iPhone 16 Impact: How the 2025 iPhone 17 Launch Affects Your Device Value

With the iPhone 17 now released, iPhone 16 values have dropped significantly. Here's how Apple's latest launch affects your device's resale value, what your phone is worth right now, and when to sell for the best price. Whether you own an iPhone 16, iPhone 15, or an older model, this data will help you get the most money when you're ready to upgrade.

The iPhone 17 Effect: Understanding the Impact on Previous Models

As of November 2025, the iPhone 17 has been on the market for two months, and we're seeing the expected impact on previous iPhone models' resale values. The iPhone 16, which launched just over a year ago, has experienced the most dramatic price adjustments, while older models have seen more moderate declines.

Current Market Status (November 2025)

Following Apple's September 2025 iPhone 17 announcement, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have been officially discontinued. The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus remain available but with significant changes:

• iPhone 16: Now starts at £699 (down from £799 at launch)
• iPhone 16 Plus: Now starts at £799 (down from £899)
• Storage options: Reduced to 128GB for standard, 128GB/256GB for Plus

Real Depreciation Data: What Your iPhone Is Worth Now

Our analysis of current buyback prices shows the following depreciation patterns since the iPhone 17 launch:

iPhone 16 Series (Released September 2024)

• iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB: Down 51.46% from launch price
• iPhone 16 Pro 256GB: Down 47% from launch price
• iPhone 16 128GB: Down 42% from launch price
• Average depreciation: 45.07% in first 14 months

iPhone 15 Series (Released September 2023)

• Value drop post-iPhone 17: Additional 15-20% decrease
• Current average buyback value: 35-40% of original retail
• Most stable: iPhone 15 Pro Max maintains best value retention

iPhone 14 Series and Older

• iPhone 14 series: 10-15% additional drop
• iPhone 13 series: 5-8% decrease
• iPhone 12 and older: Minimal impact (already heavily depreciated)

Why August Was the Golden Window

Data shows that August 2025 represented the peak resale value for iPhone 16 owners looking to upgrade. Those who sold in August received 20-30% more than current November prices. This pattern repeats annually:

1. July-August: Peak resale values (anticipation builds)
2. Early September: Sharp 10-15% drop (announcement week)
3. Mid-September: Further 10-15% decline (launch week)
4. October-November: Stabilization at new lower levels

Strategic Insights for Different iPhone Models

If You Own an iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 is experiencing its steepest depreciation phase. If you're planning to upgrade to the iPhone 17, selling now prevents further value loss. However, if you're keeping it long-term, the device remains highly capable with years of iOS support ahead.

If You Own an iPhone 15 or 14

These models have already absorbed most of their lifetime depreciation. The iPhone 17 launch impact was moderate, making this a reasonable time to sell if you're upgrading. The iPhone 15 Pro models particularly maintain strong value due to their titanium construction and advanced features.

If You Own an iPhone 13 or Older

Older iPhones have reached their depreciation floor, losing only 5-8% from the iPhone 17 launch. These devices won't lose much more value, so timing is less critical. Focus on condition maintenance rather than market timing.

Maximizing Your iPhone's Resale Value Right Now

1. Act on Condition

With values already impacted by the iPhone 17 launch, maintaining pristine condition becomes even more important. A Grade A device commands 40-50% more than Grade C in the current market.

2. Include Original Accessories

Complete packages with original box, charger, and documentation add 5-10% to resale value - more significant now that base values have dropped.

3. Unlock Your Device

Network-locked phones sell for 10-15% less. With tighter margins post-launch, unlocking your device becomes more valuable.

4. Storage Matters More

Higher storage models (512GB, 1TB) have shown better value retention post-iPhone 17. The premium for storage has increased in the resale market.

Market Predictions: What's Next?

Short-term (November 2025 - February 2026)

• Values will stabilize at current levels through the holiday season
• Slight uptick possible in January due to gift card spending
• iPhone 16 will continue gradual depreciation at 2-3% monthly

Medium-term (March - August 2026)

• Spring 2026 may see minor price improvements (tax refund season)
• Summer 2026 will bring renewed selling pressure pre-iPhone 18
• iPhone 16 expected to be worth 30-35% of original retail by August 2026

The Environmental Angle: Why Resale Matters More Than Ever

With each iPhone containing approximately 75 chemical elements, including rare earth metals, the environmental impact of smartphone turnover is significant. The iPhone 17's launch doesn't just affect prices - it drives a massive wave of device turnover. By selling your device for reuse rather than letting it collect dust, you're contributing to the circular economy.

Sustainability Statistics

• Extending a phone's life by one year reduces its carbon footprint by 31%
• Manufacturing accounts for 85% of an iPhone's lifetime carbon emissions
• Refurbished phones save 70kg of CO2 equivalent per device

Action Items: What to Do Now

If Selling Now (Recommended for iPhone 16 Owners)

1. Get quotes from multiple buyback services immediately
2. Lock in prices with 5-7 day guarantees
3. Prepare your device properly (backup, factory reset)
4. Ship within the price guarantee window

If Waiting Until 2026

1. Protect your device to maintain Grade A condition
2. Keep original packaging and accessories
3. Monitor prices monthly starting June 2026
4. Sell by early August 2026 (before iPhone 18 announcement)

Conclusion: The Post-Launch Reality

The iPhone 17's September 2025 launch has reshaped the resale landscape as expected. While iPhone 16 owners have seen significant value drops, the situation isn't dire - these devices still command respectable prices in the buyback market. The key is understanding where your device sits in the depreciation curve and acting accordingly.

For most iPhone 16 owners, the message is clear: if you're planning to upgrade, now is better than later. For older iPhone owners, the impact has been minimal enough that you can afford to be strategic about timing. And for everyone, remember that maintaining device condition and including accessories can significantly offset depreciation in this post-launch market.