Sell Your Phone
Selling Old iPhones: Which Models Still Have Value in 2026
Wondering what your old iPhone is worth in 2026? This guide breaks down resale value by model, where to sell in Chicago, and how to get the most cash.
Which Old iPhones Are Still Worth Selling in 2026?
If you have an old iPhone sitting in a drawer somewhere in Wicker Park or Lincoln Square, there is a real chance it is worth more than you think. The used iPhone market remains one of the most liquid in consumer electronics. Apple's long software support cycles, global demand, and a loyal refurbished buyer base all work in your favor. But not every model holds its value equally, and timing your sale matters more than most people realize.
This guide covers which iPhone models still carry meaningful resale value in 2026, what realistic buyback prices look like, where to sell locally in Chicago, and how to prep your phone so you get top dollar.
iPhone Resale Value in 2026: What the Market Actually Looks Like
The resale market for used iPhones has matured significantly. Buyers, whether they are local Chicago buyback shops, national platforms like Swappa and Decluttr, or carrier trade-in programs, have gotten much sharper about grading condition. Cosmetic damage, battery health below 80 percent, and missing original accessories all chip away at what you can expect.
Here is a realistic snapshot of approximate buyback values for popular old iPhone models in 2026, assuming good condition and battery health above 80 percent:
| Model | Release Year | Approx. Buyback Value (Good Condition) | Still Supported by iOS? | |---|---|---|---| | iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max | 2024 | $700 - $950 | Yes | | iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max | 2023 | $500 - $750 | Yes | | iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max | 2022 | $350 - $500 | Yes | | iPhone 13 / 13 Pro | 2021 | $200 - $380 | Yes | | iPhone 12 / 12 Pro | 2020 | $120 - $220 | Yes | | iPhone 11 | 2019 | $80 - $150 | Yes | | iPhone XS / XS Max | 2018 | $60 - $110 | Check | | iPhone X | 2017 | $45 - $90 | Limited | | iPhone 8 / 8 Plus | 2017 | $30 - $65 | Limited | | iPhone SE (2nd Gen) | 2020 | $70 - $130 | Yes | | iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | 2022 | $100 - $175 | Yes |
Prices shift based on storage tier, color demand, and whether the phone is unlocked. A 256GB iPhone 13 Pro in Sierra Blue with an unlocked carrier will consistently outsell the same phone locked to AT&T or T-Mobile.
Which Old iPhone Models Are Worth the Most Right Now
Not every old iPhone is created equal when it comes to 2026 resale. Here is where the real value concentrates:
iPhone 13 Series: The Sweet Spot
The iPhone 13 lineup, particularly the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, hits a sweet spot in 2026. These phones still receive current iOS updates, support ProRes video and ProMotion displays, and are priced attractively enough that budget-conscious buyers in the certified refurbished market actively seek them out. If you have an iPhone 13 Pro Max in good shape, you are sitting on $300 to $380 in buyback value at a reputable shop.
iPhone 12 Series: Still Moving
The iPhone 12 remains a globally popular handset. Its 5G support and A14 Bionic chip keep it relevant for international resellers who ship unlocked units overseas. Chicago buyback stores in areas like Pilsen and the Loop tend to pay $120 to $180 for a clean iPhone 12 in good condition.
iPhone SE Models: Underrated Value
Both the second and third generation iPhone SE models are underrated trade-in options. They sell briskly in refurbished channels because they offer genuine Apple hardware at a low entry price. The third-gen SE, with its 5G chip, holds particularly well.
Models With Lower Value in 2026
The iPhone X, 8, and 7 have crossed into territory where functional value is low but not zero. If your old iPhone is an 8 Plus in mint condition, you might clear $55 to $65 at a local buyback counter. That is still real money, especially if the phone has been in a case and screen-protector combination since day one.
How to Maximize Your Old iPhone's Resale Value
The difference between a $150 and $220 payout on an iPhone 12 Pro often comes down to preparation. Here is what actually moves the needle:
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Check your battery health first. Go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health. Anything below 80 percent triggers a warning flag for buyers and will reduce your offer. If the phone is otherwise clean and the battery is at 78 percent, it may be worth spending $70 to $90 on a battery replacement before selling.
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Unlock your phone before listing or walking into a shop. A carrier-unlocked iPhone sells for meaningfully more than a locked one. Contact your carrier to confirm unlocking eligibility, especially if the phone is fully paid off.
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Remove your Apple ID and iCloud account. Sign out of iCloud completely before handing the phone over. Activation Lock is one of the most common reasons buyback offers get voided or reduced on the spot.
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Clean it properly. A microfiber cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on the back glass and screen makes a bigger impression than you might expect when a buyer is grading your device in person.
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Find your original box and accessories. Complete-in-box iPhones consistently fetch $10 to $30 more than loose phones, particularly on peer-to-peer platforms.
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Get at least three quotes before committing. In Chicago, you can walk into a buyback shop on Michigan Avenue, check an offer from a national platform like Decluttr, and compare that to a Facebook Marketplace listing all in the same afternoon.
For more on preparing any device for sale, see our full guide at /category/sell-your-phone.
Where to Sell Your Old iPhone in Chicago
Chicago offers a mix of local buyback shops, national mail-in services, and peer-to-peer selling options. Each channel has a different risk-reward profile.
Local Buyback Shops: These give you cash on the spot with no shipping risk. Shops concentrated in areas like the Loop, Wicker Park, and along Milwaukee Avenue are competitive on iPhones because turnover is high. The tradeoff is that offers tend to be 15 to 25 percent below what you might get privately, which is the premium you pay for convenience and immediacy.
National Mail-In Platforms (Decluttr, Gazelle, ItsWorthMore): These services let you lock in a quote online and ship the phone free. Offers are generally competitive, but read the fine print about condition grading. A phone graded "good" by you may be downgraded to "fair" upon arrival, lowering your payout.
Peer-to-Peer (Swappa, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist): You will get the highest net payout here, often 20 to 40 percent above buyback rates, but you absorb the effort of listing, answering questions, and meeting buyers safely. For Chicago sellers, meeting in a busy public space like a Starbucks or the lobby of a Chicago Public Library branch is the standard safe-exchange practice. Never meet in a residential location with a stranger for a cash transaction.
Carrier Trade-In Programs: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all run promotional trade-in offers tied to new device purchases. These can be surprisingly high during promotional windows, particularly around the iPhone 17 launch cycle expected in fall 2026. The catch is that the credit applies to your bill over 24 to 36 months rather than arriving as immediate cash.
For a side-by-side comparison of all major selling channels, check our article at /article/best-places-to-sell-iphone-chicago.
If your iPhone has a cracked screen or other damage that is dragging down its trade-in value, it may be worth repairing before selling. See our breakdown at /article/iphone-screen-repair-cost-chicago to decide whether repair makes financial sense first.
Timing Your Sale: When to Sell for Maximum Value
Old iPhone values drop most sharply in September and October each year, when Apple announces new models and buyback platforms get flooded with inventory. The ideal window to sell is typically June through August, before new-model speculation peaks. If you missed that window in 2025, selling in January or February 2026 is also reasonable, as post-holiday refurbished demand picks back up.
Storage capacity matters more in 2026 than it did five years ago. With app sizes growing, 64GB models in older generations have become harder to move. If you have a 64GB iPhone 11, expect offers closer to the floor of the range. A 256GB variant of the same model will consistently sit near the top.
Final Thoughts on Selling Old iPhones in 2026
The market for used iPhones remains robust in 2026, but it rewards sellers who come prepared. Know your battery health, unlock your device, clear your Apple ID, and shop at least three buyers before accepting any offer. Models from the iPhone 11 generation and newer are all worth selling rather than recycling. Even older phones like the iPhone 8 or X can fetch $40 to $90 at the right Chicago buyback counter.
For Chicago residents, the combination of local shops and national platforms gives you real pricing leverage. Use it.
For more on certified refurbished options if you are buying as well as selling, visit our guide at /article/buying-certified-refurbished-iphone-chicago.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best old iPhone to sell for cash in 2026?
The iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max offer the strongest combination of resale demand and cash value for older models in 2026, typically fetching $300 to $380 at reputable buyback shops in good condition. iPhone 14 and 15 series phones command even more.
Is it worth repairing an old iPhone before selling it?
It depends on the model and repair cost. If a screen replacement costs $80 and it raises your offer by $120, the repair pays off. For older models like the iPhone X or 8, repair costs often exceed the value gain, so selling as-is with honest condition disclosure is usually smarter.
How do I check if my old iPhone is unlocked before selling?
Go to Settings, then General, then About. If the Carrier Lock field shows 'No SIM restrictions,' your phone is unlocked. You can also call your carrier directly. Unlocked iPhones consistently sell for $30 to $80 more than carrier-locked devices, depending on the model.
Where can I sell my old iPhone for cash in Chicago?
Local buyback shops in the Loop, Wicker Park, and along Milwaukee Avenue are common options for same-day cash. National mail-in services like Decluttr and Gazelle are competitive alternatives. Peer-to-peer platforms like Swappa or Facebook Marketplace offer higher payouts but require more effort and safe in-person meetups.
Does battery health affect how much I get for my old iPhone?
Yes, significantly. Most buyback buyers and platforms require battery health above 80 percent for full-condition pricing. A phone with 75 percent battery health can see its offer reduced by $20 to $50 depending on the model. Consider a battery replacement before selling if the math works in your favor.
When is the best time of year to sell an old iPhone?
June through August is generally the best window. iPhone values drop sharply in September and October when new Apple models are announced and the used market gets flooded with trade-ins. January and February also see a modest uptick in refurbished demand after the holiday season settles.
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