A Look Ahead: 2023 Cell Phone Repair Industry Trends

Cell phone repair services are taken advantage of each and every day by individuals worldwide. A quick drop of your smartphone can shatter a screen and ruin your day, while an unexpected battery issue can do the same.

Phonefix helps customers with a wide variety of repairs tools and replacements. The team of dedicated technicians offer tools for  customers with quick fixes and major repairs, all over the nation. Here are some industry trends that we have identified that should be noted in 2023.

What is the main activity in the smartphone repair market?

“Screen Repair and Replacement is the major activity conducted in the Smartphone Repair market.”

Based on activity type, the global Smartphone Repair market is bifurcated into Screen Repair and Replacement, Battery Repair and Replacement, Button and Jack Repair and Replacement, Camera and sensor repair and replacement and Others (Software related).

Currently, Screen Repair and Replacement segment dominates the market, with more than 61% share in 2020. The Square Trade survey, stated that as many as 66% of consumers damaged their devices over the past year, including cracks, scratches, and damaged batteries.

 What is the most repaired device in this industry?

 The most repaired device in this industry is the iPhone and iPad. Used Apple products have more value than any other brand company.

Because one can sell repaired Apple products for 6 times the price of other brands. One can get about 50% of their original value in the first re-sold transaction. (Experimac)

Which country dominates the smartphone repair market?

“Asia-Pacific dominates the Smartphone Repair Market, accounting for 72.9% share in 2020.”

For a better understanding of the overall demand and penetration of smartphone repair related business, a detailed analysis was conducted for the major region/country including North America (US, Canada, Rest of North America); Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Poland, Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (China, India, South Korea, Rest of APAC) and Rest of the World.

Who dominates the smartphone repair market?

“Company operated Service center dominates the smartphone repair market in terms of value.”

Based on the business type, the global Smartphone Repair market is segmented into Brick-and-mortar stores and Company operated Service center.

Company operated Service center charge almost double the charge for repairing smartphone, compared to what is charged by Brick-and-mortar stores. In terms of volume Brick-and-mortar stores perform more smartphone repair related activity.

China and India lead the smartphone adoption globally, owing to high population growth paired with rising disposable income and emergence of low-cost Chinese smartphone brands.

What is the most common repair industry in the US in 2023?

“Currently Hardware component segment dominates the Smartphone repair market with more than 90% share in 2020.”

Based on component, the Smartphone Repair Market is bifurcated into Software and Hardware. Currently, hardware segment dominates the market, and is expected to remain dominant during the analyzed period.

As per Urgagdgetdotors, 30% of Americans have cracked their phone screen in 2019. Cracked screen is the most common repair work in this industry. Approximately 50 million cracked and smashed phones are repaired every year in the US.

Where are cell phone repair shops located in US?

About $4 billion in revenues is generated by the cell phone repair industry in the United States each year. Since 2012, the industry has been growing at an annual average rate of 5.5%.

Over 8,000 businesses are currently active in the industry, providing employment opportunities for about 23,000 people.

The highest levels of industry activity happen in the southeast U.S., where 31% of current businesses currently operate.

In comparison, just 14% of cell phone repair shops are located in the western United States, though California is responsible for 10% of all industry establishments on its own.

How many iPhone users need to repair the cracked screen of their phone at least once while using the device?

 About 1 in 4 iPhone users need to repair the cracked screen of their phone at least once while using the device. About 50% of US consumers own at least one product of the Apple brand. 

This industry not only repairs phones but also sells defensive products like different phone accessories, screen protectors, and other related products that prevent damage to the phone in case of dropping from hand or other reasons. Around 60% of cell phone repair shops do this job. (Experimac)

How much does it cost to become a cell phone repairman?

A simple class or basic certification is often the only thing that is required to enter the cell phone repair industry. Most courses are 3-5 days in length and cost $1,500 or less. (Flipsy)

What is the biggest opportunity for growth in the Cell Phone Repair industry in the US?

Growing demand for mobile internet access drives demand for cell phone repairs, because internet-enabled smartphones are more expensive than basic-feature phones and are, therefore, more likely to be repaired instead of replaced.

Smartphones also have fragile touchscreens and other breakable parts that facilitate more repair services.

Top 10 Competitive Players

Some of the major players operating in the market include Apple inc., Best Buy Co. Inc., Cell Phone Repair Franchise Systems Inc., Square Trade, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, HTC Corporation, uBreakiFix, Staymobile, Motorola.

The industry has witnessed emergence of several small and big phone repair start-ups who are coming up with innovative ideas to repair phone at low price range.