Nielsen’s third quarter survey of mobile users reveals that while only 43 per cent of all US mobile phone subscribers own a smartphone (or  a mobile phone with a powerful operating system). The vast majority of those under the age of 44 now have smartphones. In fact, 62 per cent of mobile adults aged 25-34 report owning smartphones. And among those 18-24 and 35-44 years old the smartphone penetration rate is hovering near 54 per cent.

Other groups show slightly lower penetration rates. Around 40 per cent of 12-17 year-old teens and 40 per cent of 45-54 year-olds reported owning a smartphone, as opposed to a more basic feature phone.

After younger adults, the segment with the second fastest-growing smartphone penetration rate is those aged 55-64. Smartphone penetration among this older group is only 30 per cent, but it jumped 5 per cent this quarter.

As the smartphone market continues to expand, Android remains the most popular smartphone operating system in the United States, with 43 per cent of the market, while Apple is the top smartphone manufacturer, with 28 per cent of smartphone consumers sporting an Apple iPhone.