When it's time to upgrade to the latest iPhone, many people wonder how much their current device is worth. The answer isn't always straightforward, as numerous factors affect the resale value of iPhones. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly what determines your iPhone's value and how you can maximize your return when selling.
Key Factors That Determine iPhone Value
The resale value of an iPhone is influenced by several important factors:
1. Model and Generation
Newer iPhone models naturally command higher prices than older generations. For example, an iPhone 14 Pro will be worth significantly more than an iPhone 11, even if both are in perfect condition. Apple's premium "Pro" models typically retain value better than standard models.
Here's a general breakdown of how different generations compare in value retention:
- Current generation (iPhone 15 series): 65-75% of original retail price after one year
- Previous generation (iPhone 14 series): 50-60% of original retail price
- Two generations old (iPhone 13 series): 40-50% of original retail price
- Three generations old (iPhone 12 series): 30-40% of original retail price
- Four or more generations old: Typically less than 30% of original retail price
2. Storage Capacity
iPhones with larger storage capacities (256GB, 512GB, 1TB) generally command higher resale values than their lower-capacity counterparts. This price difference is usually proportional to the original price difference between storage tiers.
Pro Tip: Storage Value
While higher storage models are worth more, the premium you'll get for a 512GB vs. 128GB model is typically less than the original price difference when the phone was new. If you're buying a new iPhone with resale value in mind, the base or middle storage tier often provides the best value retention ratio.
3. Condition
The physical condition of your iPhone is perhaps the most significant factor affecting its resale value. Devices are typically categorized into condition tiers:
- Mint/Like New: No scratches, dents, or signs of use. Original packaging and accessories included. These can fetch 90-95% of the value of a comparable new device.
- Excellent: Minor signs of use but no significant scratches or damage. These typically command 80-90% of top value.
- Good: Noticeable wear and minor scratches, but fully functional. These fetch around 70-80% of top value.
- Fair: Obvious signs of use, significant scratches or minor dents, but still fully functional. These typically bring 50-70% of top value.
- Poor: Major cosmetic damage, cracks, or functionality issues. These may only fetch 30-50% of top value.
Important Note: Screen Damage
A cracked screen can reduce your iPhone's value by 50% or more. If your screen has minor cracks, it might be worth repairing before selling, but do the math first—sometimes the repair cost exceeds the value increase.
4. Functionality
All features of your iPhone must work properly to get top dollar. Issues with the following components will significantly reduce value:
- Touchscreen responsiveness
- Battery health (below 80% capacity is considered degraded)
- Cameras (front and rear)
- Speakers and microphones
- Buttons (volume, power, home button/Touch ID)
- Face ID or Touch ID functionality
- Charging port
- Wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular)
5. Carrier Status
Unlocked iPhones that can work with any carrier command the highest prices. Carrier-locked devices are worth less because they limit the potential buyer pool. Additionally:
- Factory unlocked models (purchased directly from Apple) typically have the highest value
- Carrier unlocked models (originally purchased from a carrier but later unlocked) have slightly lower value
- Carrier locked models have the lowest value
6. Included Accessories
Having the original box, charger, cables, and unused EarPods can increase your iPhone's resale value by 5-10%. While not a major factor, it does make a difference, especially for newer models.
Current Market Values for Popular iPhone Models (April 2025)
Here are the approximate buyback values for popular iPhone models in excellent condition as of April 2025:
iPhone 15 Series (Released 2023)
- iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB): $700-800
- iPhone 15 Pro (128GB): $600-700
- iPhone 15 Plus (128GB): $500-600
- iPhone 15 (128GB): $450-550
iPhone 14 Series (Released 2022)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max (256GB): $550-650
- iPhone 14 Pro (128GB): $450-550
- iPhone 14 Plus (128GB): $400-500
- iPhone 14 (128GB): $350-450
iPhone 13 Series (Released 2021)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max (256GB): $400-500
- iPhone 13 Pro (128GB): $350-450
- iPhone 13 (128GB): $300-400
- iPhone 13 Mini (128GB): $250-350
iPhone 12 Series (Released 2020)
- iPhone 12 Pro Max (256GB): $300-400
- iPhone 12 Pro (128GB): $250-350
- iPhone 12 (128GB): $200-300
- iPhone 12 Mini (128GB): $150-250
Older Models
- iPhone 11 Pro Max (256GB): $200-300
- iPhone 11 Pro (128GB): $180-280
- iPhone 11 (128GB): $150-250
- iPhone XS Max (256GB): $150-200
- iPhone XS (128GB): $120-180
- iPhone XR (128GB): $100-150
Value Maximizing Tip
The best time to sell your iPhone is typically 1-2 months before a new iPhone release (usually in September). Prices for current models drop significantly once new models are announced.
How to Get the Most Money for Your iPhone
Follow these tips to maximize your iPhone's resale value:
1. Timing is Everything
As mentioned above, sell your iPhone before the next generation is announced. iPhone values typically drop 15-20% within the first month after a new model release.
2. Keep It Protected
Use a case and screen protector from day one. iPhones in excellent condition can fetch up to 25% more than those with visible wear.
3. Maintain Battery Health
Use optimized battery charging settings and avoid frequent fast charging to maintain battery health. iPhones with battery health above 85% are worth significantly more.
4. Factory Reset Properly
Before selling, properly back up your data and perform a factory reset. Make sure to turn off Find My iPhone and sign out of iCloud to avoid activation lock issues.
5. Compare Buyback Options
Shop around for the best offer. Check multiple buyback services, carrier trade-in programs, and private selling options. At SellYourGadgets.com, we offer a price match guarantee plus an additional 5% over any legitimate competitor's offer.
6. Consider Repair vs. Selling As-Is
For major issues like screen damage, calculate whether the cost of repair will be offset by the increase in buyback value. Sometimes it's better to sell as-is, while other times a repair can net you more money overall.
Conclusion
Your iPhone's resale value depends on a combination of model, condition, functionality, and market timing. By understanding these factors and taking good care of your device, you can maximize its value when it's time to upgrade.
At SellYourGadgets.com, we're committed to offering the best prices for your used iPhones and other electronics. Our transparent pricing model ensures you get fair market value for your device, regardless of its condition. Ready to find out what your iPhone is worth? Use our instant quote tool or visit one of our store locations for an in-person assessment.
This guide was incredibly helpful! I had no idea that selling before the new model announcement could make such a big difference. I'm planning to upgrade from my iPhone 13 Pro soon, so this came at the perfect time.
I recently sold my iPhone 14 Pro to upgrade and wish I had read this article first! The tip about battery health is spot on - my phone was at 79% battery health and I got significantly less than I expected. Great information here.
Question: Does having AppleCare+ affect the resale value? I have an iPhone 13 with AppleCare+ that expires in a few months and I'm wondering if I should sell now or wait.
Great question, Michael! AppleCare+ itself doesn't typically transfer to a new owner, so it doesn't significantly increase the resale value. However, if your phone is in perfect condition, you might want to use AppleCare+ to replace the battery before selling if the health is below 85%. This could increase your resale value more than the cost of the battery replacement.