AI in smartphones: More than a third regularly use AI functions

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According to a survey by the digital association Bitkom, artificial intelligence in smartphones is one of the larger growth areas. More than a third (38 percent) already use AI functions on their smartphone regularly, and among those under 30, it's even more than half (54 percent). The survey rejects a comeback of “Dumbphones,” also known as feature phones. For the survey, 1,006 people in Germany aged 16 and over were interviewed by telephone, of whom 861 stated they use a smartphone.

AI in smartphones is becoming increasingly important

According to the Bitkom survey, the use of AI applications is becoming increasingly common for people in Germany: “Thanks to smartphones, AI is accessible to everyone in their pocket,” says Bitkom Presidium member Marcel de Groot. However, 53 percent do not know in detail where exactly AI is used, it continues. Because: “We often don't even notice the AI on our phones because it runs in the background. For resource-saving navigation or protection against scam calls,” explains de Groot.

Bitkom predicts that the regular use of AI functions on smartphones will continue to increase. Among the currently used AI functions are image editing search capabilities within images, but also chatbots like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity, as well as AI support when writing messages or AI spam filters to block fraudulent calls, Bitkom writes.

Furthermore, 64 percent of smartphone users stated that they have already used voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant (now Gemini). In addition, 56 percent use chatbots such as Gemini, ChatGPT, or Perplexity on their smartphones. AI functions in the camera are also standard for many: according to the survey, 42 percent use AI photo editing such as a “magic eraser.” AI also helps in other areas: 37 percent of users are supported by AI suggestions when writing messages. One-fifth (22 percent) use AI to summarize long texts and messages. According to Bitkom, 33 percent of smartphone users would be willing to “pay an additional charge for their device for extensive AI functions.”

Respondents also named further functions they would like to use in the future: half (49 percent) mentioned AI spam filters, which are intended to prevent unwanted or fraudulent calls. 36 percent wish for further support in composing messages. De Groot explains: “AI functions are gaining traction where they provide relief in everyday life. For quickly writing emails, searching for information, or protecting against fraudulent calls. Good AI is a quality feature for the modern smartphone today.” Many smartphone manufacturers, such as Google, Samsung, but also smaller manufacturers like Nothing, have already recognized this trend.

Users keep their smartphones longer

While smartphones are important for the majority of respondents – 87 percent of smartphone users can no longer imagine life without this device – sales are weakening somewhat. According to Bitkom, sales in Germany were 20.5 million smartphones in 2024 and 19.6 million in 2025. For this year, industry experts predict sales of 18.8 million. Consumers in Germany currently spend an average of 646 euros per smartphone, which is 19 euros more than in 2025.

Bitkom identifies cost and sustainability reasons as the cause for the slight decline: people are using their smartphones longer than before. Nearly half (45 percent) of respondents stated that they have owned their current smartphone for more than two years. On average, according to Bitkom, a self-purchased, privately used smartphone is currently 25 months old. “Smartphones are increasingly being used for longer periods today. This is a win for the wallet and for the environment. The prerequisites are robust devices, software updates, durable batteries, and the simple possibility of getting phones repaired,” explains de Groot.

Robustness as a purchasing criterion

When asked about criteria for buying a smartphone, 97 percent consider robust screen glass to be important. Environmental aspects also play a growing role: according to the survey, 92 percent pay attention to sustainability, 82 percent to repairability. Furthermore, classic features such as battery life and storage space (92 percent each) as well as camera quality (88 percent) continue to be among the most important purchasing arguments. AI functions are also an important purchasing criterion for a majority of respondents (68 percent). However, price also remains a relevant factor (85 percent).

Respondents also indicated that, in addition to brand and reviews, the country of origin of the manufacturer also influences the purchasing decision (78 percent). About half would also “generally not buy smartphones from manufacturers headquartered in China” (49 percent), and 35 percent also exclude manufacturers headquartered in the USA.

Smartphones are annoying, too

While smartphones are indispensable in everyday life, they are not always welcome: 62 percent of the smartphone users surveyed agreed with the statement that it is annoying “when my partner constantly looks at their smartphone.” At the same time, almost nine out of ten said they could no longer imagine life without a smartphone.

57 percent critically admitted that they do not enjoy a moment because they are looking at their smartphone. And 60 percent of respondents admitted that they feel restless when they do not have access to their smartphone for a longer period. “We also see downsides,” said de Groot. “We must not lose sight of real life because of our smartphones.” On the other hand, there is no talk of a “Dumbphone” comeback among younger people: among those under 30, only 2 percent use a conventional mobile phone.

(afl)