An increasing number of individuals are purchasing used iPhones instead of new ones, and here’s the reason.

      Apple iPhone 14 Pro

      Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

      Before you rush to purchase a new iPhone, consider this: Apple led the refurbished smartphone market in 2024, capturing 56% of it — a 5% increase from 2023, based on a Counterpoint Research report. This growth rate surpasses that of the new phone market, which saw only a 3% increase. Apple was the primary driver behind this market growth. In various regions, the supply of refurbished phones exceeded sales figures. Indeed, the demand for certain models was so high that the average sales price fell from $445 in 2023 to $394.

      Several factors are influencing this price decrease. Rising inflation and increased costs of goods have led many families to adopt more cautious spending habits. Additionally, it's important to consider what the phones provide. The iPhone 16 series introduced several new features; however, its overall performance isn't significantly better than that of the iPhone 11 Pro Max. While features such as Apple Intelligence, an Action button, and others are appealing, the fundamental functions of a phone — making calls, browsing social media, etc. — remain largely unchanged.

      With these considerations, consumers are keeping their phones for longer periods. Modern devices have become more robust, making it feasible to last through an average two-year cycle without damaging the display or experiencing other issues.

      The primary concern with extending the life of an older model is the eventual termination of security support. Apple is known for providing extended updates for its devices, with many remaining relevant for five to seven years after they are discontinued. Consequently, the iPhone 11 is expected to receive support until 2026.

      In contrast, Android devices usually receive updates for only two to three years, although Google has improved this with its Pixel line, offering support for up to seven years. Recently, Qualcomm announced a plan enabling manufacturers to provide up to eight consecutive years of Android updates, allowing a more extended support window for non-iPhone devices. However, the actual support duration depends on the manufacturers.

      With news of the iPhone 17 circulating, there could be great deals on the iPhone 14 series. With Apple's discontinuation of its budget range, it wouldn't be surprising to see an increase in second-hand sales over the coming year.

      Patrick Hearn covers smart home technology, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

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