Smartphone dominance defines UK online shopping device preferences in 2026, but age shapes the picture sharply. Adults aged 25–34 lead smartphone adoption at , with 35–44 year-olds close behind at . Usage then falls steadily across older cohorts, dropping to just among those aged 65 and over.
Computers follow the inverse pattern. The 65+ group relies most heavily on desktop or laptop devices at , nearly matching the combined smartphone and tablet usage of their younger counterparts. Among 55–64 year-olds, computer use stands at — still well above the recorded among 25–34 year-olds, who show the strongest preference for mobile-first shopping.
Tablets remain a secondary choice across all age groups, peaking modestly at among those aged 65 and over. Smart TVs and streaming devices register negligible adoption, reaching no higher than in any group. The data underlines a clear generational divide: younger shoppers overwhelmingly favour smartphones, while older consumers continue to rely on traditional computing devices for their online purchases.
