Refurbished iPhones Gain Popularity as Apple Adjusts Prices in India
The Indian smartphone ecosystem is undergoing a profound transformation.
Apple’s recent introduction of the iPhone 18 series, coupled with sweeping price increases across its existing lineup, has effectively positioned refurbished models as an attractive alternative for budget-conscious consumers.
Analysts suggest these price hikes, impacting both newly launched flagship devices and older models, are significantly altering consumer preferences while simultaneously driving interest in certified pre-owned products.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max, with a starting price of ₹1,79,900 for the 256GB variant, epitomizes these dramatic price adjustments.
Reports indicate that certain price increases across Apple’s product range have reached as high as 43%, propelling a broader demographic of consumers to seek economical substitutes.
This phenomenon occurs against a backdrop of a declining smartphone market in India, which saw a 10% decrease in volume year-on-year during the second quarter of 2026—a trend driven by cautious spending and escalated device costs.
The Ascendant Refurbished Market
The refurbished smartphone segment in India is witnessing an impressive expansion, with buyers eager to acquire premium features without incurring the hefty costs associated with new devices.
According to Cashify’s ‘Great Indian Upgrade 2026’ report, demand for refurbished smartphones surged by an extraordinary 30.8% in 2025.
In a continued upward trajectory, Counterpoint Research projects this market to grow by 16% in 2026, with sales already reflecting a 13% year-on-year increase in the first half of this year.
Integral to this growth is a trend towards what can be termed as ‘premiumisation’ within the refurbished market.
The proportion of refurbished smartphones priced above ₹45,000 escalated from 10.9% in 2024 to 17.4% in 2025, as reported by Cashify.
Furthermore, devices priced above ₹60,000 saw their market share nearly double, increasing from 3.4% to 6.2% within the same timeframe.
This signifies a notable willingness among buyers to invest in high-end refurbished models, seeking optimal value.
The average buyback value of smartphones also witnessed a significant upsurge, rising by 34% from ₹6,401 in 2024 to ₹8,573 in 2025.
Apple’s Preeminence in the Refurbished Sector
Apple has established a formidable presence within India’s refurbished smartphone landscape. Data from Cashify for 2025 illustrates that iPhones represented an astonishing 65.3% of refurbished smartphone sales on its platform and constituted 32.6% of total buybacks.
The iPhone 13 was the standout model, accounting for 15.5% of refurbished sales and 6.93% of overall buybacks in 2025.
Additionally, newer models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 are now permeating the secondary market, further fulfilling the demand for high-quality yet more affordable options.
According to Counterpoint Research’s data for the first half of 2026, Samsung holds the lead in the organized refurbished smartphone market with a 30% share, while Apple trails closely with a 23% stake, underscoring its substantial influence amid an expansive array of competing brands. Details on this were provided by Business Standard.
Drivers of the Refurbished Trend
This evolving trend is spurred by a confluence of compelling factors:
- Affordability: Consumers gain access to superior specifications and flagship experiences—such as those offered by the iPhone 13—at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new.
- Trust and Warranty: The emergence of organized players like Cashify, alongside initiatives such as Samsung’s ‘Certified Re-Newed’ program, helps instill buyer confidence through rigorous quality checks, authentic components, and warranties.
- Sustainability: Heightened awareness regarding environmental implications is motivating consumers to prolong the lifecycle of their devices.
- Technology Access: The refurbished market is no longer a repository for outdated technology. The proportion of 5G smartphones in refurbished sales rose dramatically from 18.4% in 2024 to 61% in 2025, indicative of the availability of cutting-edge technology.
Mandeep Manocha, Co-Founder and CEO of Cashify, articulated this shift, asserting that the industry’s forthcoming phase of growth will hinge on enhancing value throughout the lifecycle of devices, with trade-ins and certified refurbished models widening access to premier technology.
As smartphone prices continue their upward trajectory—especially in entry-level and mid-range categories—the allure of a meticulously vetted, warranted refurbished iPhone at a more enticing price is poised to further captivate Indian consumers.
Source link: Latestly.com.
