Most of us have at least one old iPhone tucked away in a drawer somewhere. It still switches on, the screen still lights up, and yet it sits there doing nothing while a newer model takes its place. The truth is that this forgotten phone could be worth a surprising amount of money, but only if you sell it before its value quietly slips away.

The good news is that iPhones are famous for holding their value. Compared with almost every other smartphone brand on the market, Apple devices lose the least over time. Recent industry data suggests iPhones shed only around 22 percent of their value across a full year, which is the lowest depreciation rate of any major phone maker. That figure matters, because it means a two year old iPhone can still return real cash rather than a token amount.

So what is your specific model actually worth today? The honest answer is that it depends on a handful of factors, and we will break each one down in a moment. Before that, it helps to know your options. You can trade the device in for store credit, list it privately on a marketplace, or sell your iPhone for cash through a specialist buyback service that pays you directly and handles the whole process for you.

Each route has its own trade-offs, but understanding what really drives the price will help you choose the smartest one for your situation.

What Decides Your iPhone’s Resale Value

Four things influence the final figure more than anything else:

• Model and age: Newer models command higher prices, and the value drops step by step with each new generation that arrives.
• Storage size: A 256GB phone is usually worth more than the 128GB version of the exact same model, so capacity counts.
• Condition: A clean, scratch free device in full working order earns a premium, while cracks, dents, and heavy scuffs pull the price down.
• Battery health and unlock status: Battery health above 80 percent helps a great deal, and an unlocked phone almost always beats a carrier locked one.

Face ID, the cameras, and every button should all work correctly too. Buyers pay top dollar for phones they can resell with confidence, so reporting any faults honestly keeps the transaction smooth and avoids nasty surprises later.

What iPhones Are Worth in 2026

Prices move constantly, but current ranges give you a useful benchmark. A recent flagship in good shape, such as a late model Pro Max, can still fetch several hundred dollars. Mid range and slightly older handsets tend to land somewhere in the middle, while phones that are five or more years old often bring smaller yet still worthwhile returns. Even a cracked or water damaged device holds value through parts recovery, so a broken phone is rarely completely worthless.

If you want a reliable reference point before you sell, it is worth checking Apple’s own payout estimates, which MacRumors publishes in a regularly updated trade-in guide. Comparing that official baseline against private and buyback offers quickly shows you how much extra you could earn by looking beyond Apple’s own program.

Timing Is Everything

Here is the detail most people miss. iPhones lose value fastest in the weeks around a new release. Every September, when Apple reveals its latest lineup, the resale price of older models tends to fall by roughly 10 to 20 percent within days. The market suddenly fills with people upgrading, supply jumps sharply, and payouts shrink almost overnight.

That pattern creates a clear strategy. The best window to sell is in the months before a new launch, usually across late summer, while demand is still strong and supply is still tight. Waiting until after the keynote often costs you a hundred dollars or more for no real reason. If your phone is already showing signs of wear, selling sooner rather than later is almost always the wiser move.

Trade-In, Private Sale, or Buyback Service

Once you know your phone’s worth and understand the timing, the last choice is where to actually sell it.

Trading in with Apple or your carrier is convenient, but the offers are frequently on the low side, and you usually receive store credit rather than cash you can spend anywhere. Selling privately on a marketplace can earn the most money, yet it also demands time, photos, endless messaging, and a degree of risk when meeting strangers or accepting payments. A dedicated buyback service sits neatly in the middle. You get a firm quote, guaranteed payment, and none of the hassle of chasing buyers around.

For many people, the extra convenience and security are well worth it, especially for a higher value device where safety and certainty genuinely matter. It also removes the guesswork, since a good service tells you the exact amount upfront and locks it in before you send anything off. That way you know precisely what you are getting rather than hoping a private buyer follows through.

Getting the Most for Your iPhone

A little preparation protects both your price and your privacy. Back up your data first, then sign out of iCloud, remove your Apple ID, and run a full factory reset so nothing personal is left behind. Clean the phone properly and gather the original box or charger if you still have them, since complete listings tend to attract better offers. Finally, compare a few quotes rather than accepting the very first number you are shown.

Your old iPhone is not just clutter taking up space in a drawer. With the right timing and a clear view of its value, it is money sitting there waiting to be claimed. Check what your exact model is worth, prepare it with care, and turn that idle device into cash while it still commands a strong price. The sooner you act, the more that quiet little handset is likely to pay you back.