Swappie runs a high-capacity refurbishment facility in Tallinn, Estonia, capable of processing 2,000 to 4,000 Apple iPhones daily. A recently installed automation line has significantly improved the speed of diagnostics and data wiping, although manual work remains essential for tasks like cleaning, repair and final quality evaluation. For companies handling thousands of devices each week, automation is increasingly vital to control costs and ensure consistent quality. A growing number of automation solutions are now available, ranging from large-scale systems by Apkudo and mid-range setups from FutureDial to all-in-one machines from NSYS. Adapta’s robotised human interface is another option gaining attention.
Alternative DPaaS
For companies that prefer to avoid heavy investments or want to stay flexible with the ability to scale operations up or down within weeks, fully automated Device Processing as a Service is an attractive option. German providers such as Cyculus (powered by Apkudo’s end-to-end model) and Dis-Connect offer these services, combining FutureDial’s automation with their own AI-driven grading technologies.
Automation improves processing efficiency
Opened in 2021, the Tallinn site is fully owned by Swappie, giving the company end-to-end control of its refurbishment process. Head of Production Pavel Tšukrejev explains in an interview with Finnish newspaper Helsingin Uutiset, that the automation line has made processing 7.5 times faster than manual methods. Each phone takes one to two days to complete the entire 52-step refurbishment, testing and classification process.
From used phone to like-new
Used Apple iPhones arrive at the factory in batches of about 50 units from across Europe. Devices are first visually inspected and then passed to the automation line, where robots identify the model and check the IMEI to ensure it is not blacklisted. After charging and wiping the phone, it is registered in Swappie’s internal system for further diagnosis and repair.
Repair focus on screens and batteries
Roughly 97–99% of all incoming devices are repairable. The most common issues are screen damage, worn-out batteries and faulty cameras. If repair is needed, the device is fixed and then returned to the diagnostics line. Once cleared, it undergoes manual cleaning and moves to the final stage: human evaluation.
Quality evaluation is highly specialised
Grading is considered the most complex step as this determines the resale value. Tšukrejev notes that training a grader can take up to six months and requires experience in all other phases of the refurbishment process. All Swappie technicians are trained in-house.
Sustainability drives growth in demand
Refurbished phones are gaining popularity among cost- and eco-conscious consumers. According to Swappie, a refurbished Apple iPhone has a 78% smaller carbon footprint than a new one. After final inspection and packaging, devices are shipped to the company’s logistics hub in Leipzig, Germany for redistribution across 11 European markets.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
