iPhone resale value is the strongest in the smartphone industry — no other brand holds value like Apple. A two-year-old iPhone sells for 55-70% of its original price, while a two-year-old flagship Android phone might struggle to fetch 35%. But even within the iPhone lineup, the difference between selling at the right time with the right strategy and selling without preparation can mean hundreds of dollars. This guide breaks down current iPhone resale value by model, the factors that swing prices, and exactly how to maximize your return.
Current iPhone Resale Values (2026)
Used iPhone prices follow a predictable pattern based on model year, storage, and condition. Here are current market prices for the most commonly sold models — these reflect private sale values on platforms like Swappa and eBay, not trade-in offers.
2026 iPhone Resale Value by Model
| Model | Storage Range | Used Price Range | % of Original |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 256GB – 1TB | $950 – $1,150 | 75-85% |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 128GB – 1TB | $850 – $1,000 | 75-85% |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 128GB – 512GB | $650 – $800 | 75-80% |
| iPhone 16 | 128GB – 512GB | $600 – $750 | 75-80% |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 256GB – 1TB | $750 – $950 | 60-70% |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 128GB – 1TB | $650 – $850 | 60-70% |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 128GB – 512GB | $500 – $650 | 55-65% |
| iPhone 15 | 128GB – 512GB | $450 – $600 | 55-65% |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 128GB – 1TB | $550 – $750 | 45-55% |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 128GB – 1TB | $500 – $650 | 45-55% |
| iPhone 14 Plus | 128GB – 512GB | $400 – $550 | 45-55% |
| iPhone 14 | 128GB – 512GB | $350 – $500 | 45-55% |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 128GB – 1TB | $450 – $600 | 35-45% |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 128GB – 1TB | $400 – $550 | 35-45% |
| iPhone 13 | 128GB – 512GB | $300 – $450 | 40-50% |
| iPhone 13 Mini | 128GB – 512GB | $280 – $380 | 40-50% |
| iPhone 12 Series | 64GB – 256GB | $200 – $350 | 25-35% |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | 64GB – 256GB | $200 – $300 | 40-55% |
| iPhone 11 Series & older | 64GB – 256GB | $100 – $250 | 15-30% |
iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pro (2024): The current flagship iPhones hold the strongest resale value, commanding 75-85% of original retail. The Pro Max consistently outperforms the Pro by $50-100 in the used market because buyers value the larger screen and longer battery life. Titanium frame models hold up well cosmetically, and the tetraprism 5x zoom camera on both Pro models has eliminated the feature gap that previously existed between the Pro and Pro Max, making the Pro a stronger value proposition.
iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pro (2023): The first titanium iPhones remain highly desirable. The 15 Pro Max with 256GB or higher storage sells for $750-950 depending on condition and storage tier. Battery health on one-year-old iPhone 15 Pro models typically sits at 90-95%, which buyers find acceptable and doesn't meaningfully impact price. The Action button and USB-C port — the first on any iPhone — make the 15 Pro series feel more modern than the 14 Pro series despite being only one year newer.
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus (2023): The non-Pro iPhone 15 models represent strong value in the used market. These were the first non-Pro iPhones to feature the Dynamic Island and a 48MP main camera, which keeps them feeling current. At $450-650 depending on model and storage, they offer buyers most of the modern iPhone experience at a significant discount.
iPhone 14 Pro Max and Pro (2022): The first Dynamic Island iPhones hold value well at $500-750. The Pro Max particularly remains popular because of its large screen and strong battery. The 14 Pro series was the final generation to use Lightning, which is becoming a minor liability as more buyers have adopted USB-C accessories — expect this to gradually reduce resale premiums over the next year.
iPhone 14 and 14 Plus (2022): Standard iPhone 14 models sell for $350-550. The 14 Plus is particularly common in the used market because it was the first non-Pro large iPhone, and many original buyers are now upgrading. These phones share the same A15 chip as the iPhone 13 Pro, so performance remains excellent for everyday use.
iPhone 13 Series (2021): The iPhone 13 has held value remarkably well for a four-year-old phone. At $300-600 depending on model, storage, and condition, the 13 series still offers Face ID, 5G, excellent cameras, and iOS compatibility that will continue for several more years. The iPhone 13 and 13 Mini are the most affordable entry points into the iOS ecosystem with modern features.
iPhone 12 Series and older: iPhone 12 models sell for $200-350, with the Pro Max commanding the highest prices. Below the iPhone 12, values drop rapidly — iPhone 11, XR, XS, and SE (2nd gen) sell for $100-250 and are primarily purchased as backup phones, kids' first phones, or budget options. The iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) holds surprising value at $200-300 because it's the most affordable modern iPhone with 5G and the A15 chip.
The iPhone Depreciation Curve
Understanding the depreciation pattern helps you predict what your phone will be worth and when to sell for maximum return. iPhone depreciation follows a remarkably consistent trajectory across generations.
Year 1: iPhones lose 25-35% of their value in the first year. The single largest drop occurs within 30 days of the new iPhone launch in September — typically a 15-20% decline as the market absorbs millions of previous-generation trade-ins and upgrades. An iPhone 16 Pro Max bought for $1,199 in September 2024 will sell for roughly $950-1,050 by early 2026.
Year 2: Another 15-20% decline brings total depreciation to 40-50% of original retail. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, originally $1,199, sells for $750-950. This is when the previous-generation Pro model becomes the value sweet spot for used iPhone buyers — still a current-feeling phone at a significant discount.
Year 3: Depreciation slows to 10-15% per year. A three-year-old iPhone 14 Pro Max sells for $550-750, having retained 45-55% of its original value. The depreciation rate decelerates because the phone has already absorbed the major first-year and second-year drops and is now competing against much newer used iPhones at higher price points.
Year 4+: Values stabilize into a slow, steady decline of 5-10% per year. Four- and five-year-old iPhones settle into a budget tier where price sensitivity is lower — a buyer looking for a $200 phone isn't comparing it to an iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone stops being a flagship competitor and becomes the best available option at its price point.
The Pro Max models consistently depreciate slower (as a percentage) than standard iPhones because their larger screens and longer battery life create stronger sustained demand. The Mini and SE models depreciate faster because their niche appeal narrows the buyer pool as they age.
Storage Capacity: The Hidden Value Driver
Storage capacity is the single most impactful configuration variable for iPhone resale value, and the premiums are larger than most sellers realize.
- 256GB over 128GB: Adds $80-120 to resale value
- 512GB over 128GB: Adds $150-200 to resale value
- 1TB over 128GB: Adds $200-300 to resale value
The base 128GB storage tier has become increasingly tight as photo libraries grow, app sizes expand, and iOS updates consume more space. Buyers actively prefer 256GB or higher, and this preference has strengthened year over year. For iPhone 16 Pro models capable of recording 4K ProRes video — which consumes approximately 6GB per minute — the premium for 512GB and 1TB models is even larger.
The storage premium also works in your favor as a seller: if you paid $100 extra for 256GB over 128GB when you bought the phone, you'll recover $80-120 of that additional cost when you sell. Higher storage configurations effectively pay for themselves at resale, making them the only upgrade that provides a meaningful return on investment.
Carrier Locked vs Unlocked: The $50-100 Difference
An unlocked iPhone consistently sells for $50-100 more than the same model locked to a carrier, and the gap has widened as more buyers use MVNO carriers (Mint Mobile, Visible, Google Fi) and international buyers seek US-market iPhones.
A carrier-locked iPhone limits the buyer to one network, which immediately excludes a significant portion of potential buyers. T-Mobile-locked iPhones have the smallest discount because T-Mobile's network is compatible with most MVNOs even while locked. AT&T-locked iPhones have a larger discount, and Verizon-locked iPhones sit in between.
If you've paid off your device, unlocking it before selling is one of the highest-return preparations you can make. The process is free for paid-off devices on all major carriers:
- AT&T: Submit an unlock request at att.com/deviceunlock (typically approved within 48 hours if device is paid off)
- Verizon: Most Verizon iPhones are automatically unlocked 60 days after purchase
- T-Mobile: Use the Device Unlock app or contact customer support if the device is paid off
An unlocked iPhone listing on eBay or Swappa attracts more views and higher offers, period. If your phone is eligible, unlock it.
Battery Health: The First Thing Every Buyer Checks
Battery health has become the single most scrutinized spec on used iPhones. Buyers universally check Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging > Maximum Capacity before making an offer, and their willingness to pay scales directly with this percentage.
90-100% battery health: Commands full market value. Buyers perceive the phone as essentially new in terms of battery longevity.
85-89% battery health: Modest 5-10% discount. Buyers recognize the battery is aging but still has useful life remaining. Most one-to-two-year-old iPhones fall in this range.
80-84% battery health: Noticeable 10-20% discount. At this level, buyers factor in an imminent battery replacement ($99 at Apple) and deduct accordingly. Many buyers will filter out listings with sub-85% battery health entirely.
Below 80% battery health: Significant 20-30%+ discount. Apple considers batteries below 80% as "significantly degraded" and recommends service. A buyer typically deducts $100-150 from the offer to account for a replacement they know they'll need soon.
If your iPhone's battery health is below 85% and the phone is otherwise in good condition and worth over $400, a pre-sale battery replacement at Apple ($99 for most recent models) often pays for itself and then some. An iPhone 15 Pro with 80% battery health might sell for $650, while the same phone with a fresh Apple battery sells for $800 — a $50 net gain after the $99 replacement cost.
What Kills iPhone Resale Value
Beyond battery health, several issues can crater your iPhone's resale value.
Cracked or damaged screen: A cracked screen reduces value by $100-200 depending on model. For recent Pro models with expensive OLED displays, the hit is at the higher end. Screen repair through Apple costs $279-379 for Pro models and $229-279 for standard models. Do the math: if your iPhone 15 Pro Max would sell for $900 with an intact screen but $700 with a cracked screen, paying $329 for an Apple screen repair nets you a $171 gain.
Camera lens damage: Cracked or scratched camera lenses are harder to repair than screens and can reduce value by $150-250. Lens damage suggests the phone was dropped without a case, which raises buyer concerns about internal damage.
Water damage indicators: Even if the phone works perfectly, a triggered liquid contact indicator (red coloring in the SIM tray slot) signals potential water damage and scares away buyers. Phones with triggered indicators typically sell for 20-30% less than identical phones without.
iCloud/Activation Lock: This one is absolute — an iPhone still linked to your Apple ID is worth $0. No legitimate buyer will purchase a locked iPhone. Always sign out of iCloud before erasing: Settings > [your name] > Sign Out, then Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Heavy cosmetic damage: Deep dents, significant frame scratches, and chipped edges reduce value by $50-150. iPhones with visible damage signal poor care, making buyers worry about internal issues they can't see.
Third-party repairs: A screen or battery replaced at a non-Apple shop reduces value by $30-60 because buyers can't verify part quality. Apple's iOS now displays "Unknown Part" warnings for non-genuine repairs, which tank buyer confidence.
iPhone Trade-In vs Private Sale: The Real Numbers
The trade-in vs private sale decision is fundamentally about how much you value convenience. Private sale consistently returns 25-40% more money, but requires effort. Here's the real-world comparison for common models in 2026:
| iPhone Model | Apple Trade-In | Decluttr/Gazelle | Private Sale (eBay/Swappa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB | $600 – $680 | $550 – $620 | $850 – $950 |
| iPhone 15 Pro 128GB | $500 – $570 | $460 – $520 | $700 – $800 |
| iPhone 15 128GB | $350 – $400 | $320 – $370 | $500 – $600 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max 256GB | $430 – $500 | $380 – $450 | $600 – $750 |
| iPhone 14 128GB | $270 – $320 | $240 – $290 | $400 – $500 |
| iPhone 13 128GB | $190 – $230 | $160 – $200 | $300 – $400 |
Apple Trade-In offers the smoothest experience — instant credit toward a new purchase or an Apple Gift Card. The offer is guaranteed, no haggling, no shipping risk, no returns. But the 20-30% discount from private market value is the price of that convenience.
Decluttr and Gazelle offer similar convenience with slightly lower offers than Apple. Their process is straightforward: get a quote online, ship the phone in a prepaid box, receive payment within days. These services sometimes offer more than Apple for older models and non-iPhones.
Private sale consistently delivers the most money but requires listing creation, communication with buyers, shipping (or local meetup), and exposure to returns or disputes. For a $900 iPhone, the extra $200-300 from private sale represents real money worth the effort for most sellers.
Where to Sell Your iPhone for the Best Price
Swappa: The best platform for iPhone sellers. Swappa charges fees to buyers rather than sellers (you keep 100% of the sale price), verifies device IMEI/ESN numbers, and attracts a tech-savvy audience that understands iPhone pricing. iPhones sell quickly on Swappa because buyers trust the platform's verification process. The main limitation is that Swappa requires the phone to be fully functional with no iCloud lock.
eBay: The largest audience by far, which means the most potential buyers and the highest likelihood of finding someone willing to pay your asking price. eBay's 13% fee is significant, but the reach often justifies it. For non-functional or damaged iPhones (sold for parts), eBay is typically the best platform because Swappa doesn't allow broken devices.
Facebook Marketplace: Zero fees, local cash, no shipping — this is the highest net-return option if you live in a populated area. iPhone listings on Marketplace attract strong interest. Meet at safe locations (police station lobbies, carrier stores where staff can verify the IMEI), and only accept cash. Avoid shipping on Marketplace for phones; the platform's buyer protection is limited.
Apple Trade-In: Best when you're buying a new iPhone directly from Apple and want the transaction done in one visit. The instant credit simplifies the upgrade, and you avoid listing, shipping, and payment risk. Accept that you're paying 25-30% for this convenience and decide if the time saved is worth it.
Decluttr and Gazelle: Worth checking for a baseline quote but rarely the best financial outcome. These services sometimes offer competitive rates for older iPhones (iPhone 12 and earlier) where the private sale premium is smaller in absolute dollars.
When to Sell Your iPhone for Maximum Value
Best time: Late July to mid-August. This window — 4-6 weeks before Apple's typical September iPhone launch — delivers the strongest prices. Demand for used iPhones is steady, supply hasn't yet spiked from upgraders, and your phone is still the "current" generation on the used market. An iPhone sold in August consistently returns $100-150 more than the same phone sold in late September.
Worst time: The two weeks following Apple's September iPhone event. Used iPhone prices drop 15-20% during this period as millions of trade-ins flood the market. Every seller is trying to offload their previous phone simultaneously, creating a buyer's market. If you miss the pre-launch window, wait until November when the flood subsides and prices stabilize.
Seasonal patterns: iPhone demand peaks in August-September (back to school plus pre-launch urgency) and December (holiday gift buying). The slowest months are January-February (post-holiday consumer fatigue) and March-April (the long gap before summer buying picks up).
Before iOS support ends: Once Apple drops an iPhone from the latest iOS compatibility list, its resale value drops sharply. The iPhone X and 8 lost support in 2024, and the iPhone XS/XR and 11 generation are approaching end-of-life. Selling before your model loses iOS support preserves value that disappears once the announcement is made.
How to Get Top Dollar for Your iPhone
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Check and document battery health. Take a screenshot of the Battery Health screen. Include it in your listing. Buyers trust sellers who proactively share this information.
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Unlock from carrier. A free 5-minute process that adds $50-100 to your sale price. Do it before listing.
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Replace the battery if it's below 85%. The $99 Apple battery replacement typically pays for itself through higher resale value for phones worth $400+.
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Clean thoroughly. Remove the case. Clean the Lightning or USB-C port with a wooden toothpick (never metal). Wipe the phone with a microfiber cloth. Remove screen protectors with bubbles. A phone that looks clean in photos sells for more than one that looks grimy.
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Factory reset properly. Sign out of iCloud, Find My, iMessage, and FaceTime. Then erase all content. A buyer should see the "Hello" setup screen on first boot.
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Photograph well. Show the screen on (displaying the home screen), all four sides, the back, and the charging port. Use natural daylight near a window. Include photos of any imperfections.
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Include original accessories. The box adds $15-25. The original USB-C or Lightning cable adds $10-15. Original cases add $10-20. Bundle everything you have.
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Write an honest detailed description. Include the exact model, storage, color, battery health percentage, carrier status (unlocked or not), AppleCare status, and any cosmetic flaws. Honest listings get better offers and fewer returns.
For a comprehensive guide to maximizing your phone's resale value across all factors — condition, timing, accessories, and more — read our detailed breakdown of what affects your phone's resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my iPhone worth right now?
iPhone resale value depends on four main factors: model and generation, storage capacity, battery health, and condition. An iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB with good battery health sells for $850-950 in early 2026, while an iPhone 13 128GB sells for $300-400. The fastest way to get an accurate, up-to-date valuation is to use a pricing tool that checks current completed sales across multiple marketplaces rather than relying on static price guides.
Should I fix my cracked iPhone screen before selling?
It depends on the model. For iPhone 14 Pro and newer with OLED displays, Apple's $279-379 screen replacement typically pays for itself because the value difference between cracked and intact is $150-200. Do the math: if your phone would sell for $900 intact but $700 cracked, the $329 repair nets you $171 more. For older models worth under $400, the math may not work — a $279 repair on a phone worth $350 makes no sense. Sell it as-is with full disclosure.
Does storage capacity really affect iPhone resale value?
Yes, significantly. A 256GB iPhone sells for $80-120 more than the same model with 128GB. A 512GB model sells for $150-200 more. A 1TB model sells for $200-300 more. These premiums have actually increased as base storage has become more constraining. When buying a new iPhone, upgrading storage is the one option that partially pays for itself at resale.
Is it better to trade in my iPhone or sell it privately?
Private sale on Swappa or eBay consistently returns 25-40% more than Apple Trade-In for recent iPhones. On a $900 phone, that's $200-300 more in your pocket. Trade in only if you value the convenience of instant credit and zero effort more than the extra money. For older iPhones worth under $300, the absolute dollar difference between trade-in and private sale narrows, making trade-in more appealing.
When is the best month to sell an iPhone?
Late July through mid-August consistently delivers the highest resale values — 4-6 weeks before Apple's September iPhone launch. Prices are stable, supply hasn't spiked from upgraders, and your phone is still the current generation. Avoid selling in the two weeks following Apple's September event (late September to early October), when prices drop 15-20% as millions of trade-ins flood the market.
Get Your iPhone's Exact Value Right Now
Resale values shift weekly based on market conditions, new releases, seasonal demand, and competitor pricing. The estimates in this guide are general ranges — your specific iPhone's value depends on its exact configuration, condition, and the current market.
For an instant, accurate valuation based on today's actual market data, use the free ValueSnap phone valuation tool. Upload a photo of your iPhone and get a price estimate calculated from real-time completed sales on Swappa, eBay, and other major platforms. It takes seconds, requires no signup, and gives you the data you need to price confidently — whether you're trading in, selling privately, or just curious what your phone is worth.