US Mobile Trade-In Market Surges: A Deep Dive into Q2 2025 Trends
The US secondary device market is booming, fueled by increasingly savvy consumers and the growing appeal of trade-in programs. New data from Assurant reveals a significant upswing in value returned to consumers through these programs, reaching $1.34 billion in Q2 2025 – a remarkable 60% year-over-year increase. This marks the strongest second quarter on record for mobile device trade-ins, demonstrating a maturing market where consumers actively leverage the value of their existing devices.
This growth builds on a strong start to the year, following a 40% increase in trade-in value in Q1, bringing the total value returned to consumers to $1.24 billion. The trend isn’t just about more trade-ins, but a shift in how consumers are approaching upgrades.
Holding On Longer, Maximizing Value
Interestingly, as trade-in values rise, consumers are actually holding onto their devices for longer periods. The average age of a traded-in device hit a record high of 3.88 years, up from 3.7 years the previous year. This suggests a growing confidence in device longevity, driven by improved performance, reliability, and the availability of robust protection and repair options.
This behavior has positive implications beyond individual consumer savings. Extending the lifespan of mobile devices directly combats the growing global e-waste problem, maximizing resource utilization and promoting a more sustainable tech ecosystem.
iPhone 13 & Galaxy S22 Ultra Reign Supreme
For the fourth consecutive quarter, the iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G dominated trade-in volumes. The iPhone 13 continues to led the Apple contingent, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra remains the top choice for android users.
This consistent demand for these models highlights the continued integration of 5G technology into the secondary market. Consumers are clearly trading in older devices to access the enhanced capabilities offered by newer 5G-enabled smartphones.The Rise of Intentional Upgrades & the AI Factor
Assurant’s research points to a more deliberate upgrade cycle. Consumers are becoming more strategic about when and how they upgrade, actively seeking out value and incentives. this benefits everyone involved – consumers, carriers, manufacturers, and retailers.
Looking ahead, Assurant anticipates a potential shift as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more deeply integrated into mobile devices. Initially, many consumers adopted a “wait and see” approach to AI. However, as AI evolves into a personalized, everyday utility, we expect to see device age possibly decrease as consumers rush to upgrade to take advantage of these new capabilities.
“We’re seeing strong market resilience,even historically during a quieter period for trade-ins,” notes Biju Nair,President of Global Connected Living and international at Assurant. “Consumers are recognizing the value in their older devices and using trade-ins to offset the cost of new smartphones, particularly those with advanced AI features.”
What This Means for the Industry
The continued growth of the mobile trade-in market underscores the importance of well-timed promotions and robust trade-in programs. These initiatives are powerful tools for driving consumer engagement and revenue for all stakeholders in the mobile ecosystem.
This isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how consumers view their mobile devices – not as disposable commodities, but as valuable assets within a circular economy.Source: Assurant Q2 2025 mobile trade-in and upgrade industry trends report