Assurant Reports $1.6B in Q1 2026 Trade-In Value, Highlighting Smartphone Upgrade Strategy
Event summary
- Assurant reported $1.63 billion in value returned to consumers through mobile trade-in programs in Q1 2026, up 31% from Q1 2025.
- The average age of traded-in devices held steady at 3.81 years.
- iPhone 13 was the most traded-in Apple model, while Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra led among Android devices.
- Protection plans helped preserve device condition, qualifying devices for higher trade-in values.
The big picture
Assurant's Q1 2026 report underscores the strategic role of trade-in programs in offsetting rising smartphone upgrade costs. The data highlights how protection plans and trade-ins are intertwined, creating a value loop that benefits both consumers and the refurbished device market. This trend aligns with broader industry shifts toward circular economies and sustainable tech consumption.
What we're watching
- Market Dynamics
- How the growing demand for refurbished smartphones will affect trade-in values and program sustainability.
- Consumer Behavior
- Whether consumers will increasingly pair protection plans with trade-ins to maximize upgrade savings.
- Industry Trends
- The pace at which smartphone prices rise and how it influences trade-in program participation.
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