whom only 43. 9 percent use these applications. This could suggest that for companies with apps, iPhone customers may be their sweetest plum.

There was also a difference in the amount that the device users were spending over m-commerce apps.

Among iPhone users, the average number of m-commerce trips over apps every month was 35. Moreover, they spent an average of 105.5 minutes shopping using their smartphones every month. On the other hand, Android smartphone users went on an average of 29.5 virtual shopping trips every month, during which time they spent an average 87.6 minutes on the task.

The report on the results of the survey did not suggest any conclusions as to why this difference exists between the m-commerce app usage habits of iPhone owners and those of Android smartphone owners.

There has been third party speculation that while there are about the same total number of apps available in both formats, there may be more m-commerce apps that are available exclusively for Apple devices. Moreover, there has been a trend of releasing some apps over iOS first, with a wait time of several weeks or months before an Android option becomes available. Instagram has been used as a well known example of this trend, as there was an 18 month wait for Android users after iOS users were already enjoying the application.

That said, this data was not included in the Arbitron research, which examined only the m-commerce app usage habits. It did not go on to investigate what might be the causes behind those behaviors by each type of device user.

Mobile commerce most popular among iOS consumers

Mobile Commerce Consumers ChoiceReport highlights division in mobile commerce between iOS and Android

On the surface, mobile commerce encompasses any form of shopping, payment, or banking done on a mobile device. Below the surface, however, mobile commerce is divided into two categories: Those with iOS devices and those with Android devices. While both parties of consumers regularly participate in mobile commerce, those investing in the field are very interested in which party is more active in this realm. Arbitron, a leading media and market research firm, has released a new report highlight which group of consumers has greater representation in mobile commerce.

Mobile commerce activity highest among iOS consumers

According to the report, iOS consumers participate in mobile commerce more than Android consumers. The report notes that mobile shopping is the most popular form of mobile commerce among iOS consumers. Approximate 67.5% of iPhone users, for instance, shop from their mobile devices, whereas 43% of Android users shop from their mobile device. iOS consumers are not only spending more time in mobile commerce, of course, they are also spending more money.

iPhone users spending more time and money in mobile shopping

The report shows that iOS consumers are more likely to be affluent and have access to disposable incomes. The report suggests that the average household income of these consumers is $105,200, compared to the $89,300 average income of Android consumers. iPhone users are also typically younger than Android users and more likely to engage in marketing and impulse purchases. The majority of these users spend their time on eBay and Amazon when shopping, according to the report.

Report could push Apple to take mobile commerce more seriously

The information provided by Arbitron is important for those investing in the mobile commerce field. Firstly, the report offers some insight on what consumer demographic is participating the most in mobile commerce, allowing companies to better target their products. Secondly, the information highlights the growing demand for mobile commerce services coming from iOS consumers, which may encourage Apple to take mobile commerce more seriously in the near future.