Smartphone penetration is growing, particularly in the U.S, having now surpassed feature phones, which are now at 49.7% of all U.S mobile subscribers*. The majority of developers are creating mobile apps exclusively for smartphones, from iPhone/iPad to Android, Windows Mobile and more.

The plethora of apps available for these ‘smarter’ devices is a key reason consumers are opting for them over their ‘dumb’ counterparts. Wireless carriers and manufacturers are also removing high cost as a barrier for consumers, offering quality smartphones for as little as $100.

U.S. Smartphone penetration 2012

Though on a global scale, smartphones are still trailing feature phones in global device shipment and penetration. Are your customers smartphone or feature phone users? How many of them are you alienating by offering smartphone-only business apps? Until such time as feature phones are completely phased out worldwide, or within your geographic service area, shouldn’t you be smart and ensure ALL of your customers have access to your mobile app(s)?

Food for thought from the creators of Magmito, the mobile app creation tool that reaches both smart and feature phones?

*source: Nielsen, February 2012