In 2022, the global market for used and refurbished smartphones saw a notable rise in activity, with refurbished iPhones leading the charge. Worldwide, sales of renewed devices grew by about 16 percent, a surge that helped Apple secure a substantial share of the second-hand phone landscape. This shift is reported by 9To5Mac, which cites a detailed Counterpoint Research analysis as the source of the figures.
The broader used devices market encompasses both pre-owned and refurbished smartphones. Riding the wave of renewed iPhone popularity, Apple captured a dominant 49 percent slice of the market last year, a figure that underscores the brand’s appeal to cost-conscious buyers seeking reliable hardware with verified refurbishments and active after-sales support. Counterpoint Research’s assessment frames Apple as the world’s fastest-growing brand in the used and refurbished segment, a status echoed by market observers who track consumer sentiment and hardware lifecycle trends (Counterpoint Research via 9To5Mac).
On the other hand, several competing brands experienced declines in market share within the same period. Samsung slipped from 28 percent to 26 percent, illustrating a tightening competition in the mid-range to premium tiers of the resale space. Huawei also faced erosion, shrinking from 4 percent to 2 percent. Meanwhile, the positions of Oppo and Vivo appeared stable, showing resilience in certain regional segments despite broader market headwinds. These shifts reflect changing consumer preferences, warranty considerations, and the growing importance of certification programs that validate device condition and performance before resale (Counterpoint Research via 9To5Mac).
Analysts have stressed a long-standing growth trajectory for the secondary smartphone market, noting that the upward trend began around 2020 and has persisted through subsequent years. The consensus among researchers is that the momentum will likely continue, with the resale segment increasingly influenced by the availability of 5G-enabled flagship models and the expanding ecosystem of certified refurbishers. The forecast for 2023 points toward continued expansion of high-end devices in the used market, together with improvements in service options and longer software support that broaden the appeal of renewed devices (Counterpoint Research via 9To5Mac).
Beyond the headline figures, observers also highlight how regional demand shapes the dynamic. In North American markets, including Canada and the United States, consumers have shown a strong appetite for devices that combine modern features with cost efficiency. Retail channels, carrier trade-in programs, and direct refurbish partnerships contribute to a robust resale environment, where the lifecycle of smartphones is extended and total cost of ownership is reduced. This trend aligns with broader moves toward sustainable electronics consumption and responsible recycling practices, factors that influence buyer confidence and price transparency in the refurbished category (Counterpoint Research via 9To5Mac).