So, based on industry estimates and historic iPhone sales, we expect about 8 million new iPhones to be sold this weekend. Apple says they have already secured 2 million pre-orders which is double the amount for the iPhone 4S.
The launch, however, is not the only thing to keep your eye on. Here at Bamboo we are anxious to see how many folks capitalize on the lucrative offers in the market for gently-used devices (especially used iPhones--an iPhone 4 S can fetch up to $400 in gift card or cash incentives). Based on our primary research and other sources, we predict over 1.4 million used devices will be sold back over the weekend, which is a large increase (200%) from the last launch.
Source: Bamboo Mobile, 2012
While we do understand that some end users will keep and repurpose their old devices (especially iPhones), we expect a large boost in devices sold back to carriers, vendors and others since the last iPhone launch due, in part, to the proliferation of buyback vendors, increased awareness in programs that provide decent incentives and the fact that many users will be deactivating gently used devices that still have value and the ability to be resold. With that said, let the lines form and the iPhones fly off the shelf.
Also, don't forget to check out our Used Device Value Index to find out more about program vendors and how they stack up against each other in payouts.
Note: Here at Bamboo Mobile we will be offering insight into the reuse and recycling market, including tracking results, providing context, and analyzing the impact...one gently-used device at a time.
Kate Pearce is a Research Strategist and Sr. Consultant at Compass Intelligence where she participates in custom consulting projects and develops content for the device reuse and recycling subscriptions and other device-related research.