# Global smartphone market and refurbished device trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-smartphone-market-and-refurbished-device-trends
> Updated: 2026-09-10T03:51:18.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

The global smartphone market is seeing a significant rise in the demand for refurbished and used devices. Research from Omdia indicates that in Q1 2026, screen panel shipments for refurbished devices reached 298 million units, surpassing the 289 million units shipped for new smartphones. This trend is attributed to rising production costs for new hardware, particularly for memory components like DRAM and NAND.

In the resale market, data from Mercari shows that listings for older iPhone models typically surge following new product announcements, with volume peaking between autumn and the end of the year. Mercari’s quality-guaranteed reuse service, ‘m department’, has seen success with models such as the iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 13, and iPhone 12, as well as certain Android devices like the Google Pixel 8a and 7a.

Simultaneously, manufacturing landscapes are shifting. Google is reportedly planning to move Pixel production from China to Vietnam and India by 2027 to diversify its supply chain. Meanwhile, major manufacturers continue to iterate on new technology, such as Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series featuring improved battery efficiency.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Mercari reports surge in used iPhone listings following new model announcements

Mercari reports a fivefold surge in previous iPhone model listings following new product announcements, with its ‘m department’ service seeing high demand for affordable, certified refurbished smartphones.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mercari-reports-surge-in-used-iphone-listings-following-new-model-announcements

### 2026-08-31: Smartphone industry shifts as refurbished demand rises and manufacturing moves

The smartphone market is shifting as refurbished device panel shipments surpass new ones, Google moves Pixel production out of China, and Apple prepares the iPhone 18 Pro launch.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hisense-launches-a10-pro-and-ultra-e-ink-smartphones

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Cite as: Global smartphone market and refurbished device trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-smartphone-market-and-refurbished-device-trends