Sell Your Phone
Selling Old iPhones: Which Models Still Have Value in 2026
Not sure if your old iPhone is worth selling in 2026? This guide breaks down resale values by model, where to sell in Chicago, and how to get the most cash.
Which Old iPhones Are Still Worth Money in 2026?
If you have an old iPhone sitting in a drawer, there is a real chance it still has meaningful resale value. The used smartphone market remains strong, and certain Apple models hold their worth far better than Android counterparts. Whether you want quick cash, a trade-in credit, or just want to responsibly recycle, understanding where your device sits on the resale spectrum saves you time and money.
This guide focuses on the models buyers actually want in 2026, realistic price ranges you can expect, and the best ways to sell if you are in Chicago or anywhere in the country.
Why iPhones Hold Resale Value Better Than Most Phones
Apple's long software support cycle is the single biggest driver of used iPhone value. When Apple drops iOS support for a model, resale prices fall sharply. In 2026, iOS 19 still runs on the iPhone XS and newer, which means devices from 2018 onward can still receive security patches and run most apps. That broad compatibility keeps buyer demand healthy.
A few other factors push iPhone resale value higher than competing brands:
- Build quality. Glass-and-aluminum construction ages better than many plastic-bodied Android phones.
- Universal recognition. Buyers and shops know exactly what they are getting with a named Apple model.
- Accessories ecosystem. MagSafe, Lightning, and USB-C accessories make older iPhones usable without extra spending.
- Certified refurbished demand. Refurbishers in Chicago and nationally need a steady supply of working units to meet consumer demand for affordable certified refurbished iPhones.
For a deeper look at how certified refurbished devices are graded and priced, see our guide at /category/certified-refurbished-buying-guide.
iPhone Models With the Strongest Resale Value in 2026
Below is a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at a local Chicago buyback shop or a reputable national buyback platform. Prices assume the screen is uncracked, Face ID or Touch ID works, and the battery holds at least 80 percent capacity. Actual offers vary by condition, storage size, and carrier lock status.
| Model | Release Year | Approx. Buyback Value (Good Condition) | Still Getting iOS Updates? | |---|---|---|---| | iPhone 15 Pro Max | 2023 | $600 - $780 | Yes | | iPhone 15 / 15 Plus | 2023 | $420 - $560 | Yes | | iPhone 14 Pro Max | 2022 | $380 - $500 | Yes | | iPhone 14 / 14 Plus | 2022 | $260 - $370 | Yes | | iPhone 13 Pro Max | 2021 | $230 - $320 | Yes | | iPhone 13 / 13 mini | 2021 | $160 - $240 | Yes | | iPhone 12 Pro Max | 2020 | $130 - $195 | Yes | | iPhone 12 / 12 mini | 2020 | $90 - $155 | Yes | | iPhone 11 Pro Max | 2019 | $80 - $130 | Yes | | iPhone 11 | 2019 | $55 - $100 | Yes | | iPhone XS / XS Max | 2018 | $40 - $75 | Marginal | | iPhone XR | 2018 | $35 - $65 | Marginal | | iPhone X | 2017 | $20 - $45 | No (parts value only) | | iPhone 8 / 8 Plus | 2017 | $15 - $35 | No (parts/recycle) | | iPhone 7 and older | 2016 and prior | Under $20 | No |
Storage size matters more than most sellers expect. A 256 GB iPhone 13 Pro typically fetches $40 to $60 more than the 128 GB version at Chicago buyback counters. Always confirm your storage before getting a quote.
How to Maximize Your Old iPhone's Resale Value
Getting a fair offer is partly about the device and partly about how you present it. Follow these steps before you walk into any shop or mail in a device.
1. Check Battery Health First
Go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health. Anything at 80 percent or above is considered acceptable by most buyers. If your battery reads below 80 percent, a $50 to $80 battery replacement at an independent Chicago repair shop can sometimes add $100 or more to your offer, especially on higher-end models. Run the numbers before you skip this step.
2. Remove Your Apple ID and Erase the Device
Sign out of iCloud under Settings, then your name, then Sign Out. After that, go to Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, and choose Erase All Content and Settings. A phone still linked to an Apple ID is essentially unsellable. Buyers will reject it or offer almost nothing.
3. Gather the Original Box and Accessories
Original packaging adds credibility and sometimes $10 to $30 to an offer. Cables and adapters matter less, but they show the device was cared for.
4. Get Multiple Quotes
Do not accept the first offer. In Chicago, neighborhood shops in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and the Loop often have different price structures. Online platforms like Decluttr, Swappa, and Apple's own trade-in program give you a baseline for comparison. Local shops sometimes beat online platforms because they avoid shipping and processing fees.
For a side-by-side comparison of Chicago buyback shops versus national online platforms, visit our full breakdown at /article/chicago-iphone-buyback-shops-vs-online-platforms.
5. Time Your Sale Thoughtfully
Resale value dips about two to four weeks before a new iPhone launch (typically September) and spikes in early spring when tax refund season drives buyer demand. If you can wait until February or March, you may see noticeably better offers for mid-range models like the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 series.
Where to Sell an Old iPhone in Chicago
Chicago residents have more options than they might realize.
- Local buyback shops. Independent electronics shops across neighborhoods like Pilsen, Avondale, and Logan Square often offer same-day cash. No shipping, no waiting.
- Apple Store trade-in. Apple's trade-in program gives you Apple credit rather than cash, but it is convenient if you are already upgrading in-store at locations like Michigan Avenue or Oakbrook Center.
- Carrier trade-in programs. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile run promotions that sometimes significantly exceed standard buyback values, but only when paired with a new line or device upgrade.
- Online peer-to-peer. Platforms like Swappa and eBay reach a national buyer pool. Prices are often higher, but you handle shipping, returns, and potential disputes yourself.
- Electronics recycling events. Cook County and the City of Chicago host periodic e-waste collection events if your device is too old or damaged for resale. This keeps lead and lithium out of landfills.
If your phone has a cracked screen or other damage, it may be worth repairing before selling. Read our guide on /category/device-repair-guides to see whether repair costs make financial sense for your specific model.
Models That Are No Longer Worth Selling (But Still Worth Recycling)
Not every old iPhone has a meaningful resale market in 2026. The iPhone 7, iPhone 6s, and anything older receive no iOS updates and are rejected by most buyback services. These devices are best directed to certified e-recyclers. Chicago's proximity to several certified R2 and e-Stewards recycling facilities means responsible disposal is genuinely accessible, not just theoretical.
If you have a large batch of old devices, possibly from a home cleanout or a small business refresh, check whether any local shop offers bulk buyback or recycling pickup. Some do, particularly for mixed lots of iPhones and iPads.
For guidance on recycling older devices responsibly in the Chicago metro area, see our resource at /article/electronics-recycling-chicago-guide.
The Bottom Line on Old iPhone Resale Value in 2026
The resale market for used iPhones remains one of the healthiest in consumer electronics. iPhone 11 through iPhone 15 models all carry meaningful value, and even some older units command decent prices if they are in good shape. The keys are simple: erase the device properly, check battery health, get multiple quotes, and consider the timing of your sale.
Chicago residents have a genuine advantage here. The density of independent repair and buyback shops across the city means competitive offers are rarely more than a few miles away. Do the homework, compare your options, and you will almost certainly walk away with more than you expected from that old phone in your drawer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the oldest iPhone model that still has resale value in 2026?
The iPhone XR and iPhone XS from 2018 are generally the oldest models with meaningful resale value, typically fetching $35 to $75 depending on condition and storage size. iPhones from 2017 and earlier are largely only worth recycling or selling for parts.
Does a cracked screen significantly reduce my old iPhone's resale value?
Yes, a cracked screen typically reduces a buyback offer by 40 to 60 percent compared to a phone in good condition. For newer, higher-value models like the iPhone 13 or 14, it may be worth paying for a screen repair before selling, since the repair cost can be less than the value gap.
How do I get the best price when selling my old iPhone in Chicago?
Get at least three quotes from different sources: a local buyback shop, Apple's trade-in program, and one online platform like Swappa or Decluttr. Make sure the device is factory reset, the Apple ID is removed, and the battery health is above 80 percent before any evaluation.
Is it better to sell my old iPhone locally or through an online platform?
Local shops offer immediate cash with no shipping risk, while online platforms like eBay or Swappa often yield higher prices due to a larger buyer pool. For phones worth over $200, the extra effort of selling online can add $30 to $80. For lower-value models, local is usually more practical.
Does iPhone storage size affect the resale value?
Yes, significantly. A 256 GB model typically sells for $40 to $80 more than the base 128 GB version of the same phone. The premium is even larger on Pro models. Always confirm your storage size in Settings before requesting a quote.
What should I do with an old iPhone that no buyback shop will accept?
If your device is too old or damaged for resale, take it to a certified e-waste recycler. Chicago and Cook County host periodic electronics recycling events, and many independent shops will accept old phones for responsible disposal even if they cannot offer cash for them.
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