Young people are not naturally pro-AI! A big survey on global consumer attitudes towards AI smartphones

With the continued rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the smartphone industry, manufacturers are investing heavily in AI research to make it a key differentiator. However, a report by leading tech market research firm Canalys, titled "The Present and Future of AI Smartphones in 2024" shows that success is not only about the technology, but also how to effectively translate these cutting-edge technologies into consumer buying power.

Canalys recently completed a survey of 4,952 consumers from Germany, India, China, Mexico and the US, aimed at exploring their real views on advanced AI features on smartphones. The survey, which quantified each respondent's AI receptivity through the AI Sentiment Index, revealed several key insights and provided valuable market strategy guidance for vendors.

The survey found that consumers in India and China showed a higher interest in AI, attributed to the competitive market environment and the growth of tech-savvy populations. In contrast, US and German consumers were more conservative. This means that in markets with a high AI sentiment, product differentiation and leadership are more important, while in other markets AI should be integrated into the brand image and its appeal should be enhanced through experiential marketing.

Although only 7% of respondents showed an extremely high AI sentiment, they expressed a strong willingness to purchase smartphones with advanced AI features and were inclined to upgrade their devices frequently. These consumers are open to market-leading technologies, providing vendors with opportunities for upselling and increasing customer loyalty.

The survey found that about two-thirds of consumers are indifferent to smartphone AI features, indicating that many users have doubts about the actual value of AI. For vendors, this means that education of the market and communication of the actual benefits of AI features are needed to overcome the skepticism of utilitarians.

Surprisingly, the AI sentiment of younger consumers is not significantly higher than that of other age groups, with only 23% of 25-year-olds or younger showing a high or very high AI sentiment. The reason may include limited disposable income, inherent brand loyalty, and concerns about overusing digital technology. Therefore, vendors targeting the younger market need to adopt a more nuanced strategy, emphasizing the practicality of technology and user autonomy.