Despite some issues, demand for the iPhone 5 is at an all-time high

Despite problems with Maps and complaints about the new Lightning connector, there is increased demand for the iPhone 5 than the iPhone 4S this time last year, a new survey finds. Conducted by 451 Research and ChangeWave Research, the survey of 4,270 primarily North American consumers, the survey shows that despite the attention given to these issues by the press, they barely seem to concern customers. In all, 32% of those surveyed said that they were likely to get the iPhone 5, up from 22.5% for the 4S a year ago. Of those unlikely to buy the phone, 61% responded that their current phone was good enough.

When it comes to Maps, the survey asked iPhone 5 and iOS 6 users if they had found any porblems in their use of Apple Maps, with 90% of respondents saying that they did not have any problems. In fact, only 3% of respondents reported their Maps experience as a very big problem. When asking those unlikely to buy the iPhone 5 for the reason why, 0% said it was because of reports of problems with Maps.

Additionally, iPhone 5 buyers were also asked about the Lightning connector. While a sizeable portion of respondents, 37%, did say that the change in connector was a problem, the majority did not, with 31% saying it was “Not Much of a Problem, and 26% saying “No Problem at All.”

None of this is to say that there are not problems with Maps, because there are, and in many cases they are serious ones. Apple needs to fix them as soon as possible and they are working to do just that. We can’t also say that the new Lightning connector isn’t an inconvenience to those who already have a lot of accessories. But what this does tell us is that sometimes these issues get blown out of proportion. We can’t say with a lot of confidence that this is going to keep a lot of people from buying iPhones.

It also tells us that despite what some people in the tech press say, onsumers don't seem to think that the iPhone 5 is boring at all. Every year, each new iPhone is more popular than the one that preceeded it, and that pattern shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, it seems to be speeding up.

Source: 451 Research