Fairphone is experiencing significant growth in sales and shipments as consumers shift toward repairable smartphones [1, 2].
This trend indicates that long-lasting devices can succeed in a shrinking market, challenging the traditional cycle of frequent hardware ownership. It suggests a move away from the 'planned obsolescence' model used by major tech giants.
According to reports, the company has seen a growth rate between 42% and 116% [1, 2]. This surge in shipments is recorded for 2025 [2]. The growth occurs despite a general decline in overall smartphone sales across the global market [1, 2].
Fairphone's business model focuses on modularity and and the ability for users to replace parts themselves. By prioritizing repairability, the company aims to reduce electronic waste and decrease the dependency on non-repairable devices.
Industry analysts said that the growth proves that sustainable electronics are no longer a niche market. The ability for a user to fix their own device provides a level of longevity that attracts consumers who are tired of expensive replacements.
This shift in consumer behavior is happening as global regulations on the 'right to repair' laws are gaining momentum. These laws aim to force manufacturers to provide parts and manuals to consumers, which aligns with Fairphone's core philosophy of transparency and sustainability.
While major manufacturers continue to focus on on high-end specifications and annual releases, Fairphone's growth demonstrates a viable alternative to the current industry standard. The focus on longevity over frequent upgrades creates a new value proposition for the user.
“Fairphone is experiencing significant growth in sales and shipments as consumers shift toward repairable smartphones.”
The growth of Fairphone suggests a growing consumer appetite for sustainable electronics. This indicates that there is a market for devices that prioritize longevity over planned obsolescence, which may eventually force larger manufacturers to incorporate more repairable designs into their mainstream offerings to comply with evolving consumer demands and right-to-repair legislation.
