Mobile trade-in programs returned US$1.43 billion to U.S. consumers in the second quarter of 2026, helping offset the cost of upgrading as Americans hold onto smartphones longer than ever, according to new data released by Assurant, Inc., a global protection company that “safeguards and services connected devices, homes and automobiles in partnership with the world’s leading brands” 

Assurant’s “Q2 Mobile Trade-In and Upgrade Industry Trends Report” found that the average age of iPhones turned in through trade-in and upgrade programs surpassed four years for the first time, with trade-in value expanding beyond smartphones. The findings point to a shift in upgrade behavior as consumers look for more ways to manage device costs while extending the value of the technology they already own.

“Consumers are getting more life out of their smartphones than ever before, but trade-in timing matters,” said Biju Nair, EVP and President, Global Connected Living at Assurant. “As component costs continue to put pressure on new device prices, trade-in programs play an increasingly important role in helping consumers offset upgrade costs. Through Assurant’s repair, logistics, processing and recommerce capabilities, our clients can recover more device value, return quality devices to the market and address the affordability concerns their customers face. AI-driven insights help route those devices to the channels where they are needed most, strengthening the secondary market and expanding access to affordable technology.”

Here are some highlights of the second quarter report:

  • Mobile trade-ins returned $1.43 billion in consumer value.
  • The average age of iPhones turned in through trade-in and upgrade programs surpassed four years for the first time.
  • The iPhone 13 was the top turned-in device; the Galaxy S23 Ultra was the top turned-in Android device.
  • Premium smartwatches are seeing more value at trade in – With the Apple Ultra 3 delivering an average of $341 in trade-in value for the second quarter. 

“Strong demand for high-quality refurbished smartphones continues to support healthy trade-in values and a robust secondary market,” said Emily Herbert, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research. “Trade-ins have become an increasingly important part of the smartphone ecosystem, making newer devices more affordable for consumers while supplying the inventory needed to support the refurbished market. That benefits consumers, manufacturers and the environment.”

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Article provided with permission from AppleWorld.Today