iPhone Depreciation Timeline by Model

vious generation immediately shifts in market perception.

Depreciation generally follows this pattern:

Year 0–1:
The steepest drop. Early adopters pay the highest price.

Year 1–2:
Moderate decline. Still strong resale demand.

Year 2–3:
Slower but steady decrease.

Year 3+:
Flattening curve. Lower value, but slower losses.

Timing matters most in the first two years.

Depreciation Timeline by Model

Below are general depreciation patterns based on historical resale trends. Actual value varies based on condition, storage, and timing.

iPhone 15 Series (Launched 2023)

After 1 year: ~20–30% decline
After 2 years: ~35–45% decline
After 3 years: ~50–60% decline

Early resale within 12–18 months typically preserves the highest percentage of value.

iPhone 14 Series (Launched 2022)

After 1 year: ~25–35% decline
After 2 years: ~40–50% decline
After 3 years: ~55–65% decline

The second year is often when resale timing becomes critical.

iPhone 13 Series (Launched 2021)

After 1 year: ~30–40% decline
After 2 years: ~45–55% decline
After 3 years: ~60–70% decline

Value stabilizes more gradually beyond year three.

iPhone 12 Series (Launched 2020)

After 1 year: ~35–45% decline
After 2 years: ~50–60% decline
After 3 years: ~65–75% decline

Beyond three years, resale demand narrows but doesn’t disappear.

What Influences Depreciation?

Not all devices depreciate equally.

Factors that impact resale value:

  • Storage size (higher storage often retains value better)

  • Physical condition (scratches, cracks, repairs)

  • Battery health

  • Unlocked status

  • Selling before vs. after a September launch

Even a few weeks around a major announcement can influence pricing.

The Optimal Resale Window

For many users, the strongest resale window falls between:

12 and 24 months of ownership.

Why?

  • Value hasn’t fully eroded

  • Demand remains strong

  • Device still feels “current generation”

Waiting beyond three years often means accepting significantly lower returns.

That doesn’t make holding wrong — but it changes the economics.

The Smart Ownership Perspective

Phone ownership isn’t just about buying the latest model.

It’s about managing the lifecycle intentionally.

When you understand how depreciation unfolds:

  • You can time your sale strategically

  • You can reduce total cost of ownership

  • You avoid selling during the steepest value drop

Small timing adjustments can preserve hundreds of dollars over multiple upgrade cycles.

Final Thoughts

iPhones hold value well — but time always affects price.

If you’re within the first two years of ownership, it may be worth reviewing your current resale value before the next launch cycle.

Smart ownership starts with understanding the timeline.

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