iPhone owners urged to sell current models now to avoid up to 30% value drop before iPhone 18 launch
iPhone owners planning to upgrade are advised to sell their current devices now, as prices could drop by up to 30% after the new models launch, according to Gadget GoGo.
Sam Wilson, Director at Gadget GoGo, a site that buys and sells refurbished tech, said pre-owned prices drop dramatically once new models launch, with values potentially falling by up to 30% in a matter of weeks. The impact is greatest on high-end models. Wilson explained that for Pro or Pro Max models, waiting until after launch can be particularly costly, with prices falling by £150 to £300 within weeks. Selling slightly earlier can make a significant difference to the amount owners get back.
Even cheaper and older iPhone models can see noticeable price falls after this year's launch. Data from previous years suggests that while prices typically plummet after launch, a steep decline can begin even earlier. Therefore, whatever iPhone you own, it is worth selling now if you plan to get rid of it soon.
Selling now may seem challenging if the upgrade model is not yet available, but Wilson advised starting the selling process now even if you plan to upgrade in September. Many buyback services allow users to lock in a price today while continuing to use the phone for a few more weeks.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to iPhones. Other brands reportedly see pre-owned prices fall after new models launch. For instance, Samsung Galaxy S26 owners might consider selling before the Galaxy S27 arrives. However, Samsung's next flagship is not expected for a while, whereas new iPhones, likely including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra, are expected to launch in early to mid-September, leaving less than 30 days before current handset values could drop substantially.