Do your really need the iPhone 17?
- Stop Trafficking
- Sep 14
- 2 min read

With Apple’s latest device, the iPhone 17, now on the market, many consumers will be considering an upgrade. But campaigners and analysts are asking whether constant upgrades are truly necessary — and at what cost.
While new features and faster processors may be appealing, critics say that replacing a working phone every one or two years contributes to unnecessary consumerism and mounting electronic waste.
There is also the human cost. Much of the cobalt used in smartphone batteries comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about children working in dangerous mines, exposed to toxic dust and unsafe conditions in order to supply the global demand for new devices.
“Every time a consumer replaces a perfectly good phone, it increases the demand for minerals mined in some of the harshest conditions on earth,” said Sarah Greenfield from the NGO Tech Justice. “Children in Congo are paying the price for our obsession with the latest gadgets.”
Environmental experts echo the concerns. “The carbon footprint of manufacturing new smartphones is substantial,” explained Dr James Patel, a researcher on sustainable technology. “Refurbished devices not only reduce e-waste but also cut down the need for fresh raw materials.”
Refurbished phones, campaigners argue, provide a more sustainable alternative. They are often significantly cheaper than new models, extend the life cycle of existing devices, and reduce pressure on mining supply chains.
For many consumers, the decision comes down to habit rather than necessity. If your phone is not damaged or outdated, experts say there is little practical reason to upgrade. Choosing to delay a purchase or buy refurbished is, for some, both a financial and ethical choice — and one that may ease the burden on children in Congo working at the sharp end of the supply chain.
By Capt Ali Javef
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