That old phone in the kitchen drawer could save an industry
Sales of secondhand smartphones are rising in 2026 due to economic pressures, inflation, and consumer skepticism toward AI-heavy, overpriced new models. This shift comes as new smartphone shipments are projected to drop by 12 percent, reaching levels not seen since 2013. Industry analysts attribute the trend to longer device replacement cycles, market consolidation, and growing reliance on premium devices with advanced hardware.
- ▪Counterpoint Research forecasts a 12 percent year-on-year increase in pre-owned smartphone sales in 2026.
- ▪New smartphone shipments are expected to fall by 12 percent in 2026, potentially dropping below 1.1 billion units.
- ▪Consumers are holding onto their devices for more than four years, contributing to weaker demand for new phones.
- ▪AI-driven memory price increases and the conflict in Iran have exacerbated inflation, impacting smartphone manufacturing and consumer spending.
- ▪Analyst Emily Herbert warns that market recovery may not occur until 2028 and will likely be limited due to structural changes in the industry.
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Personal Tech That old phone in the kitchen drawer could save an industry Users have less cash to burn and less patience for AI in new models... now where to get the used stock Dan Robinson Fri 1 May 2026 // 14:16 UTC Secondhand phones sales are booming - relatively speaking - and the industry has rising inflation, AI bloat, and consumers' growing apathy toward overpriced new handsets to thank for it. Counterpoint Research forecasts a 12 percent year-on-year bounce in pre-owned handsets in 2026. Phone users know when to hold 'em, delay upgrades amid inflation READ MORE "There's always been a demand for pre-owned devices, but over the past few years the demand has become more mainstream," said senior analyst Emily Herbert.
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