02:52 PM EDT, 04/24/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Apple's ( AAPL ) share of new smartphone activations in the US dropped to 33% in the 12 months ended March from 40% a year earlier, Consumer Intelligence Research Partners reported Wednesday.

iPhone's share of activations in the country have been declining after the June quarter, CIRP data showed.

"While we have reason to believe iPhone's share of the installed smartphone base is higher, the reality of sales market share is a more difficult situation for Apple ( AAPL )," CIRP said in a report.

While the prices have increased, the durability of the phones has increased too, the report said. "The move from two-year subsidized phone purchase contracts to more transparent phone purchase plans has motivated many smartphone owners to wait a little longer to upgrade from their current phone."

Apple ( AAPL ) did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.

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