India, June 26 -- If you see your friend flaunting a new iPhone then chances are that he could only afford it after selling the older model. According to the latest data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), nearly half (49%) of iPhone buyers in the past year either sold or traded in their previous device - a notable increase from 43% in 2020. The trend reflects how much easier - and potentially more worthwhile - it has become to part with an older phone when upgrading. In other words, holding onto an older iPhone makes little sense for most buyers these days.

The report also highlights that mobile carriers have improved their trade-in offers, aiming to retain existing customers and attract new ones. At the same time, thir...