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2022 Connectivity and mobile trends
Consumers are using connected devices to enhance their daily lives and well-being while fine-tuning the balance between their virtual and physical worlds.
Introduction
Our study of consumer technology trends examines how US households are adjusting their use of mobile devices, wearables, and smart home technology as pandemic restrictions begin to ease. With fewer people working and learning from home, the house is less crowded, and many of the acute challenges we noted in 2021 have subsided to a degree. Consumers can now be intentional about which activities to do virtually and which in-person, and they're reporting that tech-enabled work, school, fitness, and health care—in the right measure—are making their lives better, healthier, and more fulfilling.
Key findings
1
Digital life includes a new mix of devices
The vast majority of 5G phone users—92%—said the service meets or exceeds expectations. However, consumers are still not sure what new things 5G enables. Nearly three-quarters want a better understanding of 5G’s functionality, and 30% are disappointed with a perceived lack of innovative apps and services. Two-thirds said they’re interested in premium service bundles that make better use of 5G, which is exciting news for mobile providers and tech companies.
92%
of consumers say that 5G service meets or exceeds their expectations.
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92%
of consumers say that 5G service meets or exceeds their expectations.
I am planning to buy a new phone this year because:
Longer battery life
More data capacity
5G capability
Larger screen size
Specific brand
I may switch mobile providers this year because:
Better value for the money
5G service
Good deals on a new phone
Better network performance
Better plan and contract options
2
Work from home seems here to stay
Forty-five percent of respondents said one or more household members were working from home at least some of the time. While most of the challenges cited last year have eased, half or more workers say their family relationships and physical or emotional well-being have improved by working from home. And nearly all workers (99%) like aspects of working from home—with lack of commute, comfort, safety from illness, better focus on work, and better family connection topping the list of benefits. Going forward, 75% of remote workers want virtual or hybrid options even after the pandemic winds down.
75%
of remote workers want virtual or hybrid options going forward.
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75%
of remote workers want virtual or hybrid options going forward.
Top benefits of remote work:
No commute to work
Increased comfort
Reduced risk of COVID-19
Improved focus on work
Better connection with family
Top challenges of remote work:
Personal responsibilities during work
Feeling stressed or burned out
Poor internet connection
Working longer hours
Video conferencing difficulties
3
Telehealth engagement and satisfaction is high
About half of US consumers have attended at least one virtual medical appointment as a patient in the past year, and 26% accompanied someone else to a virtual appointment. The vast majority are satisfied with the experience, and consumers intend to use virtual health care even after the pandemic, depending on the use case. For chronic or ongoing conditions, 45% of respondents are interested in a virtual or hybrid approach. For annual physicals, the number falls to 24%, with most preferring an in-person experience.
48%
of consumers are very satisfied with virtual medical experiences.
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48%
of consumers are very satisfied with virtual medical experiences.
Top benefits of telehealth:
Increased convenience
Reduced risk of COVID-19
Ease of scheduling appointments
Increased frequency of visits
N/A
Top challenges of telehealth:
Lack of in-person connection
Reduced thoroughness of exams
Connectivity issues
Inability to collect vital signs
Difficulty using the app or service
4
Wearables deliver measurable health benefits
Ownership of smartwatches and fitness trackers is inching upward, with consumers using them to track fitness and monitor health, particularly steps, pulse rate, calories, heart health, and sleep. At least seven in 10 said their smartwatches/fitness trackers have improved their fitness and health—with three in 10 saying their devices have made their fitness and health “significantly better.” Device makers have recently made it easier to share health data, and most device owners (55%) said they share the data with their medical providers, either through an app, during in-person visits, by text, or via email.
70%
of respondents say their smartwatches or fitness trackers have improved their health.
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70%
of respondents say their smartwatches or fitness trackers have improved their health.
Other uses for my wearables:
Texting
Phone calls
Calendar alerts
Listen to music and podcasts
Social media alerts
I don't have one because:
Cost
Not useful
Don't know enough about them
Too hard to use
Privacy/security concerns
Watch the video
Listen to the report
Digital life includes a new mix of devices
Consumers are getting selective about the devices they use, purchasing Wi-Fi extenders to cover the whole house, and upgrading their phones—often to 5G.
Work from home seems here to stay
More workers have returned to in-person attendance, but consumers don't want to say goodbye to virtual experiences.
Telehealth engagement and satisfaction is high
Top benefits of virtual doctor visits include ease of scheduling, lowered risk of infection, and the ability to see a professional more often.
Wearables deliver measurable health benefits
Consumers are using wearable data to monitor health indicators such as heart rate and sleep patterns, and to track progress toward fitness goals.
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Get connected
Paul Silverglate
Vice chair, Deloitte US Technology
sector leader
Partner, US Executive Accelerators
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Jana Arbanas
Vice chair, US Telecommunications,
Media & Entertainment (TM&E) leader
Deloitte LLP
Jeff Loucks
Executive director, Deloitte Center
for Technology, Media &
Telecommunications
Deloitte Services LP
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