The resale value of iPhones varies significantly by model, condition, and where you trade or sell them, with newer models retaining higher value and trade-in programs offering convenience over private sales. As of 2025, the iPhone 16 Pro Max can fetch up to $700 through Apple’s trade-in program, while older models like the iPhone 13 Pro Max drop to around $215 through carriers like AT&T ^[1][9]. Third-party platforms often provide better payouts—BankMyCell and SellCell aggregate offers from 20+ buyers, showing that a 256GB iPhone in mint condition can sell for around $332, even if damaged ^[3][5].

Key takeaways from current market data:

• Newest models hold premium value: iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max trade-in values reach $580–$700 at Apple, while iPhone 17 models aren’t yet widely listed ^[1][8].
• Carrier trade-ins offer lower payouts: AT&T’s maximum for an iPhone 13 Pro Max is $215, compared to $650 for an iPhone 15 Pro Max at Apple ^[9][8].
• Condition dramatically impacts price: A cracked iPhone may lose 50%+ of its value, while "like new" devices retain near-retail prices on secondary markets ^[7].
• Storage matters: Higher-capacity models (512GB+) depreciate slower, sometimes fetching only slightly less than new ^[3].

Current iPhone Resale Value Breakdown

Trade-in values by model and program

Trade-in programs from Apple, carriers, and retailers provide immediate credit but often at lower rates than private sales. Apple’s program is the most transparent, with values updated monthly, while carriers like AT&T and third-party services (e.g., Best Buy) adjust payouts based on promotions and demand.

Apple’s trade-in values as of April 2025 show a clear hierarchy:

• iPhone 15 Pro Max: Up to $650 in good condition, dropping to $520 if the screen is cracked ^[8].
• iPhone 15 Pro: Up to $550, with $440 for models with minor damage ^[8].
• iPhone 14 Pro Max: $450 in good condition, $360 if damaged ^[8].
• iPhone 13 series: Ranges from $180 (iPhone 13 Pro) to $215 (iPhone 13 Pro Max) at AT&T, significantly lower than Apple’s $300–$400 estimates for the same models ^[9][8].

Carrier trade-ins are consistently lower but may include promotional bonuses:

• AT&T offers up to $95 for an iPhone 12 and $125 for an iPhone 12 Pro Max, while Apple’s values for these models are $150–$200 ^[9].
• Best Buy and other retailers occasionally match Apple’s rates during sales events, but their standard payouts are 10–20% lower ^[8].

Key factors reducing trade-in value:

• Screen damage: Cuts payouts by 20–30% at Apple and up to 50% at carriers ^[7].
• Battery health: Below 80% capacity may disqualify devices from trade-in entirely ^[8].
• Carrier lock: Unlocked phones receive 10–15% higher offers ^[5].

Private sale vs. trade-in: Where to get the most money

Private sales through eBay, Swappa, or Facebook Marketplace yield the highest returns but require more effort. For example:

• A 256GB iPhone 14 Pro in mint condition sells for $500–$600 privately, compared to Apple’s $450 trade-in ^[3][4].
• Older models like the iPhone XR (128GB) fetch $140–$262 on eBay, depending on color and unlocked status, while trade-ins offer $50–$100 ^[4].

Third-party buyback services bridge the gap between convenience and value:

• SellCell compares 40+ buyers, showing the iPhone 13 Pro (256GB) averages $310 in good condition, versus Apple’s $250 ^[5].
• BankMyCell reports that even non-functional iPhones (e.g., 512GB iPhone 12) can sell for $100–$150 to recyclers ^[3].

Conditions defining resale tiers (with example values for iPhone 14 Pro):

• Like New (sealed or flawless): $550–$600 ^[5].
• Good (minor scratches, fully functional): $450–$500 ^[7].
• Fair (cracked screen, battery wear): $300–$350 ^[3].
• Poor (non-functional): $100–$150 ^[3].

Tips to maximize resale value:

• Sell before new releases: iPhone values drop 15–25% when a new model launches ^[7].
• Unlock the phone: Carrier-locked devices lose 10–15% of value ^[5].
• Include original accessories: Boxes and chargers add 5–10% to offers ^[8].
• Time the market: Demand peaks in September (new iPhone season) and December (holiday gifts) ^[3].