Smartphone usage in the United Kingdom has increased across all age ranges since 2012, most noticeably among those aged 55-64 years of age. Whereas just nine percent of mobile phone users aged 55 to 64 years used a smartphone in 2012, this number rose to over 90 percent by 2023.
  
Smartphones are the swiss army knife of digital devices, with its capabilities limited by the creativity of developers as much as it is the technology contained in the phone. In 2017, communications were the most popular ways to use a phone, however 87 percent of users report using camera apps frequently, 85 percent report frequent use of browser apps, and 68 percent report frequent use of navigation apps.
Share of smartphone users in the United Kingdom (UK) 2012-2023, by age
This question was phrased by the source as follows: "Do you personally use a mobile phone? Is this a smartphone? A smartphone is a phone on which you can send ad receive emails, use apps, view websites and generally go online. Popular brands include iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. (Single code)"
* September 27 to November 12, 2023 was the date of the most recent survey.
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Ofcom. (January 18, 2024). Share of smartphone users in the United Kingdom (UK) 2012-2023, by age [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/300402/smartphone-usage-in-the-uk-by-age/
Ofcom. "Share of smartphone users in the United Kingdom (UK) 2012-2023, by age." Chart. January 18, 2024. Statista. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/300402/smartphone-usage-in-the-uk-by-age/
Ofcom. (2024). Share of smartphone users in the United Kingdom (UK) 2012-2023, by age. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/300402/smartphone-usage-in-the-uk-by-age/
Ofcom. "Share of Smartphone Users in The United Kingdom (Uk) 2012-2023, by Age." Statista, Statista Inc., 18 Jan 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/300402/smartphone-usage-in-the-uk-by-age/
Ofcom, Share of smartphone users in the United Kingdom (UK) 2012-2023, by age Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/300402/smartphone-usage-in-the-uk-by-age/ (last visited November 21, 2024)
Share of smartphone users in the United Kingdom (UK) 2012-2023, by age [Graph], Ofcom, January 18, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/300402/smartphone-usage-in-the-uk-by-age/