2026 Global Used iPhone Market Research Report: Insights Based on Third-Party Data
Report Date: January 15, 2026
Executive Summary
This report synthesizes public data and research from multiple globally renowned industry analysis institutions (IDC, Counterpoint Research, CCS Insight) to present an objective picture of the 2026 global used iPhone market. Core findings indicate that the used smartphone market is demonstrating growth resilience that surpasses the new device market, with Apple (iPhone) holding absolute dominance. Market growth momentum is shifting from mature markets such as North America and Europe to emerging markets including Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. However, supply shortages (stemming from extended consumer replacement cycles) and macroeconomic pressures remain common challenges facing the global market.
1. Overall Market Size and Growth
The global used smartphone market (including official refurbished and personal second-hand devices) has entered a stable growth trajectory. According to data and forecasts from International Data Corporation (IDC), the market reached approximately 309.4 million units in shipments in 2023. Looking ahead, IDC expects the market to continue expanding, with shipments projected to reach 431.1 million units by 2027, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2022 to 2027.
This growth significantly outperforms the sluggish new smartphone market during the same period. For example, new smartphone shipments in 2023 were expected to decline by 3.5%, while the used market achieved nearly 10% growth with its "strong resilience." Earlier forecasts also indicated that by 2026, global used smartphone shipments are expected to exceed 413.3 million units.
Table 1: IDC Core Forecast Data for Global Used Smartphone Market
| Data Dimension | 2023 (Actual/Estimated) | 2027 (Forecast) | CAGR Period | Data Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shipments | 309.4 million units | 431.1 million units | 8.8% (2022-2027) | IDC |
| Market Value | ~$72.9 billion | - | - | IDC |
2. Apple (iPhone) Market Dominance
In the thriving used market, Apple Inc. and its iPhone product line are undisputed leaders. Multiple independent reports confirm that iPhones account for nearly half of total refurbished and used smartphone sales.
- Market Share: Counterpoint Research data shows that Apple holds 49% of the global refurbished smartphone market share. CCS Insight analysis further indicates that in the so-called "circular" economy, iPhone's share exceeds 80%. Another comprehensive report notes that 49% to 82% of globally sold used smartphones are iPhones.
- Growth Drivers: Apple's own and partner (such as carriers, authorized retailers) trade-in programs are key engines for used iPhone supply and circulation. These programs not only accelerate the recycling of existing devices but also continuously inject high-quality inventory into the used market due to their preference for premium devices.
- Product Longevity and Residual Value: iPhones are highly favored in the used market due to their long system support cycles and high brand residual value. For example, the iPhone XS released five years ago can still be upgraded to the latest iOS system, significantly extending its useful life and market value. Meanwhile, market demand for "near-new" models (such as the previous year's iPhone 14 series) remains strong.
3. Regional Market Characteristics Analysis
Data from the first half of 2025 shows that global used smartphone market growth exhibits clear regional differentiation, with growth engines shifting to emerging markets.
Table 2: Comparison of Used Smartphone Market Growth in Major Global Regions (First Half of 2025)
| Regional Category | Representative Regions | Year-over-Year Growth | Key Characteristics and Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Growth Emerging Markets | Africa | ~6% | Fastest-growing region. Authorized retailers integrate informal channels, government projects support local refurbishment ecosystems, and imported used iPhones are popular due to reliability and value for money. |
| India | ~5% | Apple growth leads the market (YoY +19%). Authorized retailers shape refurbished devices' "premium, reliable" brand image through trade-in programs and extended warranties. | |
| Southeast Asia | ~5% | Supported by vast informal channel systems and stable supply sources from China. Online C2C transactions are important growth engines. | |
| Stable Mature Markets | US, Europe, Japan | ~1% | Overall performance is flat. Supply constraints (due to extended replacement cycles), rising costs, and regulatory policy uncertainties suppress market activity. |
4. Core Growth Drivers and Key Challenges
Growth Drivers:
- Economic Value and Consumer Attitudes: Rising new device prices and global inflationary pressures make more cost-effective used devices a key attraction for consumers. Meanwhile, the popularization of sustainable consumption and circular economy concepts also drives market development.
- Extended Replacement Cycles: Global smartphone replacement cycles have reached a record 42 months. This means new device sales are slowing, but it also accumulates a larger potential supply of shorter-aged devices for the used market (though current release speeds are slow).
- Ecosystem Development: Deep involvement from mainstream manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, as well as large retailers, through official certified refurbishment, trade-in subsidies, warranty services, etc., enhances trust and convenience in used transactions.
Key Challenges:
- Supply Shortages: This is the biggest challenge currently facing global used phone retailers. Consumers holding devices longer directly leads to scarce market inventory, especially for newer-condition premium models.
- Profit Pressure: Intense market competition, rising operating costs, and tightening regulations in some regions are compressing profit margins for channels and retailers.
5. Future Outlook
Based on comprehensive forecasts, the used iPhone market will show the following trends in the coming years:
- Continued Steady Growth: Driven by fundamental market factors, the used smartphone market (led by iPhone) is expected to maintain long-term growth momentum and continue outperforming the new device market.
- Emerging Markets Lead Growth: Growth momentum in regions like Africa and India will continue to surpass mature markets, becoming the main source of global incremental contributions.
- Market Standardization and Consolidation: As large enterprises and official programs deepen, informal channel share may gradually be consolidated, and the market will develop toward greater transparency and standardization.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- For Industry Participants: Should focus on high-growth emerging markets and deeply cooperate with official trade-in programs to obtain quality inventory. At the same time, need to build brand trust through strengthened quality inspection certification and after-sales service to cope with intense market competition.
- For Investors and Observers: The used iPhone market is a structurally growing sector supported by strong fundamentals (economic value, environmental trends, long product lifecycles). Apple, through its closed-loop ecosystem, not only profits from new device sales but also firmly controls and benefits from the massive secondary circulation value of its products.
- For Consumers: When purchasing, should prioritize refurbished devices with official or authoritative certification and warranties to protect their rights. At the same time, can pay attention to price differences across regions and channels, and make good use of trade-in services to maximize residual value of old devices.
Data Citation Sources
- IDC via 拍明芯城 (2023). 《2026年全球二手智能手机出货量将有近4.15亿部》。The article cites IDC's forecast that market data for 2022 and shipments will reach 413.3 million units by 2026.
- Counterpoint Research via 36氪 (2023). 《翻新机，一部旧iPhone背后的大市场》。The article notes that Apple holds 49% of the global refurbished smartphone market share and mentions that smartphone replacement cycles have reached 42 months.
- CCS Insight via AITopics (2023). Demand for secondhand smartphones hits all-time high amid soaring inflation. The article notes that iPhone accounts for over 80% of the used "circular" economy and mentions inflation and new device prices as driving factors.
- IDC via Computerworld (2024). Apple's second-user smartphone business is booming. The summary notes that Apple leads the used phone market, with 49% to 82% of globally sold used smartphones being iPhones.
- IDC via 中時新聞網 (2024). 《二手智慧機去年規模破3億 「供給」成未來發展關鍵》。Provides IDC's core forecast data of 309.4 million used smartphone shipments in 2023, 431.1 million by 2027, and 8.8% CAGR, along with analysis of supply challenges.
- IDC via C114通信网 (2023). 《IDC：预计2026年全球二手智能手机出货量将超4亿部》。Content corroborates and provides IDC forecast data.
- Counterpoint Research via Investing.com (2025). 《Counterpoint：全球二手智能手機市場正在轉型》。Provides detailed growth data and driver analysis for emerging markets (Africa, India, Southeast Asia) and mature markets in the first half of 2025.
- IDC via Ctimes (2024). 《IDC：2027年全球二手智慧手機市場將超過4.3億台》。Content is consistent and provides IDC shipment forecasts.
- IDC via C114通信网 (2024). 《IDC报告2023年二手智能手机出货1.95亿部，苹果、三星合计占比约64%》。The article mentions that the 2023 used smartphone market value was $72.9 billion. (Note: The 195 million unit shipment data in this report differs from the 309.4 million units in other reports; this report primarily uses the latter data widely cited by multiple media sources).
Disclaimer: This report is compiled based on public third-party research institution data and media analysis, aiming to provide trend insights. All data and viewpoints are cited with sources and are for reference only, not constituting any investment or decision-making advice. Market conditions may change dynamically, and readers should make independent judgments based on the latest information.