Every quarter, Assurant — the company that processes trade-ins for major U.S. carriers — publishes data on what Americans are trading in, how old their devices are, and how much value is being returned. Their Q1 2026 report just dropped, and the numbers tell a clear story: people are sitting on money in their pockets.
The Top 5 Most Traded-In Phones Are All iPhones
For the fifth consecutive quarter, the iPhone 13 is the #1 most traded-in smartphone in America — making up over 27% of all trade-ins. In fact, all five of the top traded-in devices are iPhones. Not a single Samsung, Google Pixel, or other Android device cracked the top 5.
If you have an iPhone 13, 14, or 14 Pro sitting in a drawer, you're holding one of the most in-demand trade-in devices in the country. These phones still have real value — and you'll get more selling to a local buyer than trading in at a carrier store.
How Old Is Too Old? Not as Old as You Think.
The average phone being traded in is 3.81 years old. That means people are successfully selling 3-4 year old phones for cash every day. If your phone is from 2022 or 2023, it's right in the sweet spot. Even older devices still get offers.
iPhones tend to be traded in slightly older (3.86 years vs 3.68 for Android) because they hold their value better over time. An iPhone 13 from 2021 is nearly 5 years old and still commands the #1 trade-in spot.
Average Trade-In Values: U.S. vs. the World
Here's something most people don't realize: the U.S. has the lowest average trade-in values in the world. American consumers receive an average of just $89 for Android phones and $157 for iPhones through carrier trade-in programs — significantly less than Germany ($268 for iPhones), Australia ($225), or even Canada ($133).
| Country | Android Avg | iPhone Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $188 | $268 |
| Italy | $133 | $251 |
| Australia / NZ | $147 | $225 |
| Spain | $133 | $211 |
| Asia | $133 | $202 |
| United Kingdom | $101 | $191 |
| United States | $89 | $157 |
Why so low? Carrier programs offer store credit, not cash — and they set the prices. When you sell to a local buyer through Trade Into Cash, you negotiate directly, get paid in cash, and skip the middleman entirely.
Apple Watch Trade-In Values Are Climbing
It's not just phones. Apple Watches are becoming a major trade-in category, with values ranging from $134 for a Series 10 to $329 for an Ultra 3.
If you upgraded to a new Apple Watch and your old one is in a drawer, it's worth real money. Local buyers on Trade Into Cash purchase all Apple Watch models — and you get cash, not store credit.
Carrier Trade-In vs. Selling Locally
Carrier trade-in programs are convenient, but they come with strings. Here's how they compare to selling locally through Trade Into Cash:
Carrier Trade-In
- Store credit, not cash
- Must buy a new phone from them
- Credit spread over 24-36 months
- Locked into a new contract
- Prices set by the carrier
- Wait in line at the store
Sell Locally (Trade Into Cash)
- Cash in hand, same day
- No obligation to buy anything
- Full payment immediately
- No contracts or commitments
- Negotiate your own price
- Meet at your convenience
What This Means for You
If your phone is 3-4 years old, now is the time to sell. The data shows that's exactly when most Americans trade in — and values are at their peak before the next depreciation cycle. Every quarter you wait, your device loses value.
The $1.63 billion returned to consumers in Q1 2026 proves there's massive demand for used devices. But most of that money went through carrier programs as store credit. When you sell locally, you keep the full value as cash.
Here's the bottom line: your old phone, tablet, laptop, or Apple Watch is worth money right now. Don't let it sit in a drawer losing value every month.