Dutch University Ditches iPhones for Sustainable Fairphones in Cost-Cutting Move
Nijmegen, Monday, 19 January 2026.
Radboud University becomes the first major institution to standardize on Fairphones, citing both environmental and financial benefits. Starting February 1, 2026, all employees will receive modular, repairable smartphones instead of traditional Samsung or iPhone devices. The decision reflects a growing trend among European organizations prioritizing sustainable technology procurement over premium brands.
Strategic Shift Away from Premium Devices
The Nijmegen-based institution has made a decisive break from its previous policy of providing employees with Samsung smartphones and iPhones [1][2]. Starting February 1, 2026, Radboud University will exclusively issue Fairphone devices to staff members requiring work smartphones [1][2]. While employees can still receive used Samsung devices that meet technical requirements, the university has committed to purchasing no new Samsung or iPhone devices going forward [1]. Notably, returned iPhones will no longer be reissued to other employees, marking a complete phase-out of Apple devices from the university’s inventory [2].
Financial and Operational Benefits Drive Decision
The university’s adoption of a single smartphone model delivers significant cost advantages beyond the devices themselves. By standardizing on one device type, Radboud University requires smaller inventory levels and enables its Information & Library Services division to focus support expertise on a single platform [2]. This streamlined approach accelerates incident handling and device replacement processes, while eliminating the need to maintain multiple sets of manuals and instructions [2]. The Fairphone’s extended lifespan translates directly into lower total cost of ownership compared to comparable devices, according to university officials [2].
Sustainability Features Align with University Values
Fairphone’s design philosophy centers on environmental responsibility through practical engineering solutions. The devices feature easily replaceable components including batteries and screens, extending operational lifespan significantly [2]. Manufacturing incorporates fair trade and recycled materials such as plastic and aluminum, while the company maintains focus on safe working conditions in its production facilities [2]. The smartphones receive eight years of software updates and come with five-year warranties, reducing replacement frequency and supporting the university’s circularity strategy focused on maximum hardware utilization [2].
Market Context and Future Implications
This institutional adoption represents a significant validation of Fairphone’s strategic pivot toward business markets. The Amsterdam-based company indicated in 2025 that it planned to increase focus on corporate clients, recognizing that workplace devices often do not require flagship specifications [1]. The move by Radboud University could influence other European academic institutions and organizations to reconsider their technology procurement strategies. While specific model details remain unconfirmed, the university will likely deploy Fairphone’s Gen 6 device, the company’s most recent offering [1][6]. Employees preferring to use personal devices can request university SIM cards, though associated costs will not be reimbursed [2].