- Refurbished phones surge in popularity amid weak iPhone 16 sales
- Back Market’s mystery phone promotion proves consumers value affordability
- Right-to-repair laws transform the smartphone marketplace
Old is the New New
The iPhone 16’s lackluster launch signals a shifting tide in consumer behavior. First-weekend preorders dropped 13% compared to the iPhone 15, indicating buyers’ diminishing interest in minor upgrades at premium prices. This trend extends beyond Apple – tech enthusiasts increasingly turn to refurbished devices for their mobile needs.
Smart Money Speaks
Back Market, a leading refurbished device marketplace, proved this point through a bold experiment.
Their mystery phone promotion, offering unspecified refurbished iPhones at $249, sold out within hours in France and days in the US. The success highlights a growing consumer base prioritizing value over having the latest model.
The Repair Revolution
Despite manufacturer roadblocks like parts pairing, the right-to-repair movement gains momentum. Oregon’s groundbreaking legislation banning parts pairing, coupled the EU’s repair-friendly laws, paves the path toward normalized phone repairs. This shift mirrors the used car market – suggesting a future where refurbished phones become the smart consumer’s choice.
