Smartphones being kept longer

More US smartphone owners are considering renting or leasing their devices as they move away from annual upgrades, according to an Allstate Protection Plans survey. Nearly half of respondents are keeping their devices for at least three years, with durability, battery life and value driving purchase decisions, surpassing price.

Karl Wiley, Global President and CEO of Allstate Protection Plans, said consumers are taking a more thoughtful approach to smartphone ownership and remain unsure about how to recycle devices responsibly. “This is why we’re seeing growing interest in leasing and Device-as-a-Service models across the globe, which integrate repair, recycling, and end-of-life management directly into the ownership experience.”