Let’s face it - most of our digital lives are on our phones, putting ourselves at a great deal of risk when it comes to cybersecurity. You would think that this would lead us to better phone safety habits, but this is not always the case. Many people, in a rush to get the latest new smartphone, might set themselves at risk leaving themselves open to cybersecurity threats with information left on their old phone.
Don’t worry, there is hope - welcome to the phone repair economy. Let’s break it down by the numbers: in 2021, Americans are expected to spend $4 billion on phone repairs. That number seems like a lot until you consider that $59 billion will be spent on new phones. Despite the wide disparity, phone repairs are steadily increasing in popularity. A growing number of Americans are willing to get their phone fixed after it suffers small aesthetic damage.
Moreover, Americans are slowing down in the purchase of new smartphones. In 2016, Americans upgraded their phones after 23 months of holding. In 2019, they waited 33 months to upgrade. High prices are delaying new purchases while changes in carrier contracts have made 2-year upgrade cycles a thing of the past. Because Americans are keeping their phones longer, they’re more likely to see their phone break in its lifetime.
Phone damage is common. In the US, 2 smartphone screens are cracked every second. 72% of people have broken a smartphone before, and those who have previously broken a phone are twice as likely to do it again. But instead of rushing to replace a broken device,
consider fixing it instead.
Consumers typically spend less on repairs than they would on a replacement. They can keep all their files, settings, and habits without having to adjust to a new device. Important to the planet, extending a phone’s lifespan can reduce emissions and e-waste while saving energy and resources. Sustainability relies on consumers holding their products for longer amounts of time than they do currently.
Other ways to extend a phone’s lifespan is to protect it from needing repairs in the first place. Use a shock absorbent phone case to protect the phone from drop damage. Slap on a screen protector to avoid the most common type of phone damage from impacting your device. Phone repairs have the chance to benefit all users. Stay safe from cybersecurity threats and keep your old smartphone running in optimal condition.