Latest technology is not the reserve of the young

As technology followers across the world take delivery of Apple’s new iPhone 5 new research from Callcredit reveals that 45 to 50 year olds are giving the young ‘must have’ generation a run for their money by owning more smartphones and iPads than any other age group in the UK.

The research is based on Callcredit Information Group’s transactional insurance data from over 12.9million owners of Apple iPhones, Blackberries, HTCs and other phones built on mobile operating systems.

It shows more 45 to 50 year olds own a smartphone than any other age band (18%), closely followed by 18 to 24 year olds and then 25 to 30 year olds. Unsurprisingly those aged between 61 and 70 and the over 70’s are the least likely to own smartphones, accounting for less than 1% of those in the UK. (See table 1.)

The data also confirms more than 16% of iPad owners are aged between 45 and 50, further indicating that the older generations are more switched on to new technologies (See table 2.) and are embracing the introduction of the latest ‘must have’ devices.

Chris McDonald Managing Director of Data Solutions at Callcredit Information Group, said: “Sales of mobile internet devices have soared in popularity in the last few years and recent news reports have shown queues of people camping overnight outside Apple’s stores to become the first to buy the new iPhone 5. Most of us would automatically assume that it would be young people who were embracing the world’s latest technology but our research proves that 45 to 50 year olds are clearly ahead of the game when it comes to smartphones and tablets.”

Chris adds: “It’s clear that people in this age bracket are not only technologically savvy but have the financial wherewithal and early adopter mindset that makes them the biggest consumers of the latest technology.”