Market
03
Oct
2024
4
min read

The impact of increasing smartphone longevity on water consumption

Recent reports reveal a notable shift in smartphone ownership patterns, particularly between Apple iPhone and Android users. According to data from CIRP, Apple iPhone owners are holding onto their devices longer than ever before, while Android users tend to upgrade more frequently. As smartphones become more durable, these changing behaviors not only affect market trends but also have significant environmental implications, especially regarding water consumption.

Smartphone longevity and water footprint

The manufacturing of electronic devices, particularly smartphones, is incredibly water intensive. It takes approximately 14,000 liters of water to produce a single smartphone. The environmental impact of this production process becomes even more critical when considering how long consumers retain their devices. For example, if a smartphone is kept for three years, it still represents a daily water consumption equivalent to 12 liters to account for its manufacturing. In contrast, an average laptop, which takes 190,000 liters to produce, results in a staggering daily requirement of over 100 liters for five years of usage.

By extending the life of a smartphone from two years to five years, users can effectively halve its water impact. This aligns with a growing recognition that longer device usage can lead to more sustainable practices within the tech industry. So Apple iPhone users are, according to CIRP’s report, on the right track.

Economic and emotional factors

The disparity in device retention between Apple iPhone and Android users can be attributed to various factors, including economic considerations and emotional attachment to devices. Apple iPhone users exhibit a growing loyalty, with many keeping their devices for over three years. This contrasts sharply with Android users, where only 21% report similar retention. The financial commitment associated with purchasing an Apple iPhone can foster a deeper emotional connection, encouraging users to keep their devices longer.

Furthermore, as consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental costs of manufacturing, the benefits of holding onto devices for extended periods become more evident. With approximately 14.5 billion smartphones manufactured between 2007 and 2021, the cumulative water consumption reaches 200 trillion liters, enough to fill 80 million Olympic-size swimming pools. This staggering figure underscores the necessity for sustainable practices in the tech industry.

The broader environmental context

The water consumption associated with manufacturing electronic devices is just one aspect of a broader environmental impact. The extraction of materials, such as titanium, further exacerbates the strain on local ecosystems and communities. As noted in regions like Chiapas, Mexico, mining activities consume vast amounts of water, polluting local water sources and harming both the environment and local populations.

With the world facing unprecedented drought conditions, the importance of sustainable device usage becomes increasingly clear. By encouraging consumers to keep their smartphones and laptops longer, the tech industry can help mitigate the resource-intensive nature of their manufacturing processes. And of course encourage consumers to trade in their devices to increase usage even longer.

Conclusion

The contrasting behaviors of Apple iPhone and Android users present an opportunity for the tech industry to promote sustainable practices. By emphasizing the benefits of device longevity, manufacturers can not only reduce the environmental impact of smartphone production but also foster a more responsible consumer culture. Ultimately, understanding these trends can help pave the way for a more sustainable future in the tech industry, prioritizing both user satisfaction and environmental stewardship.

Source: Gerrymcgovern.com and CIRP

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