Which iPhone holds its value best in 2026?

Not all iPhones depreciate at the same rate. As of mid-2026, with the iPhone 17 range now a few months into its second year on the market and the iPhone 18 expected this September, it is a good time to understand which models hold value best, and why. Whether you are buying with resale in mind or deciding when to sell the device you already own, the pattern is consistent enough to guide a real decision.

The short answer: Pro and Pro Max models retain value better than standard and Plus variants, higher storage tiers come out ahead at resale, and condition is the single biggest variable within any model tier. This guide walks through the reasoning and gives practical guidance on what to do with that information.

Why some iPhones hold value better than others

A few factors consistently push certain models ahead. Pro and Pro Max variants offer camera systems, display refresh rates, and frame materials (titanium on recent generations) that standard models do not. Buyers who specifically want those features pay a premium for them used, which keeps prices firmer. High-storage tiers (256GB and above) are also proportionally less common on the second-hand market because fewer people buy them at retail, so supply is lower against steady demand. Add in Apple's six to seven year iOS support window, which keeps older devices genuinely useful, and strong brand loyalty that means iPhone buyers rarely settle for a substitute, and you have a market that holds up better than most. For more on the broader picture, see do iPhones hold their value.

Ranked: which iPhone tiers retain value best

These are estimates based on general market patterns. Actual resale prices vary by condition, timing, and live market supply. None of the figures below represent a guaranteed offer or price. For a real number on your specific device, get a quote for your iPhone.

1. Pro Max

Historically the strongest performer at resale. The combination of the largest screen, the most capable camera hardware, and the highest retail price means the Pro Max starts from a higher base and retains a larger portion of it over time. In the first year, a well-kept Pro Max in 256GB or higher might retain somewhere in the region of 65 to 80 percent of its original retail value, though this varies by condition and timing. By year two, that estimate drops to roughly 50 to 65 percent. These are indicative ranges, not guarantees.

2. Pro

The Pro sits close to the Pro Max in value retention and often outperforms it on a percentage basis in the first year because its lower retail price makes it more accessible to second-hand buyers. The differentiated camera system and premium materials give it the same fundamental demand drivers. A Pro model in good condition at 12 months old typically retains an estimated 60 to 75 percent of retail, though the same caveats on condition and timing apply.

3. Standard

The base iPhone model depreciates faster than either Pro variant, largely because the buyer pool is more price-sensitive and the hardware differentiation from the previous generation is often smaller. That said, standard models are still strong performers relative to most Android flagships. At one year, you might estimate 50 to 65 percent retention; at two years, closer to 35 to 50 percent. Storage tier matters here too: a higher-storage standard model will generally outperform a 128GB equivalent.

4. Plus

The Plus (introduced from the iPhone 14 generation onwards) occupies an awkward position. It offers a larger screen than the standard model at a higher price, but without the Pro camera or materials. Second-hand demand for the Plus tier has historically been softer than for the Pro models, which tend to attract buyers who want the larger size and the full feature set. Plus models generally depreciate at a similar rate to the standard model, or modestly faster.

Storage tier: how much does it matter?

Within any given model tier, storage has a consistent effect on resale value. The premium at resale is usually not proportional to the price difference at retail, which means high-storage buyers do not fully recover what they paid for the upgrade. But there is a real difference.

• 128GB: The most common used inventory. Strong buyer demand but also heavy competition from other sellers, which limits what you can achieve on price.
• 256GB: Generally the best balance of resale premium and purchase cost. Sells quickly and consistently comes out ahead of 128GB equivalents.
• 512GB: A meaningful step up from 256GB at resale. Less common on the used market, which supports prices.
• 1TB: The rarest tier. Achieves the strongest absolute resale price, though the percentage retention compared to retail is not always better than 512GB. Appeals to a smaller pool of buyers who specifically need the storage.

For a broader look at how these variables feed into what your specific device is worth today, see how much is my iPhone worth.

Newer vs older: where the depreciation curve sits

The steepest depreciation happens in the first twelve months, as the initial retail premium fades and the used market fills with devices from people who upgraded. After that, the curve tends to flatten.

With the iPhone 17 heading into its second year and the iPhone 18 expected in September 2026, the 17 range is at a stage where values are still reasonably firm but will face pressure once the 18 launches. Selling in July or August generally produces a better return than waiting until October, when post-launch depreciation on the current generation accelerates. Older models (iPhone 15 and earlier) are further down the curve and compete against newer inventory, though high-storage Pro Max variants tend to age better than most.

Practical advice if resale matters to you

• Buy Pro or Pro Max. The resale premium is consistent. Over two to three years, the Pro typically recovers more of the purchase price than the standard or Plus, often enough to offset a meaningful portion of the higher initial cost.
• Go to at least 256GB. The incremental cost at retail usually pays back at resale, and 256GB+ devices sell faster. 512GB makes sense if you use the storage; 1TB if you genuinely need it.
• Keep condition high from day one. A Pro Max in poor condition can be worth less than a standard model in excellent shape. A case and screen protector from day one cost very little relative to what they preserve. Battery health above 85 percent makes a measurable difference to offers.
• Sell before September. iPhone values dip when Apple announces the new generation. July or August tends to produce a stronger return than waiting until after launch.
• Do not let it sit. The depreciation curve does not pause. A device in a drawer for another year is simply worth less when you eventually sell it.

Sell your iPhone with Cash My Tech

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If you have an iPhone 16 or 17, or an older Pro model sitting unused, now is a reasonable time to find out what it is worth before the next generation arrives. Get an instant quote for your iPhone or browse current buyback prices across all models and conditions.