Trade-in activity across 2025 confirms the growing role of secondary markets in absorbing ageing consumer electronics and feeding structured recommerce channels. Tens of thousands of devices re-entered circulation as owners opted to monetise unused hardware rather than retain it in storage, reinforcing trade-ins as a mainstream sourcing mechanism rather than a peripheral upgrade incentive.
Smartphones dominate volumes
Smartphones remained the clear backbone of trade-in flows, with Apple iPhone models accounting for the majority of traded-in units via Envirofone’s platform. The data shows that devices released several generations ago continue to circulate at scale, underlining the durability of Apple hardware and the maturity of grading and refurbishment processes that support extended lifecycles.
Older models lead rankings
The most frequently traded-in products of 2025 were led by Apple iPhone 11 64GB with 2,933 units, followed by Apple iPhone 12 64GB at 2,027 units. Apple iPhone 13 128GB and Apple iPhone 14 128GB also moved in significant volumes, demonstrating that both ageing and relatively recent devices contribute meaningfully to secondary supply.
Consoles retain residual value
Beyond smartphones, gaming consoles featured prominently. Sony PlayStation 4 500GB and PlayStation 4 Slim 500GB units each exceeded 1,000 trade-ins, highlighting sustained demand for older console hardware. This performance confirms that recommerce opportunities extend well beyond mobile, offering diversification for trade-in platforms and refurbishers.
August drives seasonal peaks
Trade-in volumes peaked in August 2025, reflecting predictable seasonal behaviour. Pre September Apple iPhone upgrades, back to school expenditure, results day liquidity, and aggressive promotional activity combined to accelerate device turnover. For operators, this concentration underscores the importance of flexible logistics, short term inventory financing, and responsive pricing strategies.
Platform segmentation emerges
The data also illustrates structural differences between trade-in channels. Envirofone continues to attract predominantly older, lower value devices, positioning it at the lower end of the trade-in spectrum. In contrast, OEM trade-in programmes focus largely on N-1 to N-3 Apple smartphones, capturing higher residual value and tighter quality bands.
Circular economy implications
From a sustainability perspective, high volumes of older but functional devices entering recommerce extend product lifecycles and reduce premature recycling. Earlier trade-ins preserve residual value while supporting more efficient refurbishment and redistribution, reinforcing trade-ins as a practical mechanism for scaling circular economy outcomes within the global electronics industry.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
