iPhone 17 Pro Max Resale Value Soars: A Sign of Premium Smartphone Trends
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is already making waves in the resale market, becoming the most traded-in device just five months after its global release in September 2025. Data from SellCell indicates that 11.5% of all phones traded in across 20 independent US platforms are iPhone 17 Pro Max units.
Why the High Resale Value?
The rapid rise in resale value, jumping from 5.1% in November to 11.5% in early February 2026, suggests strong demand and a perceived lasting value for Apple’s premium offering. A significant 86% of traded-in iPhone 17 Pro Max units are reported to be in prime or good condition, indicating owners are not trading them in due to defects, but rather upgrading or seeking cash.
Comparing to Previous Generations
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max each account for 7.3% of trade-ins, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 13 each represent 7.2%. This demonstrates a consistent pattern of high resale value for Pro Max models, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max is currently outpacing its predecessors.
Depreciation Rates and Value Retention
While the iPhone 17 Pro Max holds its value well, it’s not immune to depreciation. After 145 days, the device loses approximately 25.4% of its value from its initial resale price. This compares to a 32.5% loss for the iPhone 16 Pro Max over the same period, representing an approximate $95 (Rp 1.6 million) difference in resale value.
Currently, a pristine, used iPhone 17 Pro Max fetches around $967.5 (Rp 16.3 million), down from the original $1,199 (Rp 20.2 million) price tag.
The Broader Trend: Smartphones as Short-Term Assets
The data highlights a growing trend of premium smartphones being treated as short-term assets. Consumers are increasingly willing to resell their devices to recoup costs, particularly in the high-end market. This behavior is likely driven by the rapid pace of technological innovation and the desire to always have the latest features.
What Drives Smartphone Resale Value?
- Brand Reputation: Apple consistently maintains a strong brand image and perceived quality.
- Demand: High demand for the latest iPhone models fuels the resale market.
- Condition: Well-maintained devices command higher resale prices.
- Technological Advancements: Each new generation introduces features that entice upgrades.
Future Implications for the Smartphone Market
The increasing prominence of the resale market will likely influence future smartphone strategies. Manufacturers may need to consider:
- Trade-in Programs: Expanding and improving trade-in programs to capture more of the resale value.
- Durability and Longevity: Focusing on building more durable and long-lasting devices to reduce the need for frequent upgrades.
- Software Support: Providing extended software support to maintain the value of older devices.
FAQ
Q: Why is the iPhone 17 Pro Max resale value so high?
A: Strong demand, Apple’s brand reputation, and the phone’s excellent condition contribute to its high resale value.
Q: How much value does an iPhone 17 Pro Max lose over time?
A: After 145 days, it typically loses around 25.4% of its initial resale value.
Q: Is reselling smartphones a growing trend?
A: Yes, consumers are increasingly treating premium smartphones as short-term assets and reselling them to recoup costs.
Q: Where can I find the best price for my used iPhone?
A: SellCell analyzes data from 40 independent iPhone buyers to aid you find the best offer.
Did you know? The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max feature a new design that maximizes performance and delivers an enormous leap in battery life.
Pro Tip: Keeping your smartphone in excellent condition – using a case and screen protector – will significantly increase its resale value.
Want to learn more about the latest iPhone models and their features? Explore Apple’s official newsroom.
