Japan smartphone trends show rising student usage and Android market lead

Recent research in Japan highlights shifting trends in smartphone usage and market preferences. According to a study by NTT Docomo’s Mobile Social Research Institute, smartphone usage among elementary and junior high school students is steadily increasing. Junior high school students showed the most significant growth, with usage increasing by 26 minutes over the last three years. Approximately 40% of junior high students now use smartphones for more than three hours per day.

Separately, a survey by MMD Labo involving 40,000 respondents reveals that Android has overtaken iPhone in mobile operating system market share in Japan, holding 54.1% compared to iPhone’s 45.6%. While younger demographics (teens and 20s) favor the iPhone, users aged 40 and older show a strong preference for the AQUOS series. The data suggests a generational divide in device preference, with AQUOS popularity increasing alongside age.