If you are thinking about selling your iPhone, timing matters more than most people expect.
iPhone prices do not fall at a steady pace all year round. They usually hold up reasonably well for a while, then drop faster when Apple gets close to its next launch. If you want a stronger quote, the best window is often before the next iPhone announcement starts shaping buyer expectations.
When do iPhone values usually drop?
The biggest dip often comes in late summer and early autumn, when the next iPhone range is about to arrive. As soon as a newer model is announced, older ones start to look less desirable, even if they still work perfectly well.
That is why many sellers get a better result by selling a little earlier rather than waiting until after the launch cycle has started.
What affects your iPhone trade-in value?
Timing is only one part of it. Your quote also depends on:
- the exact model
- storage size
- overall condition
- battery health
- whether the phone is fully working and ready to assess
A newer iPhone in clean condition with healthy battery performance will usually hold value better than an older model with visible wear.
Should you sell before or after a new iPhone launch?
In most cases, before.
If you already know you plan to upgrade, it usually makes sense to check your current iPhone value before Apple reveals the next model. Waiting can cost you money for no real benefit, especially if plenty of other sellers decide to list or trade in at the same time.
What if you are still using the phone every day?
If you are not ready to send it in yet, it is still worth checking the value now so you know where you stand. That gives you a clearer sense of whether it is worth selling soon or hanging on a little longer.
It also helps to keep the phone in good shape. Use a case, keep the screen clean, and do not ignore battery health if it has started to slide.
Our advice if your iPhone is worth more than ÂŖ150
Our prepaid label covers up to ÂŖ150 insurance. If your iPhone is worth more than that, we recommend sending it with Royal Mail Special Delivery so the full value is properly covered in transit.
Check your iPhone value before it drops further
If you are wondering whether now is the right time, the simplest move is to check your quote today. A small delay can make less difference than you think, but waiting through the next launch cycle often does.
You can check your iPhone value here and see what your model is worth right now.
For more advice, see our guide on how much your phone is worth in the UK in 2026, our post on how our assessment works, and our Samsung comparison article on selling newer flagship phones.
