Survey: Nearly 50 Percent of Teens Own an iPhone

Though some claim that Apple's mobile devices are losing their cool, the iPhone is actually gaining popularity among teenagers, according to a new study released by Piper Jaffray.

The survey covered the spending behavior across several industries (fashion, food, electronics, etc.) of 1,600 teens from upper-income households and 3,600 teens from average-income households. On the electronics front, Piper Jaffray found that iPhone ownership has ratcheted up in recent months. At this point, 48 percent of teens own an iPhone, compared to 40 percent last fall. Moreover, 62 percent of teens plan on making the iPhone their next mobile device, while 23 percent expect to go with Android.

According to the study, an overwhelming 91 percent of teens said they plan on buying a smartphone for their next mobile device as opposed to a feature phone, up from 86 percent last spring and 90 percent last fall. Apple's iOS took the crown as the most desired mobile operating system among teens. Fifty-nine percent said iOS will likely run on their next phone, while 21 percent said Android, 5 percent said Windows Phone, and 2 percent said BlackBerry.

Meanwhile, tablet ownership also continues to grow, with many teens now using or planning to purchase an iPad. Overall, a little over half (51 percent) of teens now own a tablet computer, up from 44 percent in fall 2012. Of those, 68 percent have an iPad.

It also sounds like many teens have been saving their money, because 17 percent said they plan on buying a tablet in the next six months, and 68 percent have their sights set on an iPad. Of those planning to purchase an iPad, 58 percent are planning to get the full-size model while 14 percent want an iPad mini.

Not surprisingly, the survey also found that Facebook is the most important social network to teens, followed closely by Twitter.