24% annual jump in sales of basic phones recorded by buy now pay later provider

Nearly two-thirds of parents whose child already has a smartphone have considered technology to limit their child’s access to social media and the internet, a survey for Clearpay indicated (Alamy/PA) -

Sales of basic mobile phones which help people to digitally “detox” have jumped over the past year, according to a buy now pay later provider.

Clearpay said it recorded a 24% increase in the volume of “dumbphone” sales in the 12 months to June 12 2026, compared with the 12 months to June 12 2025.