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- According to the WOM Dataholics report, users are leaning toward analog audio technology. Likewise, people are spending 30% more on their smartphones, which has extended the device replacement cycle to up to 36 months.
Santiago, July 2026.— A generational response or simply a passing trend? Wired headphones are back, and they are no longer worn exclusively by fashion influencers. According to the latest WOM Dataholics analysis, sales of these devices doubled during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year, driven by nostalgia for analog technology and a desire for practical convenience.
The company explains the trend as follows: “On one hand, many users are indeed looking for the reliability of not depending on a battery and the peace of mind that comes with not losing them easily. However, we are also witnessing a very interesting cultural phenomenon driven by younger generations, where wired headphones have become an aesthetic accessory. This combination of functionality and fashion has directly impacted our figures,” says Felipe Ayala, Devices Manager at WOM.
With the widespread adoption of Type-C ports across most devices on the market and the continued relevance of the Lightning connector (compatible with iPhone 14 models and earlier), the practical value of this accessory has once again established it as an essential item. “The demand is so clear that for this second half of the year, we are already planning to add a new wired alternative to our portfolio to keep expanding options for our customers,” Ayala adds.
This shift in consumer habits shows that users are looking to expand their digital ecosystem. In this context, the combination of utility and style is not exclusive to wired headphones: wearables are also consolidating their position. According to the report, mid-range models from Huawei and Xiaomi are customer favorites. “We’ve noticed that customers are no longer just looking for a phone, but a complete technological solution. That’s why we enhance this experience by boosting our ecosystem offerings across Audio, Wearables, Power, Tablets, and Gaming. Added to this is our strong commitment to Smart Home alongside Xiaomi, offering everything from smart locks and security cameras to robot vacuums, projectors, and smart pet products—allowing customers to find everything at WOM, from smartphones to full home automation,” Ayala explains.
The surge in these devices demonstrates that people are seeking comprehensive tech solutions, yet the mobile phone remains the undisputed core of this ecosystem, with average sales reaching 6.5 million units annually nationwide. This importance has transformed purchasing dynamics in 2026. WOM’s report highlights a major shift in trends: while retail channels have experienced a drop of around 20% according to GfK data, telecom operators continue to solidify their role as the primary purchase channel for consumers.
“The smartphone has become such a central tool in our daily lives that we see a greater willingness among users to dedicate a larger budget to the technology that accompanies them. This is reflected in a 30% growth in customer investment when acquiring their mobile devices,” states Ayala.
The maturity of the Chilean market is reshaping device upgrade timelines. In Chile, the smartphone replacement cycle has gradually extended to an average of 24 to 36 months. WOM explains that this responds to much more deliberate purchasing behavior: by making a larger initial investment in their phones, users choose to keep their devices for longer periods, maximizing their lifespan before making the next technological leap.
Top user-preferred phones and accessories, according to WOM’s ranking:
| Ranking | Category | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wearables | Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active |
| 2 | Wearables | Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite |
| 3 | Wearables | Huawei Watch Fit 4 |
| 4 | Wearables | Huawei Watch GT 6 41mm Purple |
| Ranking | Category | Model |
| 1 | Audífonos | Apple Audifono EarPods USB C |
| 2 | Audífonos | Apple Audifono EarPods Lightning |
| 3 | Audífonos | Xiaomi Redmi Buds 8 Active |
| 4 | Audífonos | Sony Audifonos True Wireless WF C510 |
| 5 | Audífonos | Sony Audifonos Headphones WH CH520 |
| Ranking | Brand | Model |
| 1 | Motorola | Motorola Moto G35 5G 256GB |
| 2 | Xiaomi | Xiaomi Redmi 15 5G 256GB |
| 3 | Motorola | Motorola Moto G56 5G 256GB |
| 4 | Honor | Honor 400 Smart 5G 256GB |
| 5 | Xiaomi | Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G 256GB |
| 6 | Xiaomi | Xiaomi Redmi 15C 5G 256GB |
| 7 | Samsung | Samsung Galaxy A26 5G 128GB |
| 8 | Xiaomi | Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G 512GB |
| 9 | Apple | Apple iPhone 15 5G 128GB |
| 10 | Honor | Honor X5c 4G 128GB |
