The Booming Cell Phone Repair Industry: Statistics, Trends, and Future Prospects

The smartphone is no longer a luxury or a fashion item, but rather a part of our everyday lives. From morning till night, we use it to check the weather before going outside, follow our daily routine, contact friends and family, access the internet, and so on. Unfortunately, we only truly understand how important it is when it breaks or shows faulty results.

In recent years, the cell phone repair industry has seen unprecedented growth. This is primarily due to the increasing number of smartphone users worldwide and the rising cost of the latest devices. In this article, we will explore the current trends and statistics in the cell phone repair industry and its future prospects.

Smartphone Statistics You Must Know

In an effort to find out interesting statistics about the smartphone, REWA Tech discovered the following.

• 85% of Americans own a smartphone, while Nigeria has the lowest ownership rate at 19.7%.
• Global smartphone users are expected to reach 6.8 billion in 2023, a 4.2% increase from 2022.
• The average smartphone adoption rate over the past five years is 5%.
• China has the highest number of smartphone users.
• People spend an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phones each day.
• Average smartphone usage is 3 hours and 15 minutes per day
• Filipinos spend the highest average time on their smartphones, while the Japanese spend less time.
• Android is the most used operating system.
• Apple and Samsung are the most popular phone brands.

The Growth of the Cell Phone Repair Industry

The cell phone repair industry has been on an upward trend for the past few years, driven by the increasing popularity of smartphones. According to research, annual spending on new smartphone hardware currently exceeds 370 billion US dollars. Furthermore, the global cell phone repair industry is expected to reach $210 billion by 2023. This is primarily due to the rising number of smartphone users and the high cost of new smartphones.

With smartphones becoming more expensive, many users are opting to repair their devices instead of replacing them. Additionally, the increasing number of smartphone users worldwide has contributed to the growth of the repair industry, as more people seek out repair services for their devices.

Trends in the Cell Phone Repair Industry

The cell phone repair industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, primarily due to advancements in smartphone technology. Some of the current trends in the cell phone repair industry include:

• Increased complexity of smartphone technology: As smartphones become more complex, it has become more challenging to repair them. This trend has led to the emergence of specialized repair technicians who are trained to handle complex repairs.
• Growing demand for same-day repair services: With the increasing reliance on smartphones, customers are looking for quick and efficient repair services. This trend has led to the emergence of same-day repair services, which are becoming increasingly popular among customers.
• Increased competition from manufacturers: Smartphone manufacturers are now offering repair services, which is putting pressure on independent repair businesses. To remain competitive, cell phone repair businesses will need to offer high-quality services at competitive prices.
• Samsung Patent Suit: Samsung filed a lawsuit to prevent imports of non-Samsung OLED phone screens. This could put independent phone repair shops out of business by preventing the import of replacement screens from offshore regions like China.

The Future of the Cell Phone Repair Industry

In 2021, Apple launched a self-service program that allows you to fix or repair your iPhone yourself. Following this, other cell phone brands are also seeking to expand their self-service programs. For example, earlier this year Nokia partnered with iFixit, and Samsung is also planning to launch a self-repair program, but only in India for now. However, the main problem is that in most cases, it becomes more expensive than buying a new phone. Therefore, there is no doubt that individual users will find a technician or repair shop to fix or repair their cell phone issues.

Unfortunately, most manufacturers make their devices so complex that only technicians can fix or repair them. Some companies even produce non-repairable products, but the good news is that governments in many countries are trying to regulate this by making products more repairable to reduce electronic waste. New York passed a right-to-repair bill in December, and many other US states and EU countries are also considering passing similar laws. The benefits of this will largely go to repair shops, which will create more investment in this field.

According to Statista, the number of people who own cell phones worldwide has exceeded 6.5 billion, and the number is expected to increase to 7.6 billion by 2027. Since the advent of the cell phone, the phone repair market has been growing every year. It is likely that the demand for repair services will continue to rise as smartphones and other mobile devices become more popular.

Market Insights published a research in 2021, which claimed the value of the smartphone repair market was $185 billion. And it is expected to grow to over $260 billion by 2026. This is a clear indication of the growth of the cell phone repair industry.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Is the Cell Phone Repair Business Profitable?

A1: Currently, the mobile phone repair industry in the United States is valued at $4 billion, which is expected to continue growing. The average cell phone repair business earns between $50,000 and $80,000 per year, with growth potential increasing as the business expands.

Q2: What are the Most Common Cell Phone Repairs?

A2: The most common cell phone repairs include screen replacement, battery replacement, water damage repair, charging port replacement or swaps, and camera replacement.

Q3: How much does it cost to repair a smartphone?

A3: The cost of repairing a smartphone varies depending on the severity of the damage, the model of the device, the location, and the technician. An average smartphone repair is estimated to cost between $50 and $400. It is always recommended that you discuss the repair price before performing the repair.

Q4: Can I repair my smartphone myself?

A5: While it's possible to carry out certain smartphone repairs at home with the help of our step-by-step video guide, we strongly recommend that you seek assistance from a professional technician due to the inherent risks involved. Attempting to fix your smartphone on your own can potentially result in further damage and may even void your warranty.

Q6: How long does it take to repair a smartphone?

A6: The repair time for a smartphone can vary depending on several factors, such as the specific issue with the device, the availability of replacement parts, and the expertise of the technician performing the repair. Some repairs may take just a few hours, while others may take several days. It's advisable to consult with a qualified technician for a more accurate estimate of the repair time for your particular smartphone issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cell phone repair industry is a growing market with promising future prospects. The industry has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing popularity of smartphones and the high cost of new devices. While the future looks promising, businesses in this industry will need to keep up with the latest trends and advancements in smartphone technology to remain competitive.

With the rapidly growing cell phone repair parts market, REWA recognizes the need to capitalize on this opportunity. In order to do so, the company plans to utilize new technologies and focus on providing exceptional customer service. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing emerging technologies, REWA aims to offer cutting-edge repair solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. 

Source:
https://www.zippia.com/advice/smartphone-usage-statistics/

https://blog.gitnux.com/cell-phone-repair-statistics/

https://explodingtopics.com/blog/smartphone-usage-stats

https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/smartphone-market-share