Not so long ago, mobile phones were used only for communication. However, as these devices advanced, they started replacing everything from cameras to gaming consoles. Today, they’re an integral part of everyday life in Ireland. This is best highlighted in the most recent Irish smartphone usage stats. In this article, we look at the most important figures and what they mean long term.
More People are Gaming on Mobile
Remember the famous Nokia Snake game? While still considered a classic, the games available on smartphones are significantly better. From mini-games for passing time to full-fledged titles that have their console versions, mobile gaming has evolved into a serious segment of the gaming industry. Even online casinos are available on mobile, allowing you to play poker or spin slots with just a few taps, all that in fully optimized apps. With mobile gaming on the rise, it’s no wonder 55% of adults in Ireland now play games on mobile. This means that smartphones are now the most dominant platform in the country, with only between 37% and 40% playing on consoles.
5.05 Million People in Ireland Own a Smartphone
Today, it’s practically impossible to go about your day without a smartphone in your pocket. Whether you want to make a phone call, look up an address, or buy something, you can do it all from this little device. And people in Ireland are doing exactly this, with 5.05 million people in the country owning a smartphone. With the tech constantly evolving, it’s natural to expect this figure to go up even more in the coming years. According to projections, the number of smartphone users in Ireland will reach 5.22 million by 2029.
Smartphones Are the First Thing People See in the Morning
While it’s not surprising that almost everyone in Ireland now owns a smartphone, you may be left stunned by the fact that for 74%, it’s the first thing they see in the morning. These devices have already started to replace traditional alarm clocks, but their use continues even after the alarm goes on. They’re responding to messages, scrolling through social media, or reading the news. Not only this, but people in Ireland also use their smartphones right before going to bed. In fact, 54% say they stay awake longer than planned because they’re on their phones.
Android Users Dominate Ireland
The Android vs. iOS debate is always ongoing, and in Ireland, Android is clearly in the lead. Apple’s iPhone has a strong following, especially among younger generations, but Android dominates the overall market. According to the numbers from 2025, Android holds over 60% of the smartphone market in Ireland. iPhone holds over 38% while only about 0.25% goes to other, older operating systems. Android has a wide range of devices at different price points, making it more accessible, which is the main reason behind its popularity.
Samsung is the Most Popular Brand in Ireland
As mentioned above, Android has the edge over iOS in Ireland. But what about brands? According to the most recent numbers, Samsung is the leader. Out of the surveyed individuals, 42% said they own a Samsung phone, while 38% said they own an Apple phone. The number of Samsung users went up by 4% between 2023 and 2024, proving that the brand is constantly attracting new customers. With the Edge version of Samsung S25 having just arrived, this number may increase even more in the coming months. AI is one of the hottest tech trends at the moment, and the new version of the popular Samsung phone integrates it at almost every touchpoint.