Senior technology adoption keeps climbing, but gaps by age remain. Pew Research Center’s 2025 survey shows 78% of Americans 65+ own a smartphone, up from 61% in 2021. Internet use and home broadband still trail younger adults. This senior technology adoption statistics 2026 guide uses only verified Pew and AARP data.
The smartphone gap is the headline story. While 78% of seniors now own a smartphone, the figure hides large differences within the 65+ group. A 70-year-old is far more likely to own a smartphone than an 80-year-old. These splits should shape how TechGently writes setup guides and troubleshooting steps. See older adult smartphone statistics for a deeper breakdown. Pew Research Center’s internet and technology adoption surveys track these trends year over year.
Internet and home broadband numbers explain why many seniors rely on mobile data or public Wi-Fi. Home broadband adoption among adults 65+ lags adults 30-49 by 22 percentage points. That gap changes which devices and tutorials are most useful. Our senior internet usage statistics page breaks down the online divide. For policy context, see digital inclusion statistics.
Smartphone Ownership by Age Group
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 97% of U.S. adults under 50 own a smartphone | Highest ownership among the age groups compared. | Pew Research Center, 2025 survey |
| 90% of adults 50-64 own a smartphone | Ownership among near-seniors remains high. | Pew Research Center, 2025 survey |
| 78% of adults 65+ own a smartphone | Up from 61% in 2021, but still below younger groups. | Pew Research Center, 2025 survey |
Device ownership data shows older adults are not avoiding technology. Adults 50+ report owning an average of seven tech devices, and 99% own at least one. The mix matters more than the count. Tablets remain popular among people 65 and older, which may make them a better starting point than phones for some beginners. AARP’s Tech Trends and Adults 50-Plus report adds context on which devices seniors actually use. To connect device ownership with skill building, see digital literacy statistics.
Smartphone Adoption Trend Among Adults 65+
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 18% smartphone ownership in 2013 | Baseline for the 65+ age group. | Pew Research Center, Tech Adoption Climbs Among Older Adults |
| 42% smartphone ownership in 2017 | More than doubled over four years. | Pew Research Center, Tech Adoption Climbs Among Older Adults |
| 78% smartphone ownership in 2025 | Current level, up from 61% in 2021. | Pew Research Center, 2025 survey |
Internet Use and Home Broadband Adoption
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 75% of adults 65+ are internet users | Compared with 99% of adults 18-29. | Pew Research Center, 2021 |
| 64% of adults 65+ subscribe to home broadband | Compared with 86% of adults 30-49. | Pew Research Center, digital divides report |
Smartphone Ownership Within the 65+ Population
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 59% of adults 65-69 own a smartphone | Highest smartphone ownership within the senior age bands. | Pew Research Center, Technology Use Among Seniors |
| 49% of adults 70-74 own a smartphone | Ownership declines after age 69. | Pew Research Center, Technology Use Among Seniors |
| 31% of adults 75-79 own a smartphone | Sharper drop among the oldest seniors. | Pew Research Center, Technology Use Among Seniors |
| 17% of adults 80+ own a smartphone | Lowest ownership among the 65+ population. | Pew Research Center, Technology Use Among Seniors |
Device and Tablet Ownership Among Older Adults
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 99% of adults 50+ own at least one tech device | Near-universal device access in the 50-plus cohort. | AARP, 2025 Tech Trends and Adults 50-Plus |
| Average of 7 tech devices per adult 50+ | Older adults own multiple connected devices. | AARP, 2025 Tech Trends and Adults 50-Plus |
| 44% of adults 65+ owned a tablet computer | Tablet ownership reported by Pew in 2021. | Pew Research Center, 2021 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of seniors own a smartphone in 2026?
The latest Pew Research Center survey from 2025 shows 78% of Americans ages 65 and older own a smartphone. This is up from 61% in 2021. The 2026 label reflects this page’s reporting year; the underlying survey is the most recent available.
How does senior smartphone ownership compare with younger adults?
Pew’s 2025 survey found 97% of U.S. adults under 50 own a smartphone, while 90% of those 50-64 do. Among adults 65 and older, the figure is 78%. The gap has narrowed but remains about 19 percentage points between under-50 and 65-plus groups.
What percentage of seniors use the internet?
Pew Research Center reported in 2021 that 75% of Americans ages 65 and older are internet users. That compares with 99% of adults 18-29. The internet adoption gap is wider than the smartphone gap.
Do older adults own tablets or other tech devices?
Yes. AARP’s 2025 Tech Trends report says 99% of adults 50 and older own at least one tech device, and they own an average of seven devices. Pew Research Center reported that 44% of adults 65 and older owned a tablet computer in 2021.
Why do smartphone and internet numbers matter for tech guidance?
They tell TechGently which devices beginners are likely to own. A smartphone is common for younger seniors but less common after age 75. Home broadband lags, so instructions should work on mobile data or limited connectivity. This helps beginners avoid instructions that assume a fast home network.
