How much value does an iPhone lose in the first year?

Most iPhones lose 40-50% of their launch value within the first year, with the steepest single drop happening in the weeks immediately after the next model is announced.

When is the biggest single drop in iPhone value?

The biggest single drop happens when Apple announces the next iPhone model, typically in September. Recycler prices for the outgoing model often fall 10-20% within days of the announcement.

Does depreciation slow down after the first year?

Yes. After the initial steep drop in year one, depreciation typically slows to roughly 15-20% per year as the phone settles into a stable resale market.

Is it ever worth waiting to sell an older iPhone?

Rarely. Since value only goes down over time, and each September brings a fresh price drop for existing models, the earlier you sell after deciding to upgrade, the more you typically get.

iPhone Depreciation Curve 2026 — Monthly Value Loss

The shape of iPhone depreciation

Every iPhone follows a broadly similar depreciation pattern, even though exact figures vary by model and storage size. Understanding this curve helps you time a sale to get the most for your device.

Month 1-3: the steepest drop

The single biggest value drop happens in the weeks around a new iPhone launch. Once Apple announces the next model — typically in September — resale demand for the outgoing model falls sharply, often 10-20% within days. If you're planning to sell an older iPhone and a launch is approaching, selling before the announcement typically nets you more than waiting.

Month 3-12: steady decline

After the initial post-launch adjustment, value continues to decline but at a steadier pace through the rest of the first year. By month 12, most iPhones have lost 40-50% of their original launch price. This reflects both new-model competition and natural market saturation as more units become available secondhand.

Year 2 onward: depreciation slows

Once a model is a year old, the rate of value loss typically slows to roughly 15-20% per year. The phone has settled into a stable secondary market — buyers looking for a budget iPhone specifically want an older model, so demand stabilises even as absolute value continues to fall.

What this means for timing your sale

If you're upgrading, the general rule holds: the sooner you sell after deciding to upgrade, the more you get. Waiting rarely pays off, since value only moves in one direction. The one exception is deliberately selling just before a new model launch if you know the date — but for most people, selling as soon as you've upgraded is the simplest, safest strategy.

Track live prices, not guesswork

Static average figures like these are useful for understanding the general shape of depreciation, but actual recycler prices shift daily with demand and stock levels. GadgetRank's Trade-In Index tracks live device pricing every month so you can see exactly how your specific model is trending right now, rather than relying on general estimates.

The iPhone Depreciation Curve: How Value Drops Month by Month