"Apple leads the pack of major phone-makers in sustainability, globally. Regular communication of their environmental metrics, their drive to produce carbon-neutral products and growing numbers in supplier commitments are all efforts that deserve acknowledgement. The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is arguably the most environmentally friendly option as it is the most common secondhand model available. Above all, repair and reuse are more environmentally friendly than buying a newly manufactured model. From TechAdvisor.com: According to the company’s 2024 environmental progress report, it’s the first generation of iPhone with 100% recycled cobalt in their batteries and 25% recycled gold across device circuitry; up from just 4% with the previous generation. Apple also made mention at launch that the iPhone 15 Pro’s new internal structure means it’s easier to repair damaged back glass, while the design also makes such a repair 60% cheaper.
However, these green initiatives, while significant, are juxtaposed against Apple's aggressive product launch cycle, raising doubts about the company's motives and sincerity toward the cause, and whether it's as environmentally friendly as it continues to boast. With each new iPhone release, tens of millions of people around the world are enticed to upgrade, even if the changes are relatively minor."
For anyone prioritizing eco-friendliness over de-Googleization, check out the Nothing Phone (2a) which employs green manufacturing practices, with bio-based and recycled materials at use in at least 50% of its fundamental parts, 100% recycled aluminium across the mid-frame, power and volume buttons, predominantly recycled tin and copper across numerous circuit boards, and even repurposes scraps. Other high-ranking eco-friendly phones include the Nokia G22 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.