In the UK, what your old iPhone is worth really boils down to four key things: its model, storage capacity, overall condition, and whether it's locked to a network. It's no surprise that newer models in pristine condition command the best prices. A recent flagship like an iPhone 15 could easily net you hundreds of pounds, whereas much older models might only fetch under £100.
Understanding Your iPhone's Resale Value
Before you can nail down a price and answer "how much is my iPhone worth?", you need a solid grasp of what drives its value on the second-hand market. iPhones are a bit of an anomaly in the world of electronics; they hold their value incredibly well. This isn't just luck. It's down to Apple’s high-end build quality, years of software support, and a brand reputation that keeps demand sky-high.
Even a phone that's a few years old can retain a hefty chunk of its original price, provided it's been looked after. This lasting appeal is precisely why selling your old iPhone is such a savvy move.
Why iPhones Hold Their Value So Well
So, what’s the secret sauce? A few key factors contribute to an iPhone's impressive resale potential. When you're getting ready to sell, remember these points because they directly impact the offers you'll get.
- Premium Materials and Build: iPhones feel solid for a reason. They're made with top-notch materials like aerospace-grade aluminium and tough glass, helping them survive the bumps and scrapes of daily life better than many rivals.
- Long-Term iOS Updates: Apple is fantastic at supporting its older devices. You can expect software updates for five, sometimes even seven, years after a model is released. This keeps an older iPhone feeling fresh and secure, a huge plus for any potential buyer.
- A Powerful Ecosystem: The way an iPhone works seamlessly with MacBooks, Apple Watches, and iPads is a massive draw. This integration keeps people loyal to the brand and fuels the demand for all its products, new or used.
- Consistently High Demand: Put it all together, and you have a recipe for a bustling second-hand market. Brand loyalty and a reputation for quality mean there are always people looking to buy a used iPhone, which naturally keeps prices strong.
The fact that iPhones retain their value so well is a massive win for owners. Looking at the UK resale market, a top-tier model like the iPhone 15 Pro Max can hold onto roughly 78% of its retail price after just one year. This means you can get a significant portion of your initial investment back.
This impressive performance is a big reason why upgrading feels more affordable for iPhone users. The money you make from your old device can take a serious chunk out of the cost of a new one. To get a handle on what your phone is truly worth, it’s useful to understand how to determine an item's fair market value.
To give you a clearer picture, I've put together a table with some ballpark figures for popular models.
Estimated iPhone Resale Value Ranges in the UK
This table provides a quick estimate of potential resale values for popular iPhone models in the UK based on their condition.
Remember, these are just estimates to give you a general idea. The final offer you receive will depend on a specific assessment of your device's model, storage, and exact condition.
How to Honestly Assess Your iPhone's Condition
Before you can get an accurate answer to "how much is my iPhone worth?", you need to play the part of a strict quality inspector. Vague terms like 'good condition' are pretty meaningless to trade-in companies and potential buyers; they need the details.
Getting real about your phone's condition from the start helps you get a reliable quote. More importantly, it prevents any nasty surprises or disputes when the buyer gets their hands on it. The best way to begin is under a bright light, tilting the phone back and forth to see every little imperfection on the screen and body. Think of it less as fault-finding and more as creating an honest snapshot that matches the grading criteria used by the pros.
Scrutinising the Screen and Body
The screen is always the first port of call, and its state can make or break your phone's value. Tiny, hairline scratches you can’t even see when the screen is on will usually pass for a 'good' rating. Deeper scratches are another matter entirely.
Here’s a trick I always use: the fingernail check. Gently run your fingernail over a scratch. If it catches, that's a deep scratch, and it will almost certainly knock your phone down a value tier.
Once you’re done with the screen, give the casing a proper look-over. Check the edges and the back for:
- Scuffs: Everyday cosmetic wear and tear.
- Chips: Little bits of finish that have come away, usually on the corners.
- Dents: Obvious depressions in the frame, often the calling card of a drop.
A few light scuffs might not stop your phone from being graded as 'good'. However, noticeable dents or chips will probably push it into the 'fair' or even 'broken' category, which will definitely affect what you’re offered.
Checking Functional Health
Looks aren't everything. Every single function needs to be working perfectly. The battery is a big one for second-hand buyers, as nobody wants a phone that dies after a few hours. Thankfully, it's easy to check this yourself.
Head over to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
A Maximum Capacity over 85% is what most would consider healthy. If it’s dipped below 80%, that’s a clear sign of significant wear and will lower the phone’s value.
But don't stop at the battery. You need to be methodical and test everything else.
I find it helps to make a quick checklist. Test the volume and power buttons, make sure the charging port isn't wobbly, check both cameras take clear photos, and give the speakers and microphone a quick test with a phone call. This little bit of effort means no unexpected issues pop up during the official inspection.
Being thorough—and brutally honest with yourself—is the goal here. By noting every scuff, scratch, and functional issue, you’ll have a much clearer picture of your iPhone's actual condition. This objective view is the foundation for getting a realistic idea of what your phone is truly worth.
Where to Sell Your iPhone in the UK
Alright, you know what iPhone you have and what condition it’s in. Now for the big question: where do you actually sell it? In the UK, you’ve got a few different routes you can take, and the best one for you really boils down to what you value most – speed, convenience, or cold, hard cash.
Choosing the right place isn’t just about chasing the highest offer. It's about finding a process that fits your life. Some people just want a guaranteed price and no faff, while others are willing to put in the time to squeeze every last quid out of their old phone. Getting to grips with the pros and cons of each option is the key to making a choice you'll be happy with.
To make it a bit clearer, this decision tree lays out the main options based on your priority.
As you can see, whether you're after pure ease, a good balance, or the highest possible price will point you in a very specific direction.
Trade-in Programmes for Ultimate Convenience
If you just want the job done with zero hassle, official trade-in programmes are tough to beat. Think Apple’s own scheme or the ones offered by major networks like EE, O2, and Vodafone. The process couldn't be simpler: get a quote online, pop your phone in a pre-paid envelope, and get credit towards your next device. Easy.
But there’s a catch. Convenience comes at a cost. Trade-in programmes are notorious for offering the lowest values. They’re built for simplicity, not for getting you the best return. It's a great, seamless option if you're upgrading directly with your provider, but you will almost certainly be leaving money on the table.
Tech Resale Sites a Balanced Approach
Looking for a better price than a trade-in but don't fancy the drama of a private sale? This is where dedicated tech resale sites come in. They are the perfect middle ground. Companies like MusicMagpie, Mazuma, or a specialist service like ours at EXE, offer a process that’s both simple and fair. You get an instant quote online, post your phone for free, and get paid quickly by bank transfer.
These services have nailed the process down to a fine art. Because they focus specifically on electronics, their offers are usually much more competitive than what the networks will give you. This is the ideal route if you want a decent price from a reputable business without dealing with endless questions from buyers or worrying about scams.
Private Sales for Maximum Cash
If your one and only goal is to get the most money possible for your iPhone, then selling it yourself is the way to go. Marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree let you set your own price and deal directly with the end buyer. When you cut out the middleman, you stand to earn a lot more.
This path, however, requires the most effort. You’re the one who has to:
- Take clear, high-quality photos.
- Write a compelling and honest description.
- Field questions from potential buyers (and time-wasters).
- Handle the payment and package the phone securely for shipping.
There's also more risk involved. But the reward can be significant. Market data shows a clear gap; for example, the highest reported trade-in price for a 512GB iPhone 16 was around £540-£550, while average resale prices were closer to £350-£400. This shows just how much reseller competition can influence value. If you're curious, you can find more insights about Apple sales statistics and how prices are set.
The Best Time of Year to Sell Your iPhone
Timing your sale can make a surprising difference to how much cash you get. The answer to "how much is my iPhone worth?" isn't just about its condition; it's also about market demand. And when it comes to iPhones, that demand follows a very predictable rhythm every single year.
If you want to get the best possible price, you need to understand this cycle. The entire second-hand iPhone market revolves around one massive event: Apple’s annual September keynote. The minute a new model is revealed, every older iPhone instantly drops in value. Planning for this can easily mean an extra £50 or more in your pocket.
The Golden Window for Selling
The absolute sweet spot for selling your iPhone is during the summer, usually from late July through August. Why then? Because anticipation for the new models is building, but they haven't been officially announced yet. This means your current phone is still considered a recent model, and its value is holding strong.
During these months, plenty of buyers are looking for a deal before the new phones drop, which creates a seller's market. Listing your phone in the summer means you’re catching that peak demand right before the inevitable price drop. Think of it as selling just before the market gets flooded with older models from everyone else upgrading.
By listing your iPhone in August, you put yourself in the best possible position. Demand is high, and the value of your device hasn't taken a hit from the announcement of its successor.
This isn’t a slow, gradual decline, either. It’s a sharp, immediate drop. The data on iPhone depreciation in the UK shows a clear pattern: prices plummet right after a new launch. When a new model is announced, older ones can lose between 15% and 30% of their value almost overnight. You can learn more about how new releases impact second-hand prices on swapsies.co.uk.
When You Should Avoid Selling
If August is the best time, then late September and October are easily the worst. The second Apple’s keynote speech ends, the resale market gets saturated with people offloading their old devices to fund their new upgrade.
This sudden flood of supply, combined with lower demand for what is now officially an 'old' model, sends prices tumbling. Selling during this period means you're competing with a mountain of other listings, often forcing you to accept a much lower offer just to get your phone noticed.
The strategy here is simple:
- Sell before September: Get your sale done and dusted before the new iPhones are even announced.
- Plan your upgrade: If you're getting the new model, sell your old one first. You might have to use a spare phone for a couple of weeks, but the financial gain makes it worthwhile.
Honestly, strategic timing is one of the easiest ways to squeeze more value out of your old iPhone without any extra effort.
How to Prepare Your iPhone for a Safe Sale
So, you’ve landed on a price and have a buyer lined up. Before you pop that phone in the post, there are a few final things to take care of. Getting your iPhone ready for its new owner is about more than just giving the screen a quick wipe—it’s about protecting your privacy and making sure the whole process is smooth and secure.
If you skip these steps, you could run into some serious headaches later. We're talking about years of your photos, messages, and personal info. Let's make sure none of that falls into the wrong hands. It's a simple checklist, but it’s crucial for your peace of mind.
Create a Secure Backup
First things first: back up everything. You really don't want to lose years of memories or important contacts. Luckily, you’ve got two solid options to choose from.
- Back Up to iCloud: This is usually the easiest route. Just hop on a Wi-Fi network, then head to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Tap Back Up Now and wait for it to finish completely.
- Back Up to a Computer: If you prefer having a physical copy, connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC. You’ll use Finder on a Mac or iTunes on a PC. Simply select your iPhone and click the button to back it up.
A complete backup is your safety net. It means that when you unbox your new phone, you can restore everything just the way you like it, from your app layout to your Wi-Fi passwords. It makes the switch to a new device feel seamless.
Erase Your Personal Data Completely
Once you're 100% sure your data is backed up safely, it’s time to wipe the iPhone clean. This is the single most important step for protecting your privacy. Don't just delete a few photos and apps—you need to do a full factory reset.
Before you do that, though, you have to sign out of your Apple ID. This deactivates Find My and the Activation Lock, which would otherwise turn the phone into a paperweight for the new owner. Go to Settings > [Your Name], scroll all the way down, and tap Sign Out. You'll need your Apple ID password to confirm.
With that sorted, navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. The phone will restart as if it just came out of the box, with absolutely none of your personal information left on it.
Lastly, think about the little things that make a big difference. If you still have the original box, charging cable, and manuals, including them can make your sale more appealing and might even justify a slightly higher price. Before you seal the deal, it’s a good idea to brush up on how to safely ship a cell phone. Taking these final steps shows you’re a thoughtful seller and helps build trust with your buyer.
A Few Common Questions About Selling Your iPhone
When you're trying to figure out "how much is my iPhone worth?", the same handful of questions always seem to pop up. Getting bogged down in the details is easy, so I've put together some clear, straightforward answers to the queries we hear most often.
Getting these practical details right can make a real difference to your final payout and how smoothly the whole process goes.
Does the Colour Affect Resale Value?
Honestly, not really. For the most part, standard colours like black, white, or silver are always in demand, so their value is pretty stable and predictable.
Occasionally, a brand-new, popular colour might fetch a bit more right after a new iPhone launches, but that’s purely down to scarcity. That little premium almost always disappears as soon as more of them hit the market.
What truly matters is your iPhone's condition, model, and storage capacity. Those are the big three. It’s far better to spend your time getting those details right than worrying about whether your space grey is less valuable than rose gold.
Should I Repair a Cracked Screen Before Selling?
This is the classic dilemma, and the real answer is: it depends.
If you have a newer, high-value iPhone, getting the screen professionally repaired could genuinely boost its resale price by more than the repair cost. For example, you might spend £150 on a new screen but see the phone's value jump by £200. In that case, it’s a smart move.
On the flip side, for an older model, the cost of a new screen could easily be more than the value you’d gain. The best way forward is to get a firm quote for the repair, then check trade-in prices for your phone in both 'damaged' and 'good' condition. A little bit of maths will tell you which path leaves more money in your pocket.
Think of it as a simple cost-benefit analysis. If the repair costs less than the value it adds, go for it. If not, you’re better off selling it as is.
Is It Better to Trade In or Sell Privately?
Selling your phone privately on a site like eBay or Facebook Marketplace will almost always net you more cash. You're cutting out the middleman and selling directly to the next owner, which means you pocket the difference.
But, and it's a big but, this route takes time and effort. You’re responsible for taking good photos, writing a compelling description, answering questions from potential buyers, and handling the shipping. It's a proper little side hustle.
Trading in is all about convenience. You get a quick, guaranteed quote, pop the phone in a box, and get paid without any of the faff. You're essentially swapping a bit of extra profit for a faster, simpler, and much more secure sale. It really comes down to what you value more: your time or a few extra quid.
Ready to find out what your iPhone is worth without all the guesswork? At EXE, we give competitive quotes and make the whole process completely hassle-free. Get your free, no-obligation estimate online today and turn your old tech into cash. https://www.exe.co.uk
