Mobile trade-in programs returned $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 today by Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ).
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.”
Q2 2026 Highlights
- Mobile trade-ins returned $1.43 billion in consumer value in Q2 2026
- Average age of iPhones turned in through trade-in and upgrade programs surpassed four years for the first time
- iPhone 13 was the top turned-in device; 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 Q2 2026
“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.”
As device replacement cycles continue to lengthen, and costs continue to rise, consumers are finding new ways to get more value from the smartphones and connected devices they already own. Assurant helps make that possible through services that support device ownership from protection and repair to trade-in, refurbishment and resale. For wireless carriers, retailers, MSOs and manufacturers, Assurant’s repair, logistics, processing and recommerce capabilities help recover device value and return quality devices to the market. The result is greater affordability for consumers, stronger returns for businesses and longer device lifespans that help reduce electronic waste.
Read the full Q2 2026 Mobile Trade-In and Upgrade Industry Trends Report here.
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About Assurant
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) redefines the boundaries of protection – safeguarding and servicing connected devices, homes, automobiles, and commercial equipment in partnership with the world’s leading brands. As a Fortune 500 company operating in 21 countries, Assurant leads the way in leveraging insights and technology to transform customer connections that build loyalty and drive value.
Learn more at assurant.com.
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