Large shares of Americans are connected to the world of digital information while on the go via smartphones and other mobile devices. Explore the patterns and trends that have shaped the mobile revolution below.
This fact sheet is the latest in our long-running series on technology adoption in the United States. For over a decade, we’ve surveyed Americans on subjects like who has a smartphone and whether they rely on smartphones for internet.
Why did we do this?
Pew Research Center does research to inform the public, journalists and decision-makers. This research builds on our past work studying Americans’ smartphone use and the digital divide.
Learn more about Pew Research Center.
How did we do this?
This analysis is based on findings from the National Public Opinion Reference Survey, a Center survey of 5,511 U.S. adults. We allowed people to respond online, by mail or by phone. The survey represents the views of all U.S. adults.
The survey was conducted Jan. 30-June 18, 2026. Its overall margin of error is plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.
This analysis also includes past data. The ways we’ve allowed people to respond to these surveys have evolved over the years, including in 2023 and again in 2024. For more on these shifts and how we approached them, read our Q&A.
Here are the questions used for this analysis, the topline and the survey methodology.
Mobile phone ownership over time
The vast majority of U.S. adults (98%) own a cellphone of some kind. About nine-in-ten (91%) own a smartphone, up from just 35% in the Center’s first survey of smartphone ownership conducted in 2011.
Mobile phone ownership
% of U.S. adults who say they own a …
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2002-2026.
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Mobile phone ownership
% of U.S. adults who say they own a …
| Year | Cellphone | Smartphone |
|---|---|---|
| 10/27/2002 | 62% | |
| 11/30/2004 | 65% | |
| 2/9/2005 | 66% | |
| 12/31/2005 | 67% | |
| 3/28/2006 | 66% | |
| 4/6/2006 | 73% | |
| 9/5/2007 | 76% | |
| 12/2/2007 | 75% | |
| 1/13/2008 | 77% | |
| 5/11/2008 | 78% | |
| 8/10/2008 | 82% | |
| 12/20/2008 | 84% | |
| 1/27/2009 | 85% | |
| 4/19/2009 | 85% | |
| 9/14/2009 | 84% | |
| 12/27/2009 | 83% | |
| 1/19/2010 | 80% | |
| 5/30/2010 | 82% | |
| 9/13/2010 | 85% | |
| 11/1/2010 | 84% | |
| 11/24/2010 | 82% | |
| 11/28/2010 | 82% | |
| 12/21/2010 | 81% | |
| 3/20/2011 | 86% | |
| 5/22/2011 | 83% | 35% |
| 8/26/2011 | 84% | |
| 12/21/2011 | 87% | |
| 1/8/2012 | 88% | |
| 1/15/2012 | 87% | 39% |
| 2/19/2012 | 88% | 45% |
| 4/3/2012 | 88% | 46% |
| 8/5/2012 | 87% | 44% |
| 8/7/2012 | 89% | |
| 9/6/2012 | 85% | 45% |
| 9/23/2012 | 88% | 43% |
| 9/30/2012 | 89% | |
| 10/14/2012 | 88% | |
| 11/4/2012 | 89% | |
| 11/10/2012 | 84% | 46% |
| 12/9/2012 | 87% | 45% |
| 12/16/2012 | 88% | |
| 1/6/2013 | 89% | 51% |
| 5/19/2013 | 91% | 56% |
| 7/14/2013 | 90% | 53% |
| 7/28/2013 | 91% | 53% |
| 9/16/2013 | 89% | 54% |
| 9/30/2013 | 91% | 55% |
| 10/6/2013 | 92% | 58% |
| 1/5/2014 | 92% | 55% |
| 1/12/2014 | 90% | 58% |
| 1/26/2014 | 91% | 55% |
| 2/18/2014 | 90% | |
| 4/27/2014 | 92% | |
| 9/21/2014 | 91% | |
| 12/21/2014 | 89% | 59% |
| 4/12/2015 | 92% | 67% |
| 7/12/2015 | 92% | 68% |
| 11/15/2015 | 91% | 69% |
| 4/4/2016 | 92% | 72% |
| 5/3/2016 | 92% | 70% |
| 11/6/2016 | 95% | 77% |
| 1/10/2018 | 95% | 77% |
| 2/7/2019 | 96% | 81% |
| 2/8/2021 | 97% | 85% |
| 9/5/2023 | 97% | 90% |
| 6/10/2024 | 98% | 91% |
| 6/18/2025 | 98% | 91% |
| 6/18/2026 | 98% | 91% |
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2002-2026.
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Who owns cellphones and smartphones?
Substantial majorities of Americans across a wide range of demographic groups are cellphone owners. The same is true for smartphone ownership – though some differences do emerge, particularly by age, household income and education.
% of U.S. adults who say they own a __, by …
Tab Contents
| Ages 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellphone | 100 | 99 | 97 | 96 |
| Smartphone | 97 | 97 | 91 | 79 |
| Cellphone, but not a smartphone | 1 | 2 | 6 | 14 |
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 30-June 18, 2026.
| Men | Women | |
|---|---|---|
| Cellphone | 98 | 98 |
| Smartphone | 92 | 91 |
| Cellphone, but not a smartphone | 5 | 6 |
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 30-June 18, 2026.
| White | Hispanic | Black | Asian* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellphone | 98 | 98 | 97 | 98 |
| Smartphone | 91 | 92 | 88 | 96 |
| Cellphone, but not a smartphone | 6 | 6 | 9 | 1 |
Note: White, Black and Asian adults include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic. Hispanics are of any race. Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 30-June 18, 2026.
| Less than $30,000 | $30,000- $69,999 |
$70,000- $99,999 | $100,000+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellphone | 94 | 99 | 99 | 99 |
| Smartphone | 80 | 91 | 96 | 98 |
| Cellphone, but not a smartphone | 12 | 7 | 3 | 1 |
Source: Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 30-June 18, 2026.
| High school or less | Some college | College graduate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellphone | 96 | 99 | 99 |
| Smartphone | 84 | 95 | 96 |
| Cellphone, but not a smartphone | 11 | 4 | 2 |
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 30-June 18, 2026.
| Rep/Lean Rep | Dem/Lean Dem | |
|---|---|---|
| Cellphone | 97 | 98 |
| Smartphone | 91 | 92 |
| Cellphone, but not a smartphone | 5 | 6 |
Source: Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 30-June 18, 2026.
Smartphone dependency over time
Today, 16% of U.S. adults are “smartphone-only” internet users, meaning they own a smartphone but do not subscribe to a home broadband service.
Smartphone dependency
% of U.S. adults who say they do not use broadband at home but own a smartphone
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
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Smartphone dependency
% of U.S. adults who say they do not use broadband at home but own a smartphone
| U.S. adults | |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 8% |
| 2015 | 13% |
| 2016 | 12% |
| 2018 | 20% |
| 2019 | 17% |
| 2021 | 15% |
| 2023 | 15% |
| 2024 | 15% |
| 2025 | 16% |
| 2026 | 16% |
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
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Who is smartphone dependent?
Reliance on smartphones for online access is especially common among Americans with lower household incomes and those with less formal education.
Tab Contents
Smartphone dependency by age
% of U.S. adults who are smartphone dependent, by age
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
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Smartphone dependency by age
% of U.S. adults who are smartphone dependent, by age
| Ages 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12% | 9% | 7% | 3% |
| 2015 | 19% | 16% | 11% | 7% |
| 2016 | 17% | 13% | 11% | 7% |
| 2018 | 28% | 24% | 16% | 10% |
| 2019 | 22% | 18% | 14% | 12% |
| 2021 | 28% | 11% | 13% | 12% |
| 2023 | 20% | 11% | 14% | 16% |
| 2024 | 21% | 11% | 14% | 17% |
| 2025 | 27% | 11% | 15% | 17% |
| 2026 | 24% | 14% | 12% | 16% |
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
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Smartphone dependency by race and ethnicity
% of U.S. adults who are smartphone dependent, by race and ethnicity
Note: The vertical line indicates a change in mode. Polls from 2013-2021 were conducted via phone. In 2023, the poll was conducted via web and mail. In 2024 through 2026, the poll was conducted via web, mail and phone. For more on the mode shift in 2023, read our Q&A. Refer to the topline for more information on how question wording varied over the years. White, Black and Asian adults include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic. Hispanics are of any race. Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown.
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
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Smartphone dependency by race and ethnicity
% of U.S. adults who are smartphone dependent, by race and ethnicity
| White | Hispanic | Black | Asian* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 6% | 16% | 10% | |
| 2015 | 10% | 23% | 19% | |
| 2016 | 9% | 23% | 15% | |
| 2018 | 14% | 35% | 24% | |
| 2019 | 12% | 25% | 23% | |
| 2021 | 12% | 25% | 17% | |
| 2023 | 12% | 20% | 21% | 14% |
| 2024 | 12% | 22% | 19% | 17% |
| 2025 | 13% | 28% | 19% | 11% |
| 2026 | 13% | 23% | 19% | 16% |
Note: The vertical line indicates a change in mode. Polls from 2013-2021 were conducted via phone. In 2023, the poll was conducted via web and mail. In 2024 through 2026, the poll was conducted via web, mail and phone. For more on the mode shift in 2023, read our Q&A. Refer to the topline for more information on how question wording varied over the years. White, Black and Asian adults include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic. Hispanics are of any race. Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown.
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
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Smartphone dependency by gender
% of U.S. adults who are smartphone dependent, by gender
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Smartphone dependency by gender
% of U.S. adults who are smartphone dependent, by gender
| Men | Women | |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 9% | 8% |
| 2015 | 14% | 13% |
| 2016 | 12% | 12% |
| 2018 | 20% | 19% |
| 2019 | 17% | 16% |
| 2021 | 14% | 15% |
| 2023 | 15% | 14% |
| 2024 | 15% | 15% |
| 2025 | 15% | 17% |
| 2026 | 15% | 17% |
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
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Smartphone dependency by income
% of U.S. adults who are smartphone dependent, by annual household income
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
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Smartphone dependency by income
% of U.S. adults who are smartphone dependent, by annual household income
| Less than $30,000 | $30,000- $49,999 | $50,000- $74,999 | $75,000+ | Less than $30,000 (NPORS) | $30,000- $69,999 (NPORS) | $70,000- $99,999 (NPORS) | $100,000+ (NPORS) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12% | 9% | 5% | 5% | ||||
| 2015 | 20% | 15% | 10% | 6% | ||||
| 2016 | 21% | 12% | 10% | 5% | ||||
| 2018 | 31% | 22% | 14% | 9% | ||||
| 2019 | 26% | 20% | 10% | 6% | ||||
| 2021 | 27% | 19% | 6% | 6% | ||||
| 2023 | 28% | 19% | 9% | 4% | ||||
| 2024 | 31% | 17% | 9% | 6% | ||||
| 2025 | 34% | 19% | 10% | 4% | ||||
| 2026 | 29% | 18% | 12% | 7% |
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
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Smartphone dependency by education level
% of U.S. adults who are smartphone dependent, by education level
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Smartphone dependency by education level
% of U.S. adults who are smartphone dependent, by education level
| Year | Less than high school graduate | High school graduate | High school or less | Some college | College graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 14% | 11% | 8% | 4% | |
| 2015 | 21% | 17% | 14% | 6% | |
| 2016 | 27% | 15% | 12% | 5% | |
| 2018 | 39% | 22% | 21% | 10% | |
| 2019 | 32% | 24% | 16% | 4% | |
| 2021 | 23% | 15% | 4% | ||
| 2023 | 24% | 13% | 6% | ||
| 2024 | 24% | 13% | 7% | ||
| 2025 | 27% | 15% | 6% | ||
| 2026 | 23% | 15% | 9% |
Source: Surveys of U.S. adults conducted 2013-2026. Data for each year is based on a pooled analysis of all surveys containing broadband and smartphone questions fielded during that year.
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Find out more
This fact sheet was compiled by Research Analyst Olivia Sidoti. Research Associate Michelle Faverio, Research Analyst Eugenie Park, Information Graphics Designer Sharon McGill, Digital Producer Sara Atske and Research Associate William Bishop also contributed.
Follow these links for more in-depth analysis of the impact of mobile technology on American life.
Find more publications related to internet and technology and more benchmarks from our National Public Opinion Reference Survey (NPORS).
