Assurant: Mobile Trade-Ins Hit $1.43B in Q2 2026 as Upgrade Cycles Extend
Event summary
- Assurant's mobile trade-in programs returned $1.43 billion to U.S. consumers in Q2 2026.
- Average age of traded-in iPhones surpassed four years for the first time.
- iPhone 13 was the top traded-in device, with Galaxy S23 Ultra leading Android trade-ins.
- Premium smartwatches like Apple Ultra 3 averaged $341 in trade-in value.
The big picture
Assurant's Q2 2026 data highlights a structural shift in smartphone upgrade cycles, with consumers holding devices longer due to affordability concerns. The $1.43 billion in trade-in value underscores the growing importance of secondary markets in offsetting new device costs. This trend benefits both consumers seeking affordability and businesses like Assurant that facilitate device recommerce, while also addressing environmental concerns through extended device lifespans.
What we're watching
- Secondary Market Dynamics
- How sustained demand for refurbished smartphones will affect trade-in values and market liquidity.
- Upgrade Cycle Trends
- Whether the four-year upgrade milestone signals a permanent shift in consumer behavior or a temporary pause.
- Component Cost Pressures
- The pace at which rising component costs could further extend device lifecycles and trade-in program reliance.
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