Consumers Trade Up for AI: Assurant Reports Record $1.59 Billion Returned in Third Quarter Through Mobile Trade-In Programs

Key Terms

ai-enabled devices technical

AI-enabled devices are tools or gadgets that use artificial intelligence to perform tasks, make decisions, or improve their functions automatically. They can learn from experience and adapt to new information, much like how a person might learn and get better at a skill. For investors, these devices can enhance efficiency and innovation across many industries, potentially creating new opportunities and changing how businesses operate.

secondary market financial

The secondary market is where investors buy and sell financial assets, such as stocks or bonds, after they have been initially issued. It functions like a marketplace where ownership changes hands, allowing investors to cash out or acquire investments more easily. This market provides liquidity, making it easier for people to turn their investments into cash or find new opportunities.

5g devices technical

5G devices are electronic gadgets, such as smartphones and tablets, that are capable of connecting to the fifth generation of wireless networks. They enable faster internet speeds and more reliable connections, allowing for smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and improved online experiences. For investors, the growth of 5G devices indicates increased demand for advanced technology, which can boost companies involved in manufacturing and supporting 5G infrastructure.

circular device ecosystem technical

A circular device ecosystem is a system where electronic devices are designed for reuse, repair, and recycling rather than being discarded after use. It creates a continuous flow of materials and components, reducing waste and conserving resources. For investors, this approach can signal sustainable growth opportunities and long-term resilience in the technology and environmental sectors.

46 Percent Growth Year-Over-Year Driven by Accelerated Adoption of AI-Enabled Devices and Expansion of the Secondary Market

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ), a premier global protection company that safeguards and services connected devices, homes, and automobiles in partnership with the world’s leading brands, today released findings from its Q3 Mobile Trade-In and Upgrade Industry Trends Report, revealing that trade-in programs surged as consumers embraced devices with more personalized AI capabilities. This marks the third consecutive record-breaking quarter, as consumers received a record $1.59 billion in value through mobile device trade-in, a 46 percent year-over-year increase, and a 19 percent rise over Q2 2025.

The record growth in value and the decline in average device age supports Assurant’s earlier forecast that consumers would accelerate adoption of newly released smartphones with personalized, functional AI capabilities. With major carriers reporting increased global shipments of flagship devices in the third quarter, newer, high-value devices are entering the trade-in ecosystem, advancing growth in the secondary market.

“This year is shaping up to break records for total value returned to consumers through trade-in programs,” said Biju Nair, EVP & President, Global Connected Living at Assurant. “Consumers are trading in later-generation devices earlier to access AI-enabled features, and their embrace of more personalized experiences that newer devices deliver is powering a rapidly growing secondary market. This has created a ripple effect for affordability and sustainability as an influx of higher value devices are re-entering the ecosystem and are beginning to drive some additional emerging trends which we hope to report on in the next quarter.”

Year-to-date, trade-in programs have returned a total of $4.17 billion in value to consumers, representing a 54 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, and are on track to surpass last year’s record total of $4.5 billion.

Additional Q3 Highlights:

• 5G devices dominate: For the fifth straight quarter, Apple’s iPhone 13 and Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G were the brands’ most frequently turned-in devices from trade-in and upgrade programs. For the first time, all top-five models were 5G-enabled devices.
• Shift toward newer models: All top-five trade-ins came from the iPhone 13 and 14 generations for the first time, replacing older models like the iPhone 11 and 12, which had ranked in the top five since 2021 and 2022, respectively.
• Circular economy impact: As more advanced 5G devices with better processors, cameras, and batteries enter the secondary market, higher-value inventory is fueling growth of the circular device ecosystem.

The Assurant Mobile Trade-In and Upgrade Industry Trends Report provides insights into the state of the secondary device market, including trends that are delivering record value to consumers, according to Assurant and industry data. The full Q3 2025 report is available for download here.

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About Assurant
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) is a premier global protection company that partners with the world’s leading brands to safeguard and service connected devices, homes, and automobiles. As a Fortune 500 company operating in 21 countries, Assurant leverages data-driven technology solutions to provide exceptional customer experiences. Learn more at assurant.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251204879367/en/

Media Contact:

Louis Masses

Director, Connected Living Communications

Louis.masses@assurant.com

Source: Assurant, Inc.