The European refurbished smartphone market may face a significant supply shock with the implementation of the EU’s USB-C directive, scheduled to take effect on December 28, 2024. According to a new report by IDC, 65.5% of used smartphones sold in Europe’s organized secondary market during the first half of 2024 were equipped with Apple’s Lightning port. With the directive mandating USB-C compliance for all imported devices, the market may witness a steep reduction in available inventory as legacy devices fail to meet these new requirements.
The dominance of older Apple iPhones in the market
Apple iPhones, particularly models three or more generations old, continue to dominate the refurbished market. However, these models primarily feature Lightning ports, creating a potential mismatch between regulatory compliance and consumer demand. With many of these devices currently accounting for most sales, the directive’s enforcement could disrupt the availability of popular products.
Global used smartphone market trends
IDC reports that the global used smartphone market is projected to grow by 6.1% year-over-year in 2024, driven by strong trade-in programs in developed regions. Elevated trade-in values have pushed the average selling price (ASP) of used devices to $385 in 2023, with further growth of 3% anticipated for 2024. Despite Apple’s continued dominance, Android devices are expected to slowly gain market share as iOS refresh cycles lengthen, leading to a near-equal split between the two operating systems in the refurbished sector.
The path forward for the secondary market
Industry analysts predict that the USB-C directive could reshape the European secondary market. If supply constraints materialize, prices for compliant devices may rise, and operators will need to adapt by sourcing USB-C devices more proactively. Meanwhile, broader adoption of trade-in programs could mitigate disruptions, further fueling the global trend toward sustainable smartphone usage.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
