How Long Do You Have to Keep an iPhone Before You Trade It In? A Timing Guide
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60-Second Summary
The Issue: iPhone owners often make the mistake of selling at the wrong time. As soon as a new iPhone is released the value of older devices can drop by 30% overnight. Learn the best times to sell in this article.
Recommended Sell Times
When to sell? 18-24 month ownership is ideal to retain value:
- 1-2 months pre-launch (August) is the highest value window
- Do not sell in October – delay until August for $50-$100 more
- Post 36 months: Values decline to 10-30% of the original
Yearly Depreciation Details
- 1st Year: Value retained at 70-85%
- 2nd Year: Drops to 40-60% of initial price
- 3rd Year Onwards: Retains 20-40% value
- iPhone Pro/Max versions have a higher resale value than standard editions
The Three Major Value Factors
Phone conditions’ impacts: Phone physical condition
- In pristine condition: Offers near-maximum trade-in value
- Lightly used/no major damage: Value down by 10-15%
- Scratches/Screen cracks/Dents: 30-50% value loss
- Battery life less than 80%: 10-20% lower value
Sell Preparation Checklist
Complete all steps before selling to get best value:
- Backup data to iCloud or iTunes
- Sign out of Apple ID and disable Find My iPhone
- Factory reset the iPhone
- Keep original accessories with the device
- or alternatively use BankMyCell buyback offers to sell to trusted shops from among many buyers
Bottom Line: Sell the iPhone between 18-24 months for the best value. August, a month or two before new releases, is the sweet spot that gives you good value while using the iPhone enough. You can normally expect to get 30-40% of original value at that stage.
Need to sell earlier than ideal or in less-than-perfect condition? Sell your iPhone for cash at BankMyCell. We buy all conditions and keep your data safe. Receive the best buyback offers from trusted stores from among many offers with free shipping, and use the proceeds to offset the cost of your next iPhone instead of trading it in for a new one at a very low rate from the carrier.
| TODAY'S BEST iPHONE BUYBACK OFFERS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Device | Financed | ||
| iPhone 16e | $510.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $1150.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 16 Pro | $1045.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 16 Plus | $705.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 16 | $650.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $820.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 15 Pro | $830.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 15 Plus | $570.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 15 | $535.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | $790.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 14 Pro | $720.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 14 Plus | $325.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 14 | $320.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | $650.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 13 Pro | $560.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 13 Mini | $370.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 13 | $400.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | $370.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 12 Pro | $290.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 12 Mini | $180.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 12 | $200.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | $245.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 11 Pro | $245.00 | Compare | |
| iPhone 11 | $165.00 | Compare | |
| * Best market prices updated August 22nd 2025 | |||
Data Source: BankMyCell compares over 100,000+ quotes and customer reviews from 20+ trusted buyback stores every 15 minutes via our data feeds, making us America’s #1 time-saving trade-in supermarket.
Disclaimer: You can sell financed iPhones, but you are still responsible for the finance payments. The sale does not end your responsibility to continue your contract payments. Always check your carrier’s terms if you are not clear.
What is the best time to trade in your iPhone to receive maximum trade-in value?
When trading in your iPhone, the timing determines your potential return. When you trade in your iPhone too early, you will lose the opportunity to receive its full investment value. The value of your old iPhone drops to just a fraction of its original price if you wait too long to trade it in.
Here’s the problem:
The majority of iPhone users remain unaware of the best time to trade in their device, leading to potential losses of hundreds of dollars during their iPhone upgrade.
And that’s not all…
iPhone trade-in values experience significant fluctuations throughout the year and can decrease by up to 30% the moment a new iPhone model hits the market.
Ready to trade in your current iPhone? BankMyCell enables users to evaluate trade in offers from various buyback stores so they can secure the best possible deal for their device.
At what point do iPhones begin to depreciate in trade in value?
Device owners must understand the regular depreciation trends of iPhones before they decide to trade in their device.
The Apple Store and Release Cycle Effect
The annual September release of new iPhone models by Apple generates major effects within the trade in market.
The following explanation shows how the Apple release cycle influences trade in values
- The highest trade in values occur during the months leading up to a new iPhone announcement which happens in July and August.
- The trade in value of iPhones experiences a steep decline of 15-20% right after new models are announced.
- The market reaches stability at 3-4 months post-release followed by a reduced rate of trade in value depreciation
Think about it:
You can save between $50 to $100 in trade in credits by trading your current iPhone in August instead of October when you want to upgrade to the latest model.
Age-Based iPhone Trade In Value Depreciation Timeline
The duration that you own your iPhone determines its trade in value.
- During their first year of ownership iPhones generally depreciate between 15% and 30% from their initial purchase price.
- Between 12-24 months of ownership the iPhone’s trade in value reduces by 40-60% of the initial purchase price.
- Between 24 and 36 months your iPhone will retain only 20-40% of its original price.
- Devices traded in after 36 months experience severe depreciation and only retain 10-30% of their original price.
The advantage of this knowledge:
- The best time to trade in your phone generally falls within the 18-24 month ownership period.
- Be aware of when maintaining your outdated device becomes costly due to its depreciating value.
Want to get the best value for your iPhone when trading it in? BankMyCell evaluates trade-in offers from reputable stores to help users achieve up to 43% higher returns compared to carrier trade-in programs.
Disclaimer: You can sell financed iPhones, but you are still responsible for the finance payments. The sale does not end your responsibility to continue your contract payments. Always check your carrier’s terms if you are not clear.
Key Factors Affecting iPhone Trade In Value
The trade-in value of your iPhone depends on several elements that go beyond the device’s age.
iPhone Model and Storage Capacity
Different iPhone models show varying depreciation rates when they are traded in.
- Pro/Pro Max models retain their trade in value more effectively when compared to standard models.
- Smartphones with larger storage options such as 256GB, 512GB or 1TB maintain their trade-in worth better over time.
- The trade in value of iPhones with special editions or unique colors often exceeds that of standard models.
Physical Condition of Your Trade In Device
Your iPhone’s physical condition dramatically influences its trade in value.
- Trading in devices that show no scratches or wear can achieve near-maximum trade in value.
- Devices with minor wear in good condition usually see their trade in value decrease by 10-15%.
- Trading in a device with a cracked screen or dents will likely decrease the trade-in value by 30-50%
But here’s the truth:
Trade-in programs prioritize functional aspects of devices over small cosmetic flaws. Minor scratches on your iPhone’s backside will generally not affect its trade in value if the screen remains undamaged.
Battery Health and SIM Card
Battery degradation significantly impacts trade in value:
- Devices with battery health under 80% experience a trade in value decrease of 10-20%.
- Trade in programs sometimes reject devices that have battery health levels below 70%
- A battery replacement before trade-in may increase your device’s value beyond the cost of the battery replacement.
- Always take out your SIM card prior to beginning the trade-in procedure.
When should you trade in your iPhone to maximize its value?
The best time to trade in your iPhone depends on multiple personal considerations.
These indicators demonstrate when it’s time to trade in your iPhone.
- Your used iPhone model is outdated by two to three generations from today’s newest version.
- The new iPhone will launch more than 2 months from now
- Performance issues have started to appear on your device
- You’ve noticed significant decreases in battery life
- You can benefit from special trade-in offers available at your carrier or the Apple Store.
Benefits of Waiting to Trade In:
- Maximizing usage means extracting complete value from your investment.
- If you have not yet finished paying for your iPhone through Apple or your carrier you can avoid finance costs.
- Maximize your trade-in value by waiting for special promotion periods from your carrier.
- Extending device lifespan helps minimize electronic waste from technological products.
Owners of iPhones should aim to trade their devices during the 18-24 month period to get the best value for their trade in.
The optimal period for iPhone users to trade in their devices generally occurs between the 18th and 24th month of ownership.
- The device delivered solid investment returns.
- Your device maintains a solid trade value which amounts to 30-40% of the original purchase price.
- The new owner will find the technology of the device remains current and functional.
- When you decide to trade in your device its battery health typically remains in good condition.
Ready to upgrade to a new phone? The website BankMyCell enables users to review different iPhone trade-in prices from various providers so buyers receive the most advantageous deal for their device.
Follow these steps to prepare your iPhone so you can sell it for the highest possible trade-in value.
Follow these simple steps before you trade in your device to maximize the trade-in value you receive.
Maintain Good Condition Before Trade In
- Protect your iPhone from the start by using a screen protector and a case to maintain its condition
- Clean your iPhone regularly with appropriate materials
Disclaimer: You can sell financed iPhones, but you are still responsible for the finance payments. The sale does not end your responsibility to continue your contract payments. Always check your carrier’s terms if you are not clear,
Keep Your iPhone in Good Condition Before Trade In
- Use a screen protector and case from day one to keep the iPhone in great condition
- Clean your iPhone regularly using appropriate products
- Repair any minor issues before trading in that could impact its value (cracked screen, battery)
- Keep all the original accessories and packaging if possible to get a higher trade in value
Trade In Checklist: Before you give your device
- Back up all data, photos, and apps to iCloud, iTunes or computer
- Sign out of Apple account and App Store
- Turn off Find My iPhone (Settings > tap your name > Find My > turn off)
- Unpair other devices that were connected to the iPhone (Apple Watch, AirPods)
- Factory reset the device using Settings
- Use provided shipping label for trade in kit if applicable
The advantage of proper preparation is:
- Ensuring that your device will not be rejected for trade-in due to your Apple account activation lock
- Prevents any of your personal data from being available to the new user when they receive the device
- Avoids unnecessary delays in trade in processing
- Maximizes trade in value
Helpful FAQ's
When is the worst time to trade in an iPhone?
The worst time is as soon as a new model is released in September to October as trade in values fall by a significant amount (15-20%).
Should I trade in my iPhone or sell it privately?
Privately selling an iPhone can earn 15-30% more than trade ins, but is more work and higher risk. Trade ins are more convenient and offer immediate credit toward a new device, but see several different routes to maximize the money you get from your device.
Do carrier trade in programs like T-Mobile offer a good value?
Carrier trade in offers are usually worse than dedicated buyback services. Carriers typically offer 15-40% less than what you can get through iPhone trade in value comparison services like BankMyCell. You can often get better store credit or trade in deals with carriers, though.
Is it worth repairing a cracked screen before a trade in?
It depends on the cost of the repair and how much the trade in value will increase. On newer devices, getting a cracked screen replaced can increase the trade in value by more than it costs to fix. For older models, it may not be worth the cost.
How much does battery health impact iPhone trade in value?
Battery health under 80% will typically lower your iPhone’s trade in value by 10-20%. Some trade in services will outright reject iPhones with a battery under 70% health or provide a much lower trade in value. Don’t end up losing money on a trade in from bad battery health.
Wrapping it Up
Trading in an iPhone at the right time is a strategic move that can make a big difference to how much you get in value. Timing is everything when trading in your iPhone.
Educating yourself about iPhone depreciation trends and how the market works can help you make informed decisions.
Following the tips in this article will help you to:
- Trade in your iPhone at a time when depreciation isn’t the biggest
- Hold on to your iPhone for the ideal amount of time to get the best trade in value
- Understand the key factors that impact your iPhone trade in value
- Prepare your iPhone properly to get the most trade in value for it
Ideally, the “right” time to trade in will vary based on your personal circumstances and preferences, but for most people, every 18-24 months tends to strike a good balance between getting full use out of a device and getting a reasonable return for it.
