ChangeWave claims high iPhone 5 demand in spite of issues
updated 01:18 pm EDT, Fri October 12, 2012
Lightning port more of a concern than iOS 6 Maps
Demand for the iPhone 5 remains very high in spite of two potentially serious issues with the device, according to new data from 451 Research and ChangeWave Research. 19 percent of a group surveyed last month said they were "very likely" to buy an iPhone 5, while 13 percent said they were somewhat likely. A poll from October 2011 for the iPhone 4S generated respective figures of 10 percent and 11.5 percent.
iOS 6's Maps app -- which has problems with accuracy, rendering, and missing features -- has affected very few people, according to ChangeWave. Only 3 percent of the September survey group said they'd had a "very big problem" with Maps; 90 percent said they hadn't had any issues. For contrast, ChangeWave points to the antenna issues with the iPhone 4. Shortly after launch, 7 percent of a poll group said they'd had a "very big problem" with the glitch, while only 64 percent said there hadn't been any trouble. The September 2012 survey found that of the people who were unlikely to buy an iPhone 5, 60 percent, 61 percent said their current phone was good enough, and no one mentioned Maps.
The incompatibility of the 5's Lightning port with older iOS accessories appears to be a more serious concern. Amongst people planning to get a 5, 6 percent said Lightning was a very big problem, and 31 percent said it was "somewhat" of a problem. Only 26 percent said it didn't matter.
ChangeWave separately remarks that demand for Windows Phone 8 appears to be substantial, if not on par with the iPhone. 2 percent of the September survey group said they were very likely to get a WP8 device, and 7 percent said they were somewhat likely. Microsoft and its carrier partners have yet to begin marketing the platform; of the people planning to buy a WP8 phone, 36 percent quoted integration with Windows apps and devices as the major reason.
45 percent of the purchasing group didn't know which manufacturer they're planning to buy from. 55 percent did though, giving an overwhelming nod to Samsung, which took 51 percent of that mindset. Nokia claimed 35 percent, while HTC was a distant third at 7 percent.
Junior Member
Joined: 05-30-02
That's because there are no problems with the Maps. This was one of those "made up" issues that got tons of press because it's Apple but that really affects very very few people. And for those it does they can choose other map programs.