In contrast to the largely stationary internet of the early 2000s, Americans today are increasingly connected to the world of digital information while “on the go” via smartphones and other mobile devices. Explore the patterns and trends that have shaped the mobile revolution below.
Mobile phone ownership over time
The vast majority of Americans – 96% – now own a cellphone of some kind. The share of Americans that own smartphones is now 81%, up from just 35% in Pew Research Center’s first survey of smartphone ownership conducted in 2011. Along with mobile phones, Americans own a range of other information devices. Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults now own desktop or laptop computers, while roughly half now own tablet computers and roughly half own e-reader devices.
Who owns cellphones and smartphones
A substantial majority of Americans are cellphone owners across a wide range of demographic groups. By contrast, smartphone ownership exhibits greater variation based on age, household income and educational attainment.
|
|
Any cellphone |
Smartphone |
Cellphone, but not smartphone |
|
Total |
96% |
81% |
15% |
|
Men |
98% |
84% |
14% |
|
Women |
95% |
79% |
16% |
|
Ages 18-29 |
99% |
96% |
4% |
|
30-49 |
99% |
92% |
6% |
|
50-64 |
95% |
79% |
17% |
|
65+ |
91% |
53% |
39% |
|
White |
96% |
82% |
14% |
|
Black |
98% |
80% |
17% |
|
Hispanic |
96% |
79% |
17% |
|
Less than high school graduate |
92% |
66% |
25% |
|
High school graduate |
96% |
72% |
24% |
|
Some college |
96% |
85% |
11% |
|
College graduate |
98% |
91% |
7% |
|
Less than $30,000 |
95% |
71% |
23% |
|
$30,000-$49,999 |
96% |
78% |
18% |
|
$50,000-$74,999 |
98% |
90% |
8% |
|
$75,000+ |
100% |
95% |
5% |
|
Urban |
97% |
83% |
13% |
|
Suburban |
96% |
83% |
13% |
|
Rural |
95% |
71% |
24% |
Ownership of other devices
Along with mobile phones, Americans own a range of other information devices. Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults now own desktop or laptop computers, while roughly half now own tablet computers and roughly half own e-reader devices.
Smartphone dependency over time
A growing share of Americans now use smartphones as their primary means of online access at home. Today roughly one-in-five American adults are “smartphone-only” internet users – meaning they own a smartphone, but do not have traditional home broadband service.
Who is smartphone dependent
Reliance on smartphones for online access is especially common among younger adults, non-whites and lower-income Americans.
