Americans Hold Onto Phones Longer, iPhone 13 Still Dominates Trade-Ins

According to the numbers from Q1 2025, Apple’s iPhone 13 is once again the most traded-in device in the United States. This marks the third consecutive month in which the iPhone 13 has topped the charts.

Smartphones have become an integral part of modern everyday life. People rely on them, not only for communication but for everything from banking and online shopping to navigating and booking hotel stays.

Not only this but they've become one of the most essential tools for work. Professionals across all industries use them to communicate with their colleagues, manage tasks, and respond to emails. They also keep most of their work-related files on cloud storage and access it on the go.

Smartphones are also one of the most common devices used for entertainment. New games are being released every day, and many of them are tailored for mobile users. International sites for casino-style gaming are becoming increasingly popular as they offer real-money games that can be played anytime and from anywhere.

With people getting that much out of their devices, they’re finding fewer reasons to upgrade as frequently as they once did. Although iPhones and other smartphones are getting more advanced with each release, users don’t see these improvements as essential to their day-to-day needs.

This is best reflected in the data from Q1 2025, which suggests that the average iPhone being traded is now 3.79 years old. Android users are holding onto their devices slightly longer, at 3.93 years.

These are the highest trade-in ages ever recorded, and they show how consumers are now making their devices last. This trend also aligns with improved hardware durability and longer software support cycles, especially among Apple and top Android brands.

The data also shows that, for the third quarter in a row, the iPhone 13 has led all smartphones in trade-in volume. This only shows its staying power in an overcrowded market.

It also signals that many iPhone 13 owners are now reaching the natural end of their upgrading cycle, especially those who bought it in 2021 when the model was first released by Apple.

Four of the five most traded-in devices in Q1 2025 supported 5G. The iPhone 11 was the sole 4G device to rank among the top five.

When it comes to the most traded-in Android devices, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has led the numbers for the third straight quarter. It has also been the third most-turned-in device overall in Q1 2025.

While Americans are holding onto their smartphones longer, upcoming advancements, especially in AI, could soon change that. Both Apple and Samsung are already investing heavily in their AI-driven functionalities, and there’s no doubt they’ll be the key features of their next flagship releases. According to projections, the number of AI-enabled smartphones is set to reach 125.52 million units by 2030.

As technology continues to evolve, so will the user expectations. Whether driven by convenience, innovation, or necessity, the next wave of upgrades may depend less on hardware and more on intelligent features that truly enhance their everyday life.