Technologies
CNET Survey: Just 11% of People Upgrade Their Phone for AI Features. Here’s What They Want Instead
Shoppers appear to care even less about mobile AI than they did last year, despite companies like Apple, Samsung and Google piling on new AI capabilities.

AI has become a staple of just about every new phone, but that doesn’t mean it’s a centerpiece of most people’s lives.
A new CNET survey finds that just 11% of US smartphone owners choose to upgrade their devices because of AI features, a 7% drop from a similar survey last year. Further, about 3 in 10 people don’t find mobile AI helpful and don’t want to see more features added.
This comes as tech giants continue to tout AI capabilities in their keynotes. Most recently, Apple used its Worldwide Developers Conference to share updates on Apple Intelligence, especially as it works to play catch-up with AI leaders like Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
These survey results highlight the mismatch between phone makers’ bullish approach to AI and consumers’ general apprehension toward the rapidly advancing technology. Despite pushes from companies like Apple, Samsung and Google to add a growing list of AI features into their mobile devices, most people continue to care about three core areas when shopping for a new phone: price (62%), longer battery life (54%) and more storage (39%). Another top consideration is the camera, with 30% of respondents citing that as a top priority.
Last year’s survey echoed these same primary concerns. In 2024, the biggest motivation for US smartphone owners to upgrade their devices was longer battery life (61%), followed by more storage (46%) and better camera features (38%). Just 18% said their main motivator was AI integrations. This year, it appears that number is even lower, even as AI capabilities become more ubiquitous.
A(I) tough sell
AI has become the buzzword of practically every tech product launch and keynote over the last few years. AI-powered capabilities like writing tools, image editing and smarter voice assistants have leveled up mobile devices into even more powerful machines. In turn, this has ramped up the already-fierce competition among key mobile players. Google has woven Gemini into its Pixel devices, as well as other Android phones from companies like Samsung and Motorola. Apple introduced its suite of Apple Intelligence features with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, though its larger AI ambitions have stalled and it lags behind its competitors.
It’s not just premium flagship devices that are piling on the generative AI features. Mid-tier and budget phones are hopping on the bandwagon, too. For instance, the $600 iPhone 16E, $500 Pixel 9A and $650 Galaxy S24 FE pack their fair share of AI features that echo what you’ll find on their pricier siblings. All of this proves that no matter how much you’re willing to spend, you can’t escape the AI hype.
Based on CNET’s survey, «hype» may in fact be the word many people ascribe to the recent flood of generative AI features. Just 13% of people say they use AI on their phone to summarize or write text, 8% say they tap into AI image creation tools and 7% use AI on their phone for photo editing. Additionally, 20% admit to not even knowing how to use the AI features on their handset.
Mobile AI features generally come at no extra cost to users, but that could soon change. Samsung, for one, says on its website that Galaxy AI features «will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.» Apple is also expected to eventually start charging for some of its AI-powered iPhone features. You’ll also need to pay to unlock Gemini’s full power across Google’s apps. Amid so much subscription fatigue, that could be a tough sell. Half of people surveyed say they’re not willing to pay extra money to access AI features on their phone. That’s up 5% over last year.
Privacy is a growing concern as AI expands its reach across our devices. Just over 40% of smartphone users are worried about privacy when it comes to using AI on their smartphone, up 7% from last year. And that’s largely irrespective of age; boomers are the most concerned (45%), but concern from Gen Z (41%) and Gen X (41%) is also notably high.
That’s not to say everyone’s dismissive of AI on their handset. Fourteen percent of people say they find AI features helpful and are excited to tap into more of those capabilities on their phone. Gen Z (25%) and millennials (16%) express the most interest in using AI on their smartphone.
Smart assistants get an AI assist, but it’s not enough
Smart assistants are one way tech companies are hoping to make AI your everyday companion. Gemini on Android phones is increasingly capable of handling more tasks, from brainstorming to carrying out functions within apps. Apple also has plans to use AI to supercharge Siri, but that rollout has been delayed indefinitely.
According to CNET’s survey, 61% of iPhone owners use Siri, while 41% of Pixel owners use the Gemini assistant. Just 10% and 9% of Siri and Gemini users respectively say they call on the smart assistants every day. As AI becomes more capable and as companies further promote those abilities, it’ll be interesting to see whether those interactions increase.
Interest in skinny phones is also slim
AI isn’t the only marketing tactic consumers aren’t buying into. Despite recent slim phone releases like the Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge and rumors about a skinny iPhone 17, just 7% of respondents said a thinner phone would motivate them to upgrade.
Still, companies are likely to use the fresh form factor to try to rake in more dollars. At this year’s Mobile World Congress, thin phones like the S25 Edge and Tecno’s Spark Slim phone concept stole the spotlight. And Oppo’s Find N5, which came out earlier this year, is marketed as the «world’s thinnest book-style foldable.» CNET’s survey suggests most consumers aren’t swayed by those eye-catching designs, but we’ll see if perceptions change if and when a skinny iPhone comes to fruition.
Methodology
CNET commissioned YouGov Plc. to conduct the survey. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,201 adults, of whom 2,129 own a smartphone. Fieldwork was undertaken May 13 to 15, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18 plus).
Technologies
Yes, an iPhone Could Cost More Than $2,200 With Tariffs. Should You Buy One Now?
The latest tariff announcement doesn’t change much, but you should still expect prices to increase. Here’s how to save if you’re shopping for one.

President Donald Trump announced he has made a deal with China, which could potentially affect the cost of a new iPhone — but maybe not as much as you think.
«WE ARE GETTING A TOTAL OF 55% TARIFFS, CHINA IS GETTING 10%,» Trump said in a post on Truth Social, noting that he and China’s president, Xi Jinping, still need to give their final approval for the deal.
However, 55% «total» tariff incorporates 30% the countries agreed to in May (10% «reciprocal tariff» + 20% «fentanyl tariff«) and approximately 25% from tariffs that Trump imposed on China during his first term, according to a White House official.
Although 55% is substantially less than the original 145% tariff against China Trump originally put in place, it’s still likely to result in higher prices for many items, said Michael Coon, associate professor of economics at the University of Tampa. And the new tariff deal doesn’t take into account the 25% smartphone tariff Trump announced shortly after Apple said it was moving production of US iPhones to India.
«I would suspect that the 25% smartphone tariff would be added on top of the existing tariffs in China,» he said. «I think the smartphone tariff is more reaction to India — Apple’s announcement that they were going to ship most of their production to India.»
Apple didn’t mention tariffs during its Worldwide Developers Conference this week, but with the rumored iPhone 17 due for a price hike — regardless of tariffs — is now the time to buy a new iPhone?
Read more: Thinking About Buying a New iPhone? Here’s Why You Should Wait
How much could tariffs raise iPhone prices? We do the math
Companies don’t always pass the full tariff onto customers in the form of higher prices, but they can. Even if Apple could absorb some of the costs, you should expect to see significant price jumps if tariffs take effect.
«They’re still going to probably pass 80% to 90% onto consumers, if they can,» Coon said. «Unless they wanted to do some sort of marketing ploy out of it, which I don’t suspect they would want to do, because that would be directly going up against the administration.»
Based on the current tariff rate, iPhones manufactured in China are already subject to a 25% tariff (from Trump’s first term), but could now get an additional 30% tariff. Goods from India currently have a 10% baseline tariff but that could potentially soar to 26% next month. Here’s how the current tariffs and potential 25% Apple tariff could affect the price of the iPhone. These figures are based on our estimates and not confirmed by Apple:
How much could iPhones made in China cost after tariffs?
Current price | With new 30% tariff | New tariff + 25% smartphone tariff | |
iPhone 16e (128GB) | $599 | $779 | $928 |
iPhone 16 (128GB) | $829 | $1,078 | $1,285 |
iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) | $929 | $1,208 | $1,440 |
iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) | $999 | $1,299 | $1,548 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) | $1,199 | $1,559 | $1,858 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) | $1,599 | $2,079 | $2,478 |
How much could iPhones made in India cost after tariffs?
Current price | Current 10% tariff | Potential 26% tariff | Potential 26% tariff + 25% smartphone tariff | |
iPhone 16e (128GB) | $599 | $659 | $755 | $904 |
iPhone 16 (128GB) | $829 | $912 | $1,045 | $1,252 |
iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) | $929 | $1,022 | $1,171 | $1,403 |
iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) | $999 | $1,099 | $1,259 | $1,508 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) | $1,199 | $1,319 | $1,511 | $1,810 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) | $1,599 | $1,759 | $2,015 | $2,414 |
Based on Coon’s estimates that Apple could pass along up to 90% of the tariff cost to customers, that could raise the price of a new iPhone 16 Pro Max (1 TB) assembled in China to $2,230.
«Estimates say it would cost $3,500 to produce an iPhone in the US. So, it would still be cheaper to produce in China,» Coon said.
There’s a lot more that goes into the price of an iPhone than simply where it’s assembled. Apple sources components for its products from a long list of countries, which could face higher tariffs after the pause. And a tariff on goods doesn’t necessarily mean prices will increase by the same amount. If companies want to stay competitive, they could absorb some of the costs to keep their prices lower.
Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
When could we see iPhone prices increase?
It’s unclear exactly when prices could go up, but if companies sell out of devices produced before the tariffs, they may have to increase prices on products in tariffed shipments.
However, even if Apple can’t avoid tariffs entirely, it has ways to offset the impact through its services — including its music, news and data plans — according to supply chain expert Joe Hudicka.
«Apple will likely absorb some of the tariff costs up front to keep sticker prices stable, then pass the rest on to consumers gradually through service bundles, device longevity and ecosystem upgrades,» he said. «Consumers will still pay, just not all at once.»
And regardless of how the tariff drama plays out, the Wall Street Journal reports that Apple plans to raise iPhone prices later this year. So expect prices to go up soon.
Is it better to buy an iPhone and other tech now or wait?
If you already planned to buy a new smartphone, buying it now might save you money. But if you don’t need a new phone immediately, you might want to wait, said CNET Managing Editor Patrick Holland, who’s been reviewing phones for CNET since 2016.
«If iPhone prices rise, know that, like cars, the prices for used iPhones will likely rise, too,» he said. «If Apple does raise its prices, you’ll likely get more for your old iPhone when you trade it in, and that should offset any increased prices.»
If you don’t have the cash on hand and are considering using a credit card or buy now, pay later plan just to avoid tariffs, make sure you have the money to cover the costs before you start accruing interest. With credit cards’ average interest rates currently more than 20%, the cost of financing a big purchase could quickly wipe out any savings you’d get by buying before prices go up because of tariffs.
«If you finance this expense on a credit card and can’t pay it off in full in one to two months, you’ll likely end up paying way more than a tariff would cost you,» said Alaina Fingal, an accountant, founder of The Organized Money and a CNET Money Expert Review Board member. «I would recommend that you pause on any big purchases until the economy is more stable.»
One way to save on Apple products, even if prices go up, is to buy last year’s model instead of the newest release or a used one. And trading or selling a used one can help offset the cost even more.
«Apple has leaned into that with its Certified Refurbished program, much like the auto industry’s used car model,» Hudicka said. «This program helps extend the lifespan of devices, keeping customers in the Apple ecosystem longer while distributing the cost impact over time.»
Technologies
This Hilarious Prime Video Caper Flips the Script on British Crime Drama
Deep Cover brings an injection of comedy to the genre of the moment, making it a top contender to stream this weekend.
You can’t move for hit British crime shows right now. Whether it’s Dept. Q or Adolescence on Netflix; MobLand on Paramount Plus; or Slow Horses on Apple TV Plus (even if that one’s technically more of a spy show), gritty and binge-worthy content is showing up on the best streaming services, all delivered in a vibrant array of British accents.
But a shift is happening. We’re about to enter cozy-crime summer, when the genre will get an injection of lighthearted comedy, largely thanks to the much-anticipated adaptation of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club book series, set to land on Netflix this August.
In the meantime, Prime Video is getting in there first with Deep Cover — an action-comedy that flips the British crime script from serious to silly in the best possible way.
In the film, which arrives on Prime Video on June 12, an unlikely trio of improv actors, all of differing skill levels, is recruited as undercover police officers and infiltrates London’s underworld, theoretically to bust a drug ring. Needless to say, am-dram chaos ensues.
Bryce Dallas Howard plays a failed stand-up comic turned improv teacher who ropes her two most hapless students into the gang: a method actor with delusions of grandeur, played by Orlando Bloom, and a nervy IT office nerd, played by Nick Mohammed. Together the three, nicknaming themselves Bonnie, Roach and the Squire, fudge their way through meetings with gangland bosses, each more intimidating than the next, and somehow manage to find friendship and romance along the way.
I went to the film’s premiere at SXSW London last week and came away convinced that Deep Cover should be at the top of everyone’s watch list this weekend. The combination of comedy and action lands it squarely in crowd-pleaser territory, somewhere between Hot Fuzz and The Fall Guy.
Of Deep Cover’s three stars, it’s Mohammed who has the most established comedy chops and gets the biggest laughs (you’ll likely know him best as Nathan Shelley in Ted Lasso — the kit man who defects to become a rival coach). That’s not to say Bloom, who steps somewhat out of his comfort zone in this role, and Howard don’t also deliver. The chemistry between the three lead characters keeps you rooting for them long after their «yes, and…» improv approach to undercover work seems to be failing them.
The film’s director, Tom Kingsley, has also worked on the Bafta-winning TV show Stath Lets Flats (available on Max), which is simultaneously the most Greek and most British piece of television you could ever hope to watch, and which I’ve long been convinced is a work of significant comic genius. Deep Cover has the same echoes of awkward, almost farcical humor, but with an Amazon-size budget behind it.
Still, as Kingsley explained during a Q&A following the premiere, the budget was far smaller than anyone might expect for such a production. Bringing in bona fide Hollywood stars Bloom and Johnson attracted more funding, as did Amazon hopping on board. But the film was reportedly made on something of a shoestring by Hollywood standards.
Still, it’s easy to see where the injection of cash ended up. Deep Cover’s action scenes are sometimes outlandishly slapstick, perfectly befitting of the three clowns at their center, and at times so graphic or high octane that they don’t always jell with the overall tenor of the film. It’s a minor niggle in the scheme of things, and one that shouldn’t deter you.
For all its silliness and stunts, Deep Cover is ultimately a heartwarming tale about developing adult friendships at that stage in life when you might feel like the moments for such opportunities have passed.
If you’re looking for something easy and fun to watch this weekend, then look no further.
Technologies
Switch 2 Blows Past Records to Reach 3.5 Million Sales in Just 4 Days
The Switch 2 has reached the highest global sales of any Nintendo device in the same timeframe.

We knew it was popular, but Nintendo on Wednesday confirmed that its new Switch 2 handheld game console has sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide within the first four days of release. That makes it the fastest-selling Nintendo device ever, flying past other releases like the original Switch, which by comparison sold 2.74 million units in its first month.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched at $450 for the standard America version of the console, which has yet to be affected by the latest tariffs.
It features a larger screen, revamped Joy-Con controllers, more advanced processors and backwards compatibility with Switch 1 games. It currently features updated versions of classics like Breath of the Wild, as well as the exclusive new game Mario Kart World.
Despite massive early-day sales, the Switch 2 still has a long ways to go to catch up to the original Switch, which has sold over 150 million units since its 2017 release date.
If you’ve been looking but haven’t been able to buy one yet, check out CNET’s Switch 2 tracker for where it’s still in stock.
Nintendo America did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.
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