Apple’s marketing has long emphasized a youthful image with high design standards, factors that have most strongly appealed to younger adults. At the same time, older generations often rely on the brands and products that they are familiar with, and in the specific case of computers, this includes a higher share of Windows computers. Gen Z, in particular, has a higher share of devices that connect through social media, and they often identify themselves as being different from other generations. These and other factors make Apple computers more popular among younger adults.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of online adults in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and China who use an Apple computer, split by age generation. Report [TUP_doc_2024_0109_ymac] in TUP Lenses: PCs; User Profile; Technology Ecosystems
Early generations cling to Android tablets
The tablet market has been dominated by Apple’s iPads and a hodgepodge of Google Android tablets. There is a strong positive association between a user’s smartphone operating system and that of their tablets. Google Android tablets have their strongest share among German adults, especially those in earlier generations. Gen Z adults seem to have little appetite for Google Android tablets, even within Germany.
This MetaFAQ reports on the percentage of adult tablet users using a Google Android tablet, split by country and age generation. Report [TUP_doc_2024_0108_andt] in TUP Lenses: Tablets
Generation gap in home computer use for work
Following the onset of the pandemic, remote working suddenly became more widespread. Varied levels of remote working continue, although the situation continues to be in flux as employers shift their policies. To continue to be productive, many remote workers pressed their home computers into the service of their employer, regularly using them for work-related activities. Interestingly, in most countries surveyed, a higher share of younger adults use home computers for work than older adults do.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of online adults using a home computer for work-related activities, from videoconferencing to preparing reports or presentations. Report [TUP_doc_2024_0107_yhwk] in TUP Lenses: User Profile; Households; Activities; Work/Life Balance
Used and refurbished computer market health and youth
The market for used or refurbished computers is healthy, steady, and widespread. It is a common and ongoing practice among adults in the US, Germany, UK, and Japan. There is a youthful skew, especially among younger Americans.
This MetaFAQ reports on the percentage of home PCs acquired as used or refurbished, split by country and user age group.
Age influences printer use, although varies by country
Using a printer has a positive association with age; printer usage skews older across many countries, especially in the US and UK. One of the major factors is habit energy, as people with long experience continue to use their technology products and services in similar ways as they did in prior years. Younger adults who have grown up with mobile technology are accustomed to accessing documents and information with a device at hand, unlike the experience of older adults who have long relied on the printed word.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of online adults that use a printer – employer-owned, home, or other – by country. Report [TUP_doc_2024_0103_agpr] in TUP Lenses: Printers; User Profile
Young Americans fully embrace MacBooks for the first time
Apple Mac laptops reach parity among Windows PCs among young Americans – Apple’s MacBooks have been squarley marketed towards younger adults for many years. Only in 2023 can it be said that Apple caught up to Windows, with Apple’s share of active users aged 18 to 24 having basically the same share as Microsoft’s. Apple’s growth has been taking place slowly and steadily since 2017.
This MetaFAQ reports on the percentage of adult notebook/laptop users using either an Apple or Windows notebook/laptop, detailed by age group and country. Report [TUP_doc_2024_0101_182t] in TUP Lenses: Devices; PCs; User Profile; Technology Ecosystems
Younger tech domination fading to growing number of seniors
One of the fastest growing populations online, especially in the US, are adults aged 55 and up. This group exceeds 81 million Americans in 2023, up from 63 million in 2017–growth of more than 25%.
This MetaFAQs reports on the number and percentage of online adults that are aged 55 and over in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and China. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1230_sent] in TUP Lenses: User Profile
Apple’s uneven global reach among youth
Apple has a history of marketing towards younger people or those aspiring to have a more youthful image. That has borne fruit, as demonstrated by the higher penetration rates of Apple products and services. Apple’s line of Macintosh computers acquired with personal funds for home use has higher penetration rates among younger adults than among older ones. However, this pattern is not true across all countries surveyed.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of online adults using an Apple home computer within age groups in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and China. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1227_yapl] in TUP Lenses: PCs; User Profile; Technology Ecosystems
Gameplayers shift platforms, drifting from consoles and PCs
Playing games is a regular activity for around half of online adults in the US, Germany, the UK, and Japan, a practice that has remained relatively steady since 2021. What has changed is the play platform of choice, as smartphones grow in favor while PCs and game consoles diminish. While Gen Z leads in gameplaying activity, the Boomer/Silent generations have increased their fun behavior, especially with smartphones.
This MetaFAQ reports on the percentage of online adults who regularly play games using a game console, smartphone, PC, gaming PC, or other connected device from 2021 through 2023. This information is split into generational age groups among Americans. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1227_gamt] in TUP Lenses: Mobile Phones; User Profile; Activities; Game Consoles, Gaming PCs, and Game-Playing
Smartwatch valleys and peaks
Smartwatches are an important product category in their own right and also a barometer for a complete picture of the active breadth of technology ecosystems. Smartwatches, primarily from Apple or using the Android environment, form a sizable market share, in active use by one-ninth to one-fourth of online adults in the US, Germany, the UK, and Japan. Gen Z and millennial adults are leading their use. The Boomer/Silent generations have a small but quickly growing share. Looking ahead, purchase plans are not substantial, although they describe a reasonable replacement market.
This MetaFAQs reports on the market penetration of smartwatches, split by generational age group, Apple and Android, and country. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1218_wret] in TUP Lenses: Consumer Electronics; Technology Ecosystems; Wearables, Hearables, Listening, and Speaking