Android remains the most popular smartphone platform for British consumers, with 30 per cent of smartphone users opting for this platform, up from 28 per cent in March. 27 per cent of smartphone users own an iPhone, compared to 26 per cent in the first quarter of the year. RIM is in third place with 19 per cent of smartphone users owning a Blackberry, compared to 14 per cent in March.

The figures come from digital banking firm Intelligent Environments, which commissioned YouGov to conduct an online survey of 2,001 adults aged 18 and over from 22 – 25 July, 2011. The study reveals a north-south divide emerging within Great Britain. Amongst smartphone owners, iPhones are most popular in London (30 per cent), and the South of England (31 per cent), while Android phones are the number one choice in Scotland (35 per cent), the North (32 per cent), and in the Midlands (30 per cent). 

According to the survey, those with children in the household are more likely to own a smartphone than other Brits – 45 per cent of these consumers have a smartphone, compared to 37 per cent of British consumers who own a smartphone, but don’t have any children living in their household.

Smartphone ownership is up on the previous quarter, across all age groups. 62 per cent of 18-24 year olds have a smartphone, compared to 52 per cent in March. For 25-34 year olds, the figure is 58 per cent (compared to 53 per cent in March); for 35-44 year olds, it’s 51 per cent (44 per cent); for 45-54 year olds, it’s 35 per cent (25 per cent); and for those aged 55 and over, it’s 18 per cent (16 per cent).

The study also asked respondents which banking services they would most like to be able to carry out on their mobile. Blance enquiries was the most popular services (36 per cent), followed by transferring funds (25 per cent), and paying bills (21 per cent).

“From retail to financial services, businesses in all sectors are taking full advantage of the rise in consumer smartphone adoption,” says James Richards, director of mobile at Intelligent Environments. “While the iPhone is the bastion of apps, this research shows that businesses cannot be complacent, and must cater to Android and BlackBerry users too. More importantly, businesses should focus on mobile applications and services that bring convenience and simplicity to consumers’ lives.”