Among smartphone owners, iPhone users are the most loyal to their choice of brand, a new survey reveals.

According to research firm GfK, 84 percent of iPhone owners said that they will also buy an iPhone when the time comes that they will replace their current smartphone.

Meanwhile, 60 percent of smartphone owners who use a device running on the Google-backed Android mobile operating system said that they would purchase another Android device when they buy another smartphone.

As for Research In Motion’s BlackBerry, only 48 percent said that they will remain with the Canadian company’s platform.

GfK had about 4,500 respondents located in Brazil, Britain, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and the U.S. for the new survey.

Apple iPhone owners are the most loyal to brand. Image: germanzana / Flickr (CC)

Nonetheless, GfK analyst Ryan Garner said that “Apple is clearly ahead of the game, but developments next year will challenge that,” according to a report from Reuters.

According to the analyst, “The scope for brands to lure customers from rivals has diminished and the richest rewards will go to those providers that can create the most harmonious user experience and develop this brand loyalty.”

The Apple iPhone is still very popular, with 4 million units of the latest model, the iPhone 4S, selling out during the first weekend last month.

About Solon Harmony Dolor

A passion for technology and journalism makes this upcoming writer very interested in social media and technology news. Fresh from finishing an English and Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman, he aims to bring interesting news to our readers .