Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) reported that consumers received $1.63 billion in value through mobile trade-in programs in the first quarter of 2026, a 31% increase from the same period in 2025, according to the company's Q1 2026 Mobile Trade-In and Upgrade Industry Trends Report.

The first quarter of 2026 was described as the most active on record based on the volume of devices traded in and total value returned to consumers.

The average age of traded-in devices held steady at 3.81 years in Q1 2026, compared with 3.83 years for full-year 2025. The iPhone 13 was the most traded-in Apple model, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra led among Android devices.

The report noted that devices maintained in better condition through protection plans can qualify for trade-in values up to 50% higher than those with excessive wear or damage.

"As smartphone prices continue to rise, consumers are looking for smarter ways to manage upgrade costs – and trade-ins, especially when paired with protection, are playing a bigger role," said Biju Nair, EVP and President, Global Connected Living at Assurant.

The report also cited growing demand for refurbished smartphones as a factor supporting trade-in program values, with trade-ins supplying inventory for the pre-owned device market.