Could apps replace websites in the next decade?

The average person believes websites will become obsolete in the next decade.

A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults discovered seven in 10 (70%) believe apps are gradually replacing websites.

With people relying on their phones for absolutely everything, it’s no surprise more than one in four (26%) think they can go a year without using a standard computer browser.

While 69% use their smartphone daily, only 44% report using their desktop or laptop with the same frequency.

Forty-six percent have even done a full day’s work entirely from their smartphone, and 42% have used it to file a tax return. 

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Cricket Wireless for their Tax Time initiative, the survey also found that if forced to choose between a smartphone and a computer, 59% would opt for their phone.

Thirty-six percent think they could only go less than a day without their smartphone. iOS users proved to be rather resilient, with 34% claiming they can survive phoneless for a week compared to 21% of Android users.

While entertainment (67%) and communication (66%) apps rank among the most common, more respondents have a finance app on their smartphone (59%) than those who have news/magazine apps (28%). 

“From work to play, our research shows people are embracing the convenience of apps in all areas of life,” said Tony Mokry, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer for Cricket Wireless. “Apps can also be a great way to try out alternative services before committing.”

More than half of respondents (52%) rely on software or apps to file their taxes, compared to 36% who do them by hand.

Interestingly, only two in five (40%) anticipate getting a tax refund in 2023, with the average person expecting about $2,338.

Those expecting a refund plan to put it toward a mobile wallet (25%), deposit it in a traditional checking or savings account (25%) and add it to an investing app (23%).

“There are many ways to get the most out of your refund, such as by upgrading your phone and wireless provider simultaneously,” Mokry added. 

Things people have done entirely on their smartphone

• Shopping for groceries – 51%
• Taking photos/videos for special events – 51%
• Shopping for clothes/accessories – 47%
• Completing a full day’s work – 46%
• Completing a tax return – 42%
• Completing a homework assignment – 39%
• Reading books/magazines – 38%
• Dictation/transcription – 22%