Why iPhones Dominate the Second-Hand Market

Apple continues to dominate the refurbished smartphone market in France, leveraging a combination of hardware durability and long-term software support to maintain a lead over Android competitors. According to data from iPhon.fr, the company captures 58% of the global refurbished market, a figure provided by Counterpoint.

The second-hand market has become a cornerstone of mobile consumption in France. A 2026 study by Kantar Insights, part of the Baromètre Recommerce, reveals that 22% of smartphones used daily in France are devices from the second-hand market. The sector represented a value of 1.8 billion euros in 2025.

Consumer adoption of pre-owned devices is widespread. The Kantar Insights study found that one in two French people have purchased a second-hand smartphone. 39% of French consumers have utilized professional refurbishment companies to prepare their devices before purchase and 51% plan to buy their next smartphone through a professional refurbisher.

Drivers of iPhone Dominance

Apple’s success in the secondary market is attributed to two primary factors: build quality and product longevity. Users frequently cite the quality of iPhone cameras, battery autonomy, and the overall user experience provided by the iOS operating system as key reasons for choosing refurbished Apple devices.

Longevity is reinforced by Apple’s software update cycle. Research from TrendForce indicates that iOS update support can extend up to 6 years, significantly reducing the risk for second-hand buyers that their device will quickly become obsolete. This support ensures that iPhones remain functional and aesthetically current even two or three years after their initial commercial release.

Recent trends also show a shift in consumer preference toward newer refurbished models. Reporting from Retech Days News on December 18, 2025, noted that buyers are increasingly preferring the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 over older versions, suggesting that consumers are prioritizing up-to-date technology over the lowest possible price point.

Consumer Motivations and Market Trends

While brand equity is strong, the primary driver for the refurbished market remains economic. Data from Recommerce published on February 18, 2025, identifies price as the main purchase driver for 72% of respondents. Environmental concerns follow, with 36% of respondents citing ecological reasons for choosing refurbished hardware.

This trend is particularly pronounced among younger demographics. Recommerce reports that 60% of individuals aged 16 to 34 are considering the purchase of a refurbished smartphone, reflecting a generational shift toward the circular economy.

The European market as a whole shows similar patterns, with refurbished devices representing 18% of the overall market. In Europe, 33% of surveyed consumers have already bought a second-hand smartphone, and 55% expressed a desire to do so in the coming years.

Institutionalization of Refurbishment

Apple has increasingly integrated the secondary market into its own business strategy. In February 2026, Apple began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models in several markets, including France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. These devices are offered at discounts ranging from 12% to 22% compared to original retail pricing.

This move toward OEM-led refurbishment is mirrored by competitors. In January 2026, Samsung expanded its Certified Re-Newed program to France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, starting with the Galaxy S25 series. This indicates a broader industry shift where manufacturers are attempting to capture more value from the secondary market by providing official warranties and quality certifications.

Despite the growth of Android alternatives, such as the Samsung Galaxy A54, which has become more common in popular refurbished listings, Apple’s premium margins and brand recognition continue to make the iPhone the benchmark for the French second-hand market.