The iPhone, manufactured by Apple, has long been known as the "phone of the wealthy," often considered an indicator of one's economic status. However, it turns out that not all of the world's richest individuals choose the iPhone for their everyday communication needs.
It's worth noting that while the iPhone is touted as an expensive device, there are many Android phones priced similarly, and some even more expensive.
For those curious about the smartphones favored by iconic entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, here's a roundup from PhoneArena, dated Thursday, February 22, 2024:
Bill Gates
The co-founder of Microsoft and renowned philanthropist, with a wealth of $124 billion, surprises many by opting for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. Gates seems to be a fan of Samsung's foldable phones, having previously used the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 3.
Mark Zuckerberg
As the head of Meta (formerly Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) and one of the top 5 richest people globally, Zuckerberg is often spotted with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. While it's possible he has upgraded to the newer Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it's clear that he openly prefers Samsung over the iPhone.
Jeff Bezos
The founder of Amazon, with a wealth of $190.7 billion, keeps his choice of smartphone somewhat under wraps. Rumors suggest he may be using a Google Pixel or a premium Samsung Galaxy, but nothing has been confirmed. Bezos was spotted using an iPhone in 2020, but after falling victim to hacking via WhatsApp, he may have switched to a more niche Android phone prioritizing security. However, speculation about Bezos' current smartphone remains unverified.
Elon Musk
Not all billionaire tech industry elites are strictly Team Android. Elon Musk, with a fortune of $205.2 billion, has been seen alternating between iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices over the past few years. While he once stated a preference for the iPhone, he may currently be using either.
Warren Buffett
The legendary investor and businessman, aged 93, with a wealth of $133.3 billion, isn't particularly interested in smartphones, given his age. Buffett is known to have used an old flip phone for years until Apple CEO Tim Cook sent him a complimentary iPhone. The latest reports suggest Buffett was still using an iPhone 11 in 2019.
This trend highlights that even among the wealthiest individuals globally, preferences for smartphones can vary significantly, with factors like security, comfort, and functionality influencing their choices.