#United States #Las Vegas #Back Market #CES 2026 #right to repair

Back Market Challenges America's Fast Tech Model at CES 2026

At CES 2026, Back Market, the premier marketplace for refurbished technology, ignited a vital conversation focused not on the latest gadgets but on the repercussions of America's relentless pursuit of device upgrades. The event entitled The Slow Tech Awakening, drawn a large crowd in downtown Las Vegas, featured influential voices from various fields, including academia, repair advocacy, and media, advocating for a shift towards longer-lasting, easily repairable devices.

Historically, CES has been synonymous with rapid technological advancement and frequent product replacements. However, the panel of experts courageously pointed out that the trends of short device lifespans and mandatory upgrades are not mere consumer preferences; rather, they stem from deep structural flaws embedded in the U.S. tech ecosystem. During a session aptly named Enough Already!! How America Got Trapped in the Upgrade Economy and What Comes Next, speakers traced the evolvement of U.S. tech culture characterized by speed and disposability, addressing how this model is increasingly being scrutinized by consumers, regulators, and environmental advocates alike.

The panelists challenged the notion that quick device replacement was a necessity, instead citing specific decisions made in design, software limitations, and market incentives that fundamentally curtail the longevity of electronic devices. They noted that while other regions are pushing initiatives for repairability and sustainability in technology, the U.S. remains trapped in a situation where forced obsolescence appears to be the industry norm.

Design Choices Behind Obsolescence

Elizabeth Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability at iFixit, delivered a striking remark: "If repair isn't considered during design, the device is effectively disposable from day one," highlighting how repairability aspects are often ignored from the outset. Emphasizing the growing movement backing the Right to Repair, she noted promising developments, with seven states having enacted such legislation and numerous states actively proposing or introducing similar measures.

According to Sandra Goldmark, a professor at the Columbia Climate School, extending the lifespan of electronic devices can yield significant and rapid climate benefits. She emphasized that the current economic model, where only 7% is based on circular principles, cannot meet the existing climate goals unless serious efforts are made to enhance repair, reuse, and refurbishment avenues. "The goal shouldn't just be about periodically releasing newer models; rather, it should involve maximizing the functionality of current devices," Goldmark advised.

The CMO of Back Market, Joy Howard, also touched on the emotional and financial toll of the continuous upgrade cycle. She stated, "People are waking up to the reality that the upgrade cycle delivers frustration, not progress," pointing out how Back Market's impressive valuations illustrate a substantial market demand for durable and repairable electronics, calling it a trend that is just beginning to take hold amongst American consumers.

Shifting Industry Perspectives

Molly Wood, a journalist and investor, provided a critical analysis regarding CES's narrative power, articulating, "What is presented as 'next' on the CES show floor not only predicts the future but often shapes it, dictating funding and development without consideration for long-term consumer interests." Wood expressed disappointment over the lack of substantial sustainability initiatives at the event and urged the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) to seriously embrace Right to Repair initiatives leading up to CES 2027.

Throughout the discussions, speakers illuminated the economic advantages of embracing a circular technology model. Repair and refurbishment can create local jobs while also alleviating dependence on resource extraction, fostering long-term customer relationships. As part of this shift, many panelists advocated for establishing the ambitious benchmark of a ten-year smartphone lifespan.

The conclusion resonated with a shared understanding that genuine change will necessitate external influences, including robust Right to Repair legislation, comprehensive producer responsibility initiatives, mandates for recycled content, and a consumer push towards products built to last. Thibaud Hug de Larauze, CEO of Back Market, reiterated, "Americans have been conditioned to believe that quicker upgrades or trendy products signify superior technology, but the tides are changing. Our message is clear: durability and repairability represent the future of personal technology."

Cultural Responsibility and Awareness

Capping off the event, the premiere of the documentary Dandora, which chronicles the life cycle of discarded electronics sent to one of the world’s largest e-waste sites in Kenya, emphasized the urgent realities resulting from short product lifespans and limited repair opportunities. Back Market, in collaboration with iFixit, also engaged CES participants by enabling them to vote live for the People's Choice category at iFixit's annual Worst in Show Awards, allowing them to spotlight products that lack repairability.

Ultimately, Back Market's actions at CES displayed a significant challenge to the prevailing tech mindset, gracefully suggesting the urgency for better-performing, long-lasting devices. The shift from a fast-tech narrative toward a more responsible tech culture is needed not just for environmental sustainability, but for the consumers’ financial health and technological trust as well. For more information on repair rights and stepping off the upgrade treadmill, visit Back Market's dedicated page.

About Back Market

Founded in Paris in 2014, Back Market is a leader in refurbished technology, committed to prolonging the lifespan of electronic devices and contributing to a circular economy. The marketplace has seen exponential growth, helping avoid over 2 billion kilograms of carbon emissions while now serving 17 million customers across 17 markets.