'Appy ' shoppers saving £250 per year - report
Brits are reaping the benefits of apps and doing things online - with convenience (60 per cent), saving money (35 per cent) and saving time (35 per cent) listed as the top reasons why people now keep their phones up to date with the most popular apps.
Research from the Barclays Digital Eagles reveals Brits who use retail apps are saving an average of £21.45 every month, with one in five downloading more shopping apps than pre-lockdown, to ensure they make the most of discounts available.
What 's more, over a third (35 per cent) say using apps helps them get things done more quickly - with food shopping taken an average 53 minutes in person compared to only 37 minutes online - and over half (53 per cent) say using their phone or computer helps them do activities and admin at a time and pace that suits them.
However, despite technology playing more of a part in most people 's day-to-day lives, some Brits are missing out on the potential benefits.
In fact, almost half of people (48 per cent) admit they don 't know how to use some of the apps on their devices and a quarter (25 per cent) say they only regularly use a handful of the apps they have downloaded.
Furthermore, some are still holding off trying out doing things digitally despite the benefits it could bring to their daily lives - due to a lack of trust in technology (35 per cent) and a lack of confidence in using digital channels (36 per cent).
Ross Martin, head of learning at the Barclays Digital Eagles, said: “We know there are people who don 't feel as confident with technology and this means that they may be missing out on some of the potential benefits - such as cost or time savings.
“It 's all about personal choice, but our research showed that 44 per cent of Brits would consider using their phone or computer more if someone showed them how to.
“The Barclays Digital Eagles can help people looking to get to grips with digital, and run virtual and [face to face] sessions across the UK to help people build their confidence online. From how to set up apps in your smartphone, to using social media safely, the Barclays Digital Eagles can support. ”
Despite concerns for some, lockdown has undoubtedly impacted the UK 's use of devices, with almost half (48 per cent) of over 55s, with a smartphone, now having an online shopping app; over a third of under 25s downloading at least one gaming app during lockdown; and one in five now having at least three fitness apps on their phone.
The findings also show the pandemic has changed the amount of time spent on devices, with people spending an average of 42 minutes more on their phone or computer every day, and over a third of us downloading more apps each month than pre lockdown - with social entertainment, TV, film and banking apps proving some of top apps to see us through lockdown.
74 per cent of those who started to do daily tasks on their phone or computer for the first time during the pandemic say they will continue to do so, as it saves them time (59 per cent), money (36 per cent) and is more convenient (63 per cent).
The top things people now choose to do digitally are reading the news, banking, and communicating with others.