Refurbished Smartphone Display Shipments Surpass New Phone Demand in 2026

Refurbished phones are used smartphones that get fixed up and sold again, usually for less money.

In early 2026, something new happened: more phone screens were shipped to the people who fix up old phones than to the companies that make brand-new phones.

This was the first time that had ever happened.

A research group called Omdia counted the screens.

It found that screen shipments for refurbished phones grew by 20 percent compared with a year earlier.

This happened partly because parts for new phones got more expensive, so phone companies are making fewer new phones.

The factories that make screens can't just shut down, so they send their extra screens to repair and refurbishing shops instead.

Making old phones new again is also costing more because parts like batteries and cameras are pricier.

But experts say fixing old phones is still a good way to give people cheaper phones and keep useful devices out of the trash.