Irish smartphone users are app addicts, particularly when it comes to social networking, a survey conducted by Amárach Research for Ulster Bank has revealed.
It has been four years since the introduction of smartphones in Ireland, and in that short time we’ve become so reliant on these handy little devices that one-third of Irish smartphone users say they couldn’t live without their favourite social networking app.
The statistic comes from a survey conducted by Amárach Research for Ulster Bank to highlight the launch of their free banking app on all smartphone platforms: iOS, Android, and BlackBerry.
The Ulster Bank App Survey revealed that 3 in 5 people have become smartphone users and the average person has downloaded 22 apps. The most popular apps downloaded are those for news, maps, travel and gaming, which 6 in 10 smartphone users say they have, while over half have apps for weather, music, photo and video.
Over half (53pc) of all smartphone users claim that apps have made their lives a lot easier and about one hour a day is spent using them. Though many apps are intended for use on the go, 56pc of users said they use apps most when they are at home – perhaps a reflection of the preference for Wi-Fi connectivity.
The survey also provides a profile of Irish smartphone users, who are predominately male, aged 25-34 and living in Dublin
When asked what their dream app would be, top choices included a home budgeting app, a financial advice app and an app that can generate an income for its owner.
