A Nation Glued to Screens
The UK has become one of the most smartphone-dependent nations in the world. As of 2024, 93% of UK mobile users own a smartphone, with that figure reaching 100% for 16-24 year olds.
The average Brit now spends 3 hours and 50 minutes per day on their mobile device. For context, that's more time than we spend eating, exercising, or commuting — combined.
More Connections Than People
Here's a striking statistic: at the start of 2025, there were 88.4 million cellular mobile connections in the UK — equivalent to 127% of the population. Many people now carry multiple devices, juggling personal and work phones.
This proliferation of devices means more batteries to manage and more anxiety when power runs low.
The Generational Divide
Smartphone dependency varies significantly by age:
- 100% of 16-24 year olds own smartphones
- 98-99% of those aged 16-54 own smartphones
- 82% of those 65+ own smartphones
- 61% of children aged 8-11 now own smartphones
Perhaps most tellingly, 5% of millennials admit to spending 10+ hours on their phones daily. And 30% of Gen Z report feeling anxious when separated from their device.
Where We Use Our Phones
The data reveals we're rarely without our devices:
- 39% use their phone while watching TV
- 23% primarily use their phone in bed
- 12% use their phone most at work
This constant connectivity means our phones are draining throughout the day, not just during dedicated "phone time."
What It Means for Venues
When 17% of UK adults feel anxious without their phone, and the average person spends nearly 4 hours daily on their device, the implications for hospitality and retail are clear:
- Customers arrive with varying battery levels — someone who's been navigating to your venue may already be in the red
- Longer visits mean more battery drain — restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues see significant phone usage during visits
- Charging access influences decisions — increasingly, customers consider charging availability when choosing where to spend time
Venues that solve the charging problem don't just provide a service — they remove a genuine source of customer anxiety and friction.
Sources: Uswitch, Statista, Finder UK, Compare and Recycle, Cybercrew UK