With the much anticipated Apple war on Google Maps looming, maybe you’re wondering how significant Apple creating their own mapping application is on most smartphone users? Luckily, Pew Research Center released some fresh insights on the usage of location-based services for U.S. adults.
Fact, “Almost three-quarters (74%) of smartphone owners get real-time location-based information on their phones as of February 2012, up from 55% in May 2011.” While this adoption might sound impressive, this information comes as expected. Take a moment to layer this data with that fact that smartphone ownership has continued to rise, from 35% of adults in 2011 to 46% in 2012, and suddenly the overall ratio of smartphone owners using location-based services has DOUBLED in that short period of time, from 23% in May 2011 to 41% in February 2012. The study goes on to analyze usage of location-based services across a variety of demographics: gender, age, income, etc. While the information is useful, the results are consistent with what most would expect.
Use of location-based information and geosocial services among smartphone owners over time
For location services: % of smartphone owners who use their phone to get directions, recommendations, or other information related to their present location.
For geosocial services: % of smartphone owners who use a service such as Foursquare or Gowalla to “check-in” to certain locations or share their location with friends.
The complete study can be found here.