Globally rapid smartphone upgrades among their users and a rising trend of smartphone accessory upgrades among teens and young adults are being observed. This rapid turnover of smartphones and accessories, particularly among teens and young adults, raises significant environmental, social and economic concerns. This paper explores the driving forces behind this trend, exploring the complex interplay of psychological factors, technological advancements and societal influences. It examines the cascading impacts of frequent upgrades, including the generation of e-waste, depletion of resources, the financial burden on middle-class and lower-income groups, and potential negative social consequences for teens and young adults. Recognising the urgency for change, the paper explores the concept of user-centred resilience design as a potential solution. It analyses the benefits of modularity, repairability, extended lifespans and sustainable materials in mitigating the environmental and economic harm associated with frequent phone replacement. Finally, the paper offers recommendations for fostering policy changes and individual behaviour modifications that encourage responsible consumption and support the adoption of sustainable design principles in the smartphone market. This research aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the social, economic and environmental costs of frequent phone upgrades while advocating for a shift towards a more responsible and sustainable future for mobile technology.