Initial iPhone buyers were ten times more likely than other new phone buyers to have previously owned a Treo, and three times more likely to have owned a T-Mobile branded phone (such as the Sidekick), according to a new report from The NPD Group. NPD surveyed more than 13,000 consumers to collect data for its iPhone Report, which aims to provide insight into how the iPhone is affecting mobile phone sales in the U.S.
In contrast to the Treo and Sidekick, iPhone buyers were no more likely than the average buyer to have previously owned a Blackberry. In addition, consumers who switched carriers were three times more likely to switch from Alltel or T-Mobile than from other carriers.
“The iPhone’s Internet and media capabilities have resonated with consumers—especially those who previously owned Treos and Sidekicks,” said Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis at NPD. “Its advanced operating system makes it competitive with smartphones for many tasks, while its sleek design and lack of expandability is reminiscent of fashion phones.”
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