iPhones are the gold standard for phone resale value. No other smartphone brand comes close to Apple when it comes to holding value over time. But that doesn't mean all iPhones are equal — knowing when to sell and what affects pricing can mean the difference of hundreds of dollars in your pocket.
Current iPhone Resale Values (2026)
Let's start with what you can actually expect to get for your iPhone right now.
iPhone 16 Series (2024):
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: $900-1,050 (75-85% of retail)
- iPhone 16 Pro: $800-950 (75-85% of retail)
- iPhone 16 Plus: $650-750 (75-80% of retail)
- iPhone 16: $600-700 (75-80% of retail)
iPhone 15 Series (2023):
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: $750-900 (60-70% of retail)
- iPhone 15 Pro: $650-800 (60-70% of retail)
- iPhone 15 Plus: $500-600 (55-65% of retail)
- iPhone 15: $450-550 (55-65% of retail)
iPhone 14 Series (2022):
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: $550-700 (45-55% of retail)
- iPhone 14 Pro: $500-600 (45-55% of retail)
- iPhone 14 Plus: $400-500 (45-55% of retail)
- iPhone 14: $350-450 (45-55% of retail)
iPhone 13 Series (2021):
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: $450-550 (35-45% of retail)
- iPhone 13 Pro: $400-500 (35-45% of retail)
- iPhone 13: $300-400 (40-50% of retail)
- iPhone 13 Mini: $280-350 (40-50% of retail)
iPhone 12 and older: Values drop below $300 for most models. iPhone 12 Pro Max still fetches $300-400, but standard iPhone 12 models sit around $200-280.
The iPhone Depreciation Curve
Understanding how iPhones lose value helps you time your sale perfectly.
Year 1: iPhones lose about 25-35% of their value in the first year. The biggest single drop happens right when the new model launches — typically 15-20% within the first month.
Year 2: Another 15-20% drop, bringing total depreciation to around 40-50% of original retail.
Year 3: Depreciation slows to about 10-15% per year. A three-year-old iPhone is worth roughly 35-45% of its original price.
Year 4+: Values stabilize somewhat, with slow but steady decline. iPhones older than four years typically sell for $150-300 depending on model and condition.
Storage Matters More Than You Think
One of the biggest factors in iPhone resale value is storage capacity, and the premiums are substantial:
- 256GB sells for $80-120 more than 128GB
- 512GB sells for $150-200 more than 128GB
- 1TB sells for $200-300 more than 128GB
This is why buying more storage upfront often pays off — you'll recoup much of that cost when you sell. A 256GB iPhone 15 Pro might have cost $100 more than the 128GB model, but it sells for $100+ more on the used market.
What Kills iPhone Resale Value
Several factors can tank your iPhone's resale value:
Cracked Screen: A cracked screen reduces value by $100-200 depending on the model. In many cases, it's worth paying for a repair before selling — Apple charges $199-329 for screen replacement, but a cracked iPhone 15 Pro sells for $150-200 less than one with an intact screen.
Poor Battery Health: Buyers check this immediately. iPhones showing 85%+ battery health command full market prices. Below 80%, expect to lose $50-100 or more. You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
Carrier Lock: Unlocked iPhones sell for $30-80 more than carrier-locked models. If you've paid off your phone, contact your carrier to unlock it before selling.
iCloud Lock: An iPhone that's still linked to your Apple ID is essentially unsellable. Always sign out of iCloud and erase the device before selling.
Water Damage: Even if the phone works fine, water damage indicators reduce buyer confidence and can cut your price by 30-40%.
When to Sell Your iPhone
Timing your sale correctly can add $100+ to your final price.
Best Time to Sell: 1-2 months before the new iPhone launches (typically late July to early August). Prices are stable, and you avoid the post-launch crash.
Worst Time to Sell: The two weeks immediately following a new iPhone announcement. Prices drop 15-20% as the market floods with people upgrading.
Also Consider: Sell before your model loses iOS support. Once Apple stops updating an iPhone, its value drops faster.
For more details on timing and other factors, check out our guide on what affects your phone's resale value.
Apple Trade-In vs. Selling Privately
Apple's trade-in program is convenient but rarely the best value. Here's a typical comparison:
| iPhone Model | Apple Trade-In | Private Sale |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $650 | $800-900 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | $430 | $550-650 |
| iPhone 13 | $250 | $350-400 |
You'll typically get 20-40% more selling privately through eBay, Swappa, or Facebook Marketplace. The trade-off is convenience versus maximizing your return.
How to Get Top Dollar for Your iPhone
Follow these steps to maximize your sale price:
- Check battery health — If it's below 80%, consider a $99 battery replacement from Apple
- Unlock from carrier — Call your carrier if you've paid off the device
- Clean thoroughly — Remove the case and clean every port and crevice
- Factory reset properly — Sign out of iCloud first, then erase all content
- Take great photos — Show all sides, the screen on, and any imperfections
- Include accessories — Original box, cable, and any cases you have
Get Your iPhone's Exact Value
Resale values change weekly based on market conditions, new releases, and seasonal demand. The numbers in this guide are general estimates — your specific iPhone's value depends on its exact model, storage, condition, and current market prices.
For an instant, accurate valuation based on today's market data, use ValueSnap's phone valuation tool. Upload a photo of your iPhone and get an estimate based on real sales data from Swappa, eBay, and other major platforms. It's free and takes just seconds.
Whether you're upgrading to the latest model or switching away from iPhone entirely, knowing your phone's true market value ensures you get every dollar you deserve.