Do iPhones hold their value? A UK resale guide

The short answer is yes. iPhones depreciate more slowly than most other smartphones, and they consistently attract stronger second-hand demand in the UK than the majority of Android alternatives. That said, all phones lose value, and iPhones are no exception. The question is how quickly and how far. This guide covers the reasons behind iPhone value retention, how it compares to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, which models hold value best, and what to do if you are thinking of selling.

Why iPhones hold their value better than most phones

Several factors work together to keep used iPhone prices relatively stable compared to other brands.

Long software support

Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for six to seven years from launch. A phone that receives security patches and new features years after purchase stays usable and appealing on the second-hand market for much longer. Most Android manufacturers offer three to four years of OS updates, though Google has extended Pixel support significantly in recent generations. Longer support windows mean buyers are more willing to pay more for an older iPhone because it still functions like a current device.

Strong second-hand demand

iPhones are among the most searched-for devices on UK second-hand platforms. High demand relative to supply keeps prices up. People who want an iPhone rarely settle for a different brand, whereas Android buyers tend to be more flexible. That brand loyalty flows through to resale prices.

Premium build quality and materials

Aluminium and titanium frames, ceramic-shielded glass, and tight manufacturing tolerances mean iPhones tend to age better physically than many mid-range Android handsets. A phone that still looks and feels solid after two years commands a stronger offer than one with loose buttons, worn plastics, or flaking coatings.

Slower release cadence

Apple launches one main iPhone lineup per year, typically in September. Many Android manufacturers release multiple flagship variants across a year, which fragments the second-hand market and accelerates depreciation on older models. A single annual iPhone cycle means supply of used devices builds more gradually, which supports prices.

Ecosystem stickiness

iMessage, AirDrop, AirPods pairing, Apple Watch integration, and iCloud tie users into a system that makes switching away inconvenient. That ecosystem value is partly priced into the second-hand market because buyers know they are purchasing a device that will remain central to a broader setup.

Approximate value retention by age

The figures below are rough estimates only. Actual prices vary by model, storage tier, condition, and live market conditions. They are not a guarantee of any specific offer. For a real price on your device, check an instant quote.

As a general pattern, iPhones tend to retain a larger portion of their original retail price than most Android devices at equivalent ages. After one year, a well-kept iPhone in the Pro range might retain somewhere in the region of 60 to 75 percent of its original retail value, though this varies widely. Standard models tend to land closer to 50 to 65 percent at the same point. By the two to three year mark, that figure is broadly in the 35 to 55 percent range for Pro models and lower for standard variants. After four or five years, most iPhones sit in the 15 to 30 percent range, though certain high-storage Pro Max models can outperform this.

These ranges shift depending on the timing of new launches, overall market conditions, and how well the device has been kept. For more detail on how depreciation curves work across different phones, see our guide on how fast phones lose value.

iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy resale value

Samsung Galaxy flagships, particularly the S and Z series, are well-built phones with strong specs, but they tend to depreciate faster than equivalent iPhones in the UK market. A Samsung Galaxy S flagship at one year old will generally be worth a smaller proportion of its original retail price than a comparable iPhone at the same age.

Part of this is supply: Samsung releases more flagship variants per year. Part of it is brand dynamics in the UK: the second-hand iPhone market is larger and more liquid, which supports prices. Samsung does offer competitive trade-in schemes, but on the open resale market and through buyback services, iPhones typically fetch comparatively stronger returns at most ages.

That said, Samsung's Galaxy S Ultra models have seen improving resale performance in recent years, and the gap is not as wide as it once was. For a direct comparison, see our post on iPhone vs Samsung resale value.

iPhone vs Google Pixel resale value

Google Pixel phones offer some of the best camera software in the Android market and have seen their software support extended to seven years, which is now on par with Apple. Despite this, Pixel resale values have historically been weaker than iPhones at equivalent ages, largely because of lower brand recognition and smaller second-hand market liquidity in the UK.

Pixel Pro models hold value reasonably well relative to other Android flagships, but they still generally sit below comparable iPhones on the used market. This is a market perception issue as much as anything else. Pixel phones are excellent devices, but the pool of buyers specifically searching for a used Pixel is smaller than the pool searching for a used iPhone.

Which iPhones hold value best?

Within the iPhone range, not all models depreciate at the same rate. A few patterns are consistent.

Pro and Pro Max models

The Pro and Pro Max variants have historically retained value better than standard and Plus models. The differentiated camera systems, ProMotion displays, titanium frames (on newer models), and higher starting prices all contribute. Buyers who specifically want a Pro are willing to pay more for one used.

Higher storage tiers

A 256GB or 512GB model will generally fetch proportionally more than a 128GB equivalent, and 1TB models sit above that. The premium at the point of resale is usually modest, but it is consistent. If you bought a high-storage model, that works in your favour when selling.

Newer models

This seems obvious, but the gap between generations matters. An iPhone from two years ago retains more value than one from four years ago, and the sharpest depreciation typically happens in the first twelve months. After that, the curve tends to flatten out somewhat.

Good condition

Condition is not a model-level factor, but it might be the biggest variable in what your device is actually worth. A Pro model in poor condition can be worth less than a standard model in excellent condition. Keeping the screen scratch-free, avoiding cracks, and maintaining battery health above 80% all have a direct effect on the offer you receive.

Practical takeaways if you are thinking of selling

A few things worth knowing before you sell your iPhone.

• Sell before the next generation launches. iPhone values dip sharply when Apple announces new models, which typically happens in September. If you are on the fence about selling, doing it in July or August tends to produce a stronger return than waiting until October.
• Do not wait too long. The depreciation curve is steepest in years one and two. If you are upgrading, selling quickly after you receive your new phone recovers more of the cost than letting the old device sit in a drawer for another year.
• Condition matters more than you might expect. A clean, unscratched device with healthy battery life can command significantly more than the same model in worn condition. A case from day one costs very little relative to what it preserves.
• Higher storage returns more. If you are comparing two otherwise identical phones and one has more storage, the higher-storage model will generally receive a stronger offer.
• Check your network lock status. An unlocked iPhone is worth more. If your contract has ended and the device is still locked, contact your carrier. Most will unlock it for free.

Selling your iPhone with Cash My Tech

Cash My Tech is a UK postal buyback service. There is no walk-in shop: you get an instant quote online, receive a free prepaid postage label, and send your device in. Quotes are locked for five days from the moment you accept, so you have time to prepare without the price changing under you.

Once your device arrives and is inspected before 2pm on a working day, payment goes out the same day by UK bank transfer. Every device goes through a certified data wipe in line with UK GDPR and the WEEE Regulations 2013. Cash My Tech buys iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel devices in any condition, including broken and faulty handsets. The service is rated 4.8 out of 5 from over 1,250 verified reviews.

If your iPhone is a year or two old and you are planning to upgrade, there has rarely been a better time to check what it is worth. Get a quote for your iPhone or browse current buyback prices across all models.