How much is an iPhone 15 worth in 2026?
The iPhone 15 was released in September 2023 and launched at £799 for the 128GB model. By July 2026 — three years into its lifecycle — recycler prices have settled significantly but remain strong compared to older models. The Pro Max variants in particular are fetching prices that represent excellent value to sell right now.
A working iPhone 15 (128GB, good condition) currently fetches £180–£240 from UK recyclers. The range reflects which recycler you use — prices vary by up to £60 for the same device, which is why comparing before selling is essential.
iPhone 15 model price breakdown (July 2026)
iPhone 15 (128GB): £180–£240 in good condition. £220–£270 in excellent condition.
iPhone 15 (256GB): £200–£260 in good condition. Add approximately £20–30 for excellent condition.
iPhone 15 Plus (128GB): £190–£250. The Plus has slightly lower demand than the standard model, which affects pricing.
iPhone 15 Pro (128GB): £250–£320 in good condition. The Pro models hold value significantly better due to the titanium frame, ProMotion display and 48MP camera system.
iPhone 15 Pro (256GB): £280–£360. Higher storage always commands a premium.
iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB): £330–£420. Currently one of the highest-value phones in the UK recycling market. If you have a Pro Max in good condition, now is an excellent time to sell.
iPhone 15 Pro Max (512GB): £380–£460. Premium storage commands the highest prices — well over £400 from the best recyclers.
How much does condition affect the price?
Condition is the single biggest variable after storage size. The difference between excellent and poor condition on an iPhone 15 can be £40–80.
Excellent condition (no visible marks, perfect screen, full battery health): achieves the top of the price range. Worth taking time to clean and present your phone carefully before getting quotes.
Good condition (light marks on body, minor screen scratches, battery health 80%+): achieves the mid-range price. Most phones fall into this category.
Poor condition (cracked screen, significant body damage, poor battery health): significantly lower prices, typically £60–100 below the good condition price. Some recyclers will reject severely damaged devices.
Water damage (even if repaired): most recyclers require disclosure of any water damage history. Prices are substantially reduced — typically 40–60% below a clean device.
Does storage size matter?
Yes, but less than you might expect for the 128GB to 256GB jump. The premium for 256GB over 128GB is typically £15–30 from most recyclers. For 256GB to 512GB, the premium is £40–60. Storage matters more on Pro Max models where the gap between 256GB and 1TB can be £80–100.
What affects the recycler price?
Battery health is the most commonly checked item. iPhone 15 devices with battery health below 80% will be devalued significantly. Check yours in Settings → Battery → Battery Health before getting quotes.
iCloud lock is the most important thing to clear before selling. A device with your Apple ID still linked cannot be sold and will either be returned or have its offer reduced to £0. Always sign out of iCloud (Settings → Your Name → Sign Out) and factory reset before sending.
Original box and accessories add a small premium with some recyclers — typically £5–15 for having the original box and cable. Not all recyclers pay extra for accessories.
Network lock should not be an issue with an iPhone 15 — Apple UK models are sold unlocked as standard. But if yours was originally from a carrier (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three), confirm it is unlocked before selling. Check in Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock.
When is the best time to sell your iPhone 15?
The worst time to sell is in September when Apple announces a new iPhone. Each year when a new model launches, recyclers receive a flood of trade-ins which pushes prices down. The iPhone 15 prices dipped significantly in September 2024 (iPhone 16 launch) and again in September 2025 (iPhone 17 launch).
Right now (July 2026) is actually a good window — iPhone 18 is not expected until September 2026. Selling in July or August gives you the best prices before the pre-announcement dip.
After September 2026, iPhone 15 prices will likely drop a further £20–40 as the device is pushed another generation back.
Which recyclers pay the most for iPhone 15?
Recycler prices vary significantly — by up to £60 for the same device in the same condition. GadgetRank compares live prices from 30+ UK recyclers simultaneously so you can see the best current offer before committing.
The top-paying recyclers change regularly. What is consistent is that comparing at least five recyclers before accepting any offer will reliably get you £20–40 more than taking the first quote you see.
How to maximise your iPhone 15 sale price
Step 1: Check your battery health in Settings → Battery → Battery Health. If it is below 80%, factor this into your expectation — you may want to disclose it upfront for an accurate quote.
Step 2: Back up your iPhone to iCloud or a Mac before doing anything else.
Step 3: Sign out of iCloud. Settings → Your Name → Sign Out. This is mandatory — without this step your phone is unsellable.
Step 4: Factory reset. Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
Step 5: Compare prices on GadgetRank before accepting any offer. Lock in the best quote and follow the recycler's sending instructions.
Step 6: Package carefully. Use bubble wrap and a sturdy box. Most recyclers provide free pre-paid postage.
Step 7: Send via tracked delivery. Always keep your tracking reference.
What if the recycler offers me less than quoted?
This is the most common complaint about phone recycling. If a recycler inspects your device and decides the condition is worse than stated, they make a revised offer. You have two options: accept the revised offer, or reject it and have your phone returned free of charge.
Always photograph your phone thoroughly before sending — front, back, screen and any damage — so you have evidence of condition if a dispute arises. All retailers listed on GadgetRank are reputable businesses, but keeping a photographic record protects you regardless.
Frequently asked questions
Is now a good time to sell my iPhone 15?
Yes. Prices are currently stable and iPhone 18 (which will push iPhone 15 prices down) is not expected until September 2026. Selling now gets you a better price than waiting until autumn.
Should I sell iPhone 15 to Apple Trade In. Apple's official UK trade-in tool shows their current offer — compare this against independent recyclers before deciding?
Apple Trade In consistently offers lower prices than independent recyclers. Always compare independent recycler prices first. Apple's convenience is not worth sacrificing £40–80 on a standard model or £100+ on a Pro Max.
How long does it take to get paid?
Most UK recyclers pay within 1–3 working days of inspecting your device. Some pay within 24 hours. Choose PayPal as your payment method for the fastest transfer.
Can I sell an iPhone 15 with a cracked screen?
Yes, most recyclers accept cracked screen devices. Expect a reduction of £25–60 depending on severity. Always declare the damage when requesting a quote to receive an accurate offer.
Compare iPhone 15 recycler prices now →