Report: iPhone Users Less Likely to Break Device
As Google (GOOG) Android emerges as the leader in tablet sales, Apple (AAPL) iPhone users snag attention for being less likely than other smartphone users to damage their devices — but is that good or bad for managed services providers (MSPs)?
New research conducted by mobile protection plan and services provider ProtectCELL, a Fortegra Financial Company (FRF), revealed that iPhone users are roughly 46 percent less likely to need a replacement device than other smartphone users.
CCNS Consulting owner Karl Bickmore told MSPmentor that “it’s a good thing that the iPhones last longer,” adding that the result of this is a positive experience for customers.
“This means that they have less frustration when they are not needing emergency replacements,” he said. “Those always cause a lot of frustration and anxiety about functionality and potential data loss.”
However, not everything is picture perfect. The research also uncovered that iPhone users are far more likely to misplace their phone. According to the report, iPhone users are 65 percent more likely to request a replacement due to a lost device.
While this may be a concern for a business and IT administrator, a business with a “well-set-up solution wouldn’t have risk of data loss necessarily,” Bickmore said.
“The fact that iPhones are more likely to be misplaced simply highlights the need for mobile device management,” he said. “First because it keeps the data secure and private. Second, because you have tools to help locate. And last, because data on it can be safely moved to another phone quickly.”
Worldwide shipments of mobile phones are forecast to total 1.9 billion units in 2014, according to a recent Gartner, Inc. (IT) report.
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