A new study reveals that by the end of 2023, more than half of the iPhones in circulation will be second-hand devices. The firm responsible for this analysis, CCS Insight, has predicted that out of the 1.3 billion iPhones in use, 50% will be reused. According to this study, the average lifespan of an iPhone will extend to 8 years.
The iPhone, the most reused device
The firm responsible for this analysis has been closely monitoring the second-hand market for several years, and the results are quite clear: the iPhone is the most reused mobile phone. Consumer interest in these types of devices has grown significantly, and in the case of Apple, the company itself seems to be “to blame” for this.
It’s no secret that the differences between iPhone generations are becoming increasingly subtle. So much so that even the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 share the same processor, for example. Leo Gebbie, one of the lead analysts at CCS Insight, explains that aside from economic reasons, consumers recognize that this trend is beneficial for the environment.
While many of these iPhones are sold in emerging markets, the interest in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom has increased significantly.
Apple is aware of this interest and also offers refurbished and certified products through its own store. Although some may believe that this could somehow harm the company, nothing could be further from the truth. Gebbie explains it this way: “For every person who buys an iPhone, even if it’s second-hand, what they tend to do afterward is give money to Apple on a monthly basis because they subscribe to services like Apple TV or Apple Fitness.” It’s also important not to forget the commission Apple takes from every purchase on the App Store (30%).
However, they also warn that it could become a long-term threat to Apple. “Every person who buys a second-hand iPhone instead of a new one is ultimately erasing a portion of their core revenue… This is something that Apple might think more seriously about,” Gebbie states.
