Smartphones play a vital role in how teenagers socialize and communicate in this modern world.

They use social media platforms, messaging apps, and other communication tools using their mobile devices to stay connected with their friends, peers, and family. 

Likewise, many teens use their smartphones as educational tools to access educational apps and e-books aside from their personal computers.

Statistics show that 55% of high school students and 39% of middle school students use digital devices for learning.

Do you want to know how many teenagers have smartphones in 2023?

Let’s find out in this article.

Key Statistics

• Smartphone users worldwide reached 5.25 billion in 2023.
• 98% of Gen Zs aged 16-20 own smartphones.
• In the US, 95% of teenagers have smartphones.
• 93% of US teens from families with a household income of less than $30,000 had smartphone access in 2018.
• 96% of teen internet users in North America own a smartphone, of which 52% said that their smartphones are the primary device to access the internet.
• Approximately 94% of White teenagers in the US had access to smartphones.
• 37% of US teens often use smartphones to connect with other people.
• In June 2023, Apple led the global smartphone market, accounting for 28.44% market share.

How Many Teenagers Have Smartphones in 2023?

Smartphone ownership among teenagers is widespread.

This age group heavily uses smartphones since these devices provide easy access to the internet, enabling them to browse the web, communicate, access information, and engage with online content. 

According to Statista’s report, the number of smartphone users worldwide reached 5.25 billion in 2023 and is expected to exceed 6.16 billion by the end of 2028.

Statistics reveal that 98% of Generation Zs aged 16 to 20 own a smartphone and consider their devices as the most important internet device.

In the United States, 95% of teenagers have smartphones.

Percentage of Teenagers With Smartphone Access in the US By Household Income

In April 2018, approximately 95% of teenagers in the United States had smartphones.

Among teens in the country whose parents earned less than $30,000, around 93% had access to smartphones. 

Similarly, 93% of US teens from families with a household income ranging between $30,000 to $74,999 had smartphone access.

In contrast, about 97% of teens came from US households with an income of $75,000 or more and had smartphone access.

Smartphone Ownership Among Teens

According to Global Web Index, an impressive 98% of internet users aged between 16 to 20 years old own smartphones.

This figure rises to 99% in the Middle East and Africa. 

Among them, 79% said that their smartphones are the most important device they use to access the internet.

Here are the percentages of smartphone ownership among teens in various regions:

• 96% of internet users in North America aged 16-20 own a smartphone, of which 52% stated that their smartphone is the primary device to access the internet.
• 98% of internet users in Latin America aged 16-20 own a smartphone, of which 69% stated that their smartphone is the primary device to access the internet.
• 98% of internet users in Europe aged 16-20 own a smartphone, of which 63% stated that their smartphone is the primary device to access the internet.
• 99% of internet users in the Middle East and Africa aged 16-20 own a smartphone, of which 79% stated that their smartphone is the primary device to access the internet.
• 98% of internet users in Asia Pacific aged 16-20 own a smartphone, of which 78% stated that their smartphone is the primary device to access the internet.

US Teens With Smartphone Access By Race

Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teenagers of various racial and ethnic backgrounds in the US.

Based on Pew Research, approximately 94% of White teenagers, 94% of Black teenagers, and 95% of Hispanic teenagers had access to smartphones in the US in 2018.

Why Do Teenagers Often Use Smartphones?

Most teenagers use their smartphones for various activities which are central to their daily lives and routines.

In the United States, 37% of smartphone users aged 13 to 17 said they often use their devices to connect with other people.

Below are some of the leading reasons why teenagers in the US often use smartphones:

• 57% of teenagers in the US often use smartphones to pass the time
• 37% of teenagers in the US often use smartphones to connect with other people
• 30% of teenagers in the US often use smartphones to learn new things
• 11% of teenagers in the US often use smartphones to avoid interacting with people

Global Mobile Vendor Market Share

Apple and Samsung have maintained their dominance in the smartphone industry since 2013.

They often trade places as market leaders in the past years.

The increasing number of smartphone users each year has also led to a rise in mobile commerce sales. 

As of June 2023, Apple continuously leads the global smartphone market, accounting for a market share of 28.44%, up from 27.6% in January 2023.

Samsung follows closely behind, with a market share of 24.59%.

Conclusion

Teenagers using smartphones is a common trend in today’s digital age.

The accessibility and affordability of smartphones contributed to widespread adoption among teens.

This age group often uses smartphones for communication, entertainment, social media, and educational purposes. 

While these devices can be beneficial, excessive smartphone screen time can harm teenagers’ mental and physical well-being.

They can also be distracting and affect academic performance if not used properly.

According to some data, 98% of internet users aged 16 to 20 own a smartphone and consider these devices as their primary means of accessing the internet.

In the United States, the trend is similar, with approximately 95% of teenagers owning smartphones.

These statistics answer how many teenagers use smartphones in 2023.

Sources