Old iPhones Enjoy Varied Retirements - Depending How Old They Are

When a new iPhone buyer retires an iPhone, they have several options. In recent years, most (39%) have traded them in to help defray the cost of the replacement phone or qualify for a generous promotion. Another 30% hold on to their old phone, perhaps as a backup or for nostalgic or hoarding reasons. And about one in eight give their old phone to a friend or family member, for whom it is an upgrade (Chart 1). 

Chart 1: Disposition of Old Phone (twelve months ended June 2023)

The averages do not tell the whole story. New iPhone buyers retire phones that range from less than a year old to, let’s just say, much longer! The second life, which may be mercenary (sold), active (given away), or passive (put in a drawer), varies significantly based on age. Most notably, phones that are less than a year old are more than twice as likely to be given to a friend or family member than older retired phones (Chart 2).