Market Analysis
iPhone 17 Expected Resale Value — Should You Wait or Buy iPhone 16 Used?
Based on 4 years of Apple depreciation data
Published: March 28, 2026
The iPhone 17 is expected to launch in September 2026 with a starting price around ₹85,000. That is a lot of money. But here is what most people do not think about: the moment you unbox it, it starts losing value.
We analyzed Apple's iPhone depreciation pattern over the last four generations to predict exactly what the iPhone 17 will be worth used — and whether it makes more sense to buy a used iPhone 15 or 16 right now.
Apple iPhone Depreciation History (Base Model, 128GB)
This table tracks the resale value of each iPhone base model at key intervals after launch. All prices are for units in good condition with original box and charger.
| Model | Launch Price | After 6 Months | After 12 Months | 1-Year Drop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | ₹79,900 | ₹58,000 | ₹48,000 | -40% |
| iPhone 14 | ₹79,900 | ₹56,000 | ₹46,000 | -42% |
| iPhone 15 | ₹79,900 | ₹55,000 | ₹47,000 | -41% |
| iPhone 16 | ₹79,900 | ₹57,000 | ₹49,000 | -39% |
| iPhone 17 (est.) | ₹85,000 | ₹60,000 | ₹55,000 | -35% |
Source: Bids44 marketplace data + Cashify/OLX listings analysis. iPhone 17 values are estimates based on historical patterns.
The Pattern: iPhones Lose 35-42% in Year One
Across the last four generations, the base iPhone consistently loses 35-42% of its launch price within the first 12 months. The steepest drop happens in the first 3 months — especially in October-November when trade-ins flood the used market.
Pro Max models fare better, retaining about 70-75% after one year. This is because the Pro Max has a smaller second-hand supply (fewer people upgrade from it) and the camera system holds its perceived value longer.
iPhone 17 Resale Prediction
Assuming the iPhone 17 launches at ₹85,000 (base, 128GB), here is what we expect:
The Real Question: Wait or Buy Used Now?
Here is the math that most people ignore. A used iPhone 15 in good condition is available right now for ₹38,000-42,000. A used iPhone 16 is around ₹49,000-54,000. The iPhone 17 will cost ₹85,000 on launch day.
The comparison:
iPhone 17 (new, Sep 2026): ₹85,000 — will be worth ₹55,000 in 12 months
iPhone 16 (used, today): ₹50,000 — will be worth ₹38,000 in 12 months
iPhone 15 (used, today): ₹38,000 — will be worth ₹28,000 in 12 months
Cost of ownership per year:
iPhone 17: ₹30,000/year
iPhone 16 (used): ₹12,000/year
iPhone 15 (used): ₹10,000/year
Buying a used iPhone 15 costs you ₹10,000 per year of ownership. The iPhone 17 costs you ₹30,000 per year. That is a 3x difference for a phone that does 95% of the same things.
Our Take
If budget matters, buy a used iPhone 15 now for ₹38,000 instead of waiting for iPhone 17 at ₹85,000. The A16 chip is more than capable for another 3-4 years of iOS updates. The camera is excellent. And you save ₹47,000 on day one.
The only reasons to wait for iPhone 17: you need the latest camera system (rumored 48MP periscope lens), you want the thinnest iPhone design Apple has ever made, or you simply enjoy having the newest thing. All valid reasons — just know the cost.
Check current used iPhone prices on Bids44:
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the iPhone 17 resale value be after 1 year?
Based on Apple's depreciation history, the iPhone 17 (base model, 128GB) will likely retain 65-70% of its launch price after 12 months. If it launches at around ₹85,000, expect a resale value of ₹55,000-60,000 by September 2027.
Should I buy a used iPhone 16 now or wait for iPhone 17?
If budget matters, buying a used iPhone 15 or 16 now makes more financial sense. A used iPhone 15 in good condition costs around ₹38,000-42,000 — roughly half the expected iPhone 17 launch price. The performance difference for daily use is marginal.
Which iPhones hold resale value the best?
Pro Max models consistently hold the best resale value, retaining 70-75% after one year compared to 60-65% for the base model. Higher storage variants (256GB+) also depreciate slower in percentage terms because the storage premium holds.
When is the worst time to sell an old iPhone?
The worst time is September-October, right after the new iPhone launches. Used iPhone prices drop 10-15% in this window as the market floods with trade-ins. The best time to sell is June-August, just before the announcement when supply of used units is lower.
Check Used iPhone Prices on Bids44
Real prices from real sellers. Place a bid and negotiate directly.
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Disclosure: Bids44 is our product. All resale values cited are estimates based on historical market data from Bids44, Cashify, and OLX listings as of March 2026. Actual resale values will depend on condition, storage variant, accessories included, and market conditions at the time of sale.