How Much Is Your iPhone Worth in 2026? (And Why Right Now Is a Great Time to Sell)

If you have an iPhone sitting in a drawer — or you just upgraded to the iPhone 17 and haven't dealt with your old device yet — here's something worth knowing: you're probably sitting on more money than you think. And the window to get the most for it may be closing.

Apple is widely expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its rumored first-ever foldable iPhone in September 2026. Nothing is confirmed yet, but if history holds, a new launch means used iPhone prices drop — usually 12–18% in the month that follows. That makes right now one of the smartest times to sell.

Here's exactly what your iPhone is worth today, and what actually affects that number.

What iPhones Are Worth Right Now (August 2026)

These are current buyback offer ranges for unlocked devices in good to excellent condition:

• iPhone 17 Pro Max — Good: ~$880 | Excellent: up to $950+
• iPhone 17 Pro — Good: ~$780 | Excellent: up to $920
• iPhone 17 Air — Good: ~$560 | Excellent: up to $680
• iPhone 17 — Good: ~$420 | Excellent: up to $520
• iPhone 16 Pro Max — Good: ~$600 | Excellent: up to $750
• iPhone 16 Pro — Good: ~$480 | Excellent: up to $600
• iPhone 16 — Good: ~$280 | Excellent: up to $380
• iPhone 15 Pro — Good: ~$300 | Excellent: up to $420
• iPhone 15 — Good: ~$160 | Excellent: up to $240
• iPhone 14 Pro — Good: ~$200 | Excellent: up to $300
• iPhone 14 — Good: ~$120 | Excellent: up to $190
• iPhone 13 — Good: ~$100 | Excellent: up to $160
• iPhone 12 — Good: ~$60 | Excellent: up to $110

Offers vary by storage size, carrier lock status, and condition. Get your exact offer at BuyBackPros.com.

Why Sell Before September?

Apple is expected — though nothing is confirmed — to announce new iPhones in September 2026, potentially including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the company's first foldable device. These are still rumors, but the pattern is consistent: every year a new iPhone launches, used prices for current models drop almost immediately.

Based on historical data, iPhones typically lose 12–18% of their resale value in the 30 days following a new launch. For an iPhone 17 Pro currently worth up to $920, that's potentially $110–$165 gone in a single month — just from waiting.

You don't have to act today. But if you've been thinking about selling, sooner is almost always better than later when a new launch is on the horizon.

What Actually Affects Your iPhone's Value

1. Condition — The Biggest Factor

Condition is the single most important variable. A phone in excellent shape with no scratches and a perfect screen can fetch $150–$300 more than the same model with visible wear. Here's how we define conditions at Buy Back Pros:

• Flawless — Like new. No scratches, no wear, fully functional.
• Good — Light wear, minor scratches, fully functional.
• Fair — Noticeable wear or scratches, fully functional.
• Poor — Heavy wear or significant damage, but still powers on.

Be honest about the condition you select. Our offers are based on what you tell us. Most orders process exactly as described, so accuracy upfront means a smoother experience for everyone.

2. Storage Size

More storage means more money. The difference between a 128GB and 256GB iPhone can be $50–$100. A 512GB or 1TB model commands even more. Check yours in Settings → General → About → Storage.

3. Carrier Lock Status

Unlocked iPhones are worth significantly more — sometimes $100–$200 more — than carrier-locked ones. Check in Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. If it says "No SIM Restrictions," you're unlocked. If your account is paid off, contact your carrier — unlocking is usually free and takes 24–48 hours.

4. Timing

iPhones hold their value better than almost any other smartphone. But new launches change things fast. The iPhone 17 Pro currently fetches up to $920 at buyback. If a new model launches in September as expected and historical patterns hold, that same phone could be worth $760–$810 by October. Selling now locks in today's price.

Apple Trade-In vs. Selling to a Buyback Company

Apple's trade-in program is convenient — but convenience has a cost.

• Apple Trade-In (iPhone 17 Pro): Up to ~$630 — store credit only, must be spent on Apple products
• Buy Back Pros (iPhone 17 Pro): Up to $920 — real cash, paid next business day, spend it anywhere
• Difference: Up to $290 more with Buy Back Pros

That gap is real money — and it's cash, not a credit locked to one store.

Carrier Trade-In Programs: Even Less

AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile trade-in programs often advertise impressive numbers — but almost always with strings attached. The headline value typically requires purchasing a new phone on a multi-year installment plan and staying on a specific rate plan. The real payout is usually dripped out over 24–36 months as monthly bill credits. That is not money in your pocket today.

At Buy Back Pros, you get paid the next business day — not $15 a month for the next three years.

How to Get the Most for Your iPhone

Follow these steps before you ship:

1. Back up your data. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now. Or back up to your computer via Finder or iTunes.
2. Sign out of iCloud and disable Activation Lock. This is the most important step. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password. This removes Activation Lock so the next owner can use the device.
3. Erase your device. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. Your device will wipe itself and return to factory settings.
4. Remove your SIM card if you're keeping your number or switching to a new phone.
5. Clean it up. Gently wipe down the screen and body. A clean phone makes a better impression during inspection.
6. Find your original box and accessories if you still have them. Original packaging can increase your offer.

Why Sell to Buy Back Pros?

We're a St. Louis-based electronics buyback company with an A+ BBB rating. Here's what makes us different:

• Firm offer before you ship anything. The offer you see is the offer you get, as long as your device arrives as described. No surprises.
• We handle the shipping. We send you a USPS label, a USPS QR code you can scan at any post office branch, or a UPS label. All free.
• Certified data wipe. Every device gets a certified data wipe. Your personal information is gone before the device goes anywhere else.
• Paid next business day. PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, eCheck, or paper check — your choice.

Getting an offer takes about 60 seconds. Search your device, pick your storage and condition, and you'll see a firm offer immediately — no commitment required.

Get My Offer at BuyBackPros.com →

Questions? Reach us at [email protected] or (314) 947-2221.

Buy Back Pros LLC is a BBB Accredited A+ business based in Creve Coeur, MO. We buy iPhones, iPads, Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, MacBooks, Apple Watch, AirPods, and much more.