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iPhones lose the largest share of their resale value in their first 12 months, then depreciate more slowly in years 2, 3 and 4, and lose most of their remaining value when Apple stops supporting them with new iOS versions. Pro Max models depreciate slowest, and standard base-storage models depreciate fastest. Every September launch causes a step down in value for the previous generations. A quote on Sell iPhone for Cash locks today's value for 14 days.
- Year 1: the steepest decline of the phone's life.
- Years 2 to 4: slower, steady decline shaped by battery and condition.
- End of iOS support: a sharp final drop.
- Slowest depreciation: Pro Max and Pro models with high storage.
How much value does an iPhone lose each year?
An iPhone loses value in a curve rather than a straight line. Independent resale trackers, such as studies published by SellCell and BankMyCell, consistently find that iPhones lose a larger share of value in year 1 than in any later year, and that iPhones hold value better than most Android phones. Exact percentages vary by model, storage and the timing of the study, so the pattern is more reliable than any single figure.
| Age | Depreciation pattern | Main drivers |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 12 months | Steepest decline | Retail-to-used gap; the next September launch |
| 12 to 24 months | Moderate decline | A second newer generation; trade-in supply |
| 24 to 48 months | Slower decline | Battery health and cosmetic wear |
| 48 months to end of support | Gradual decline | Budget demand; remaining iOS support |
| After iOS support ends | Sharp drop to a low floor | No current iOS; app support fades |
Why is the first year the steepest?
The first year is the steepest because a new iPhone's retail price includes the premium for being new, sealed and covered by a full warranty. The moment the phone is used, it becomes a used phone, priced against refurbished competition. The next September launch then moves it from current to previous generation, which adds a second step down within the same 12 months.
Which iPhones depreciate slowest?
Four kinds of iPhones depreciate slowest:
- Pro Max models: the largest display, longest battery life and best cameras keep demand high for 3 to 4 years.
- Pro models: telephoto cameras and ProMotion displays keep them ahead of standard models.
- Models with a key feature that older phones lack: the iPhone 15 Pro, the first with Apple Intelligence, holds value better than the iPhone 15.
- Higher storage tiers: fewer exist on the used market, so they keep a premium.
iPhone Resale Value by Model: Which Sell for the Most ranks every line.
Which iPhones depreciate fastest?
Four kinds of iPhones depreciate fastest: base-storage standard models, small-screen models, models without a feature newer phones share, and models near the end of iOS support. A 64GB iPhone 12 mini, for example, combines 3 of these factors. Large supplies of used phones in common configurations also push prices down faster.
Why do iPhones hold value better than Android phones?
iPhones hold value better than most Android phones for 5 reasons:
- Long software support: Apple has historically supported iPhones with major iOS updates for about 5 to 7 years.
- One manufacturer: a small number of models per year keeps demand concentrated.
- Strong refurbished market: large buyback and refurbishing networks create steady demand.
- Global demand: older iPhones sell well in international markets.
- Stable retail pricing: Apple rarely discounts current models deeply, which supports used prices.
Android makers have extended their own software support in recent years, with Google and Samsung promising up to 7 years for flagship models, which may narrow the gap over time.
How do Apple's launch events affect depreciation?
Apple's launch events affect depreciation by moving every older model down one step at once. The September event, usually in the second week of the month, has the largest effect, because it introduces new flagship iPhones. Spring launches of lower-cost models, such as the iPhone 16e in February 2025, affect the budget end of the market. The September 2026 event introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which moved the iPhone 17 Pro models to the previous generation. Should I Sell My iPhone Before the New iPhone Launches? explains how to plan around launches.
How does iOS support affect depreciation?
iOS support affects depreciation most at the end of a phone's life. A model that runs the newest iOS keeps steady budget demand. When Apple removes it from the supported list, buyers lose access to new features and, over time, to new app versions, so demand falls sharply. iOS 27, released on September 14, 2026, supports the iPhone 11 and later and the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, the same list as iOS 26. Which iPhones Still Get iOS Updates? lists every supported model.
How does condition affect depreciation?
Condition accelerates depreciation, because every cosmetic grade and fault adds a deduction on top of the market decline. A phone kept in Like New condition with a healthy battery follows the market curve. A phone with a cracked screen and a worn battery falls well below it. Protecting the phone with a case and screen protector from day 1 is the simplest way to slow its depreciation. iPhone Condition Grades When You Sell: Like New to Damaged explains the grades.
How does battery health affect depreciation?
Battery health affects depreciation in years 2 to 5, when readings approach 80%. iPhone 14 and earlier batteries were designed to keep 80% capacity at 500 full cycles, so many reach the threshold after 2 to 3 years. iPhone 15 and later batteries are designed for 1,000 cycles, which slows this source of depreciation for newer models. Does Battery Health Change What You Get to Sell an iPhone? explains the threshold.
How can I reduce depreciation before I sell?
Reduce depreciation before selling with 7 steps:
- Use a case and a screen protector from the first day.
- Turn on Optimized Battery Charging, or set an 80% charge limit on iPhone 15 and later.
- Keep the phone out of heat, which ages the battery fastest.
- Choose 1 storage tier above the base when buying.
- Request a free carrier unlock once the phone is paid off.
- Sell soon after upgrading, instead of keeping the old phone in a drawer.
- Sell before the September launch and before support ends.
Best Time to Sell Your iPhone Before Prices Drop explains the timing in detail.
Does the purchase price affect depreciation?
The purchase price affects depreciation in dollars but not the resale price itself. A phone bought at full price and the same phone bought on sale receive the same buyback offer, because buyers price the phone, not the receipt. Owners who bought on sale or through a carrier promotion lose less in dollars, because they paid less at the start.
Do carrier promotions speed up depreciation?
Carrier promotions speed up depreciation slightly during launch season, because large trade-in offers from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile pull millions of used phones into the market at the same time. The extra supply lowers prices for previous models in September and October. Selling before these promotions start avoids the supply surge. Sell Your iPhone or Trade It In? Cash vs Carrier Credit compares promotions with cash.
How does depreciation differ for damaged phones?
Damaged phones depreciate faster than working phones, because the market decline and the repair deduction combine, and damage often worsens over time. A cracked screen can spread, and liquid damage can cause new faults. Selling a damaged phone soon after the damage happens protects the most value. How Much Is a Broken iPhone Worth? Fault-by-Fault Guide explains damage pricing.
How does depreciation compare across Apple devices?
Depreciation follows a similar pattern across Apple devices, with differences in speed. Macs with Apple silicon depreciate slowly, because they stay fast for many years. iPads depreciate steadily, with Pro models holding value best. Apple Watch and AirPods depreciate faster, because their batteries are small and hard to replace. Sell Your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods Together covers selling several devices at once.
Is it better to keep an iPhone longer or sell it sooner?
Keeping an iPhone longer lowers the yearly cost of ownership, because the steepest depreciation happens in year 1. Selling sooner returns more cash per sale. Owners who upgrade every year recover the most per phone but pay the first-year drop each time. Owners who keep a phone for 4 to 5 years pay the least per year. Either way, selling the old phone soon after upgrading avoids losing value while it sits unused.
| Upgrade habit | Resale per phone | Yearly cost of ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Every year | Highest | Highest, because of the first-year drop |
| Every 2 to 3 years | Medium | Medium |
| Every 4 to 5 years | Lowest | Lowest |
How do I find what my iPhone is worth right now?
Find what an iPhone is worth right now with a free quote that asks for the model, storage, carrier status, condition, battery health and function. The quote reflects the current week's market. How Much Is My iPhone Worth If I Sell It Today? explains each factor, and Which iPhone Do I Have? Find Your Model Before You Sell confirms the exact model.
Does AppleCare+ slow depreciation?
AppleCare+ slows depreciation indirectly, by making repairs of accidental damage and worn batteries cheaper, which keeps the phone in better condition at the time of sale. The coverage itself rarely changes a buyback offer. Does AppleCare+ Increase iPhone Resale Value? covers the details.
Does depreciation stop at some point?
Depreciation slows to a floor but does not stop. Once a model is no longer supported by iOS, its value settles at a low level based on parts value and demand in markets that accept older phones. At that point, recycling is often the better choice. Recycle or Sell Your Old iPhone? How to Decide explains when to recycle.
Does a carrier lock speed up depreciation?
A carrier lock lowers resale value at every age, because fewer buyers can use a locked phone, but it does not change the shape of the curve. Unlocking a paid-off phone for free restores the unlocked price immediately. Prepaid locks reduce value more than locks to AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile. Can You Sell a Carrier-Locked iPhone? Yes, Here Is How explains locked pricing.
Frequently asked questions about iPhone depreciation
How fast does an iPhone lose value?
An iPhone loses value fastest in its first 12 months, as it moves from new to used and then to the previous generation after Apple's September launch. Depreciation slows in years 2 to 4, when battery health and condition shape most of the price, and the last large drop comes when Apple stops supporting the model with new iOS versions.
Which iPhone holds its value best?
The newest Pro Max model holds its value best, followed by the Pro model of the same generation. These models combine the largest displays, best cameras and highest storage tiers, which keep demand strong on the refurbished market. Models that introduced a feature older phones lack, such as Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro, also hold value well.
Do iPhones hold value better than Samsung phones?
iPhones have historically held value better than Samsung and most other Android phones, according to resale studies from companies such as SellCell and BankMyCell. Long iOS support, a strong refurbished market and concentrated demand across a few models support iPhone prices. Samsung and Google now promise up to 7 years of updates on flagships, which may narrow the difference.
When is the best time to sell to avoid depreciation?
The best time to sell to avoid depreciation is soon after the phone stops being used daily, and before Apple's September launch event, which moves every older model down a step. For older models, selling before Apple removes them from the iOS support list avoids the sharpest drop. A 14-day quote locks the current value while the phone ships.
Does a cracked screen make an iPhone depreciate faster?
A cracked screen makes an iPhone depreciate faster, because the repair deduction adds to the normal market decline, and cracks tend to spread into the display layer over time. A crack that reaches the display can turn a cracked-screen deduction into a larger display-fault deduction. Selling soon after the damage happens protects more of the phone's value.
Sources and references
- SellCell and BankMyCell: published smartphone depreciation studies.
- Apple Newsroom: iPhone announcement and release dates.
- MacRumors: iOS 27 release date and compatible iPhones.
- Apple Support: "About iPhone 15 and later battery cycle counts and health."