Apple’s iPhone is emerging as a formidable presence in India’s refurbished smartphone sector, not just in new sales. According to a recent report, iPhones account for over 65 per cent of all refurbished smartphone sales in the country. This statistic underscores the brand’s popularity among Indian consumers, who are increasingly opting for refurbished devices.

The report indicates a shift in consumer preferences towards higher-priced refurbished smartphones. In 2025, demand for refurbished devices priced above Rs 45,000 constituted 17.4 per cent of the total market. This trend suggests that consumers are willing to invest in more expensive models when purchasing refurbished phones.

The iPhone 13 has been identified as the standout model within this segment. It ranked as the most bought-back and purchased refurbished phone, representing 6.93 per cent of buybacks and 15.5 per cent of total refurbished sales. This trend reflects the model’s sustained resale value, with newer iPhone models such as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 beginning to follow suit.

Changing Consumer Preferences in Refurbished Devices

The report highlights a notable evolution in what consumers seek when shopping for refurbished smartphones. The price bracket of Rs 20,000 to Rs 45,000 took the lead in sales during 2025, while demand for devices priced above Rs 45,000 continued to rise. Conversely, cheaper models priced below Rs 10,000 saw a decline in popularity. These devices represented approximately 8.4 per cent of direct-to-consumer refurbished sales in 2025, down from around 10.7 per cent in the previous year.

Consumers in the Rs 30,000 to Rs 45,000 range are reportedly focusing on value, opting for quality over the lowest price. This shift indicates that refurbished smartphones are becoming an avenue for accessing premium products at reduced prices, making them more appealing to a wider audience.

Furthermore, the supply of recent models is on the rise, as the mobile buyback sector experienced a year-on-year increase of 29 per cent. The average buyback value also surged by 34 per cent, reaching Rs 8,573 in 2025. Additionally, the share of 5G smartphones sold grew to over 54 per cent, a significant increase from just 5 per cent in 2022.

Expanding Beyond Smartphones

The report suggests potential growth opportunities extending beyond smartphones. Products such as refurbished laptops, tablets, and smartwatches accounted for 16.7 per cent of total refurbished sales in 2025, up from 8 per cent the previous year. This expansion reflects a broader acceptance of refurbished electronics by consumers, indicating a market shift towards sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Reports stated that 2025 demonstrated the significant potential in the smartphone recommerce space. Experts emphasized that consumer willingness to sell and the confidence to consider refurbished products are crucial factors driving market growth. The transition towards accepting refurbished devices as a viable choice highlights changing consumer attitudes towards electronic purchases.

Overall, Apple’s iPhone continues to be a leader in both the new and refurbished smartphone markets in India, with a clear trend towards higher expenditure among consumers looking for quality devices at competitive prices. The evolving landscape indicates a promising future for refurbished products across various categories in the electronics market.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share