Apple is changing when consumers will have to make their next iPhone decision. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple's first foldable are expected to arrive on September 9, while the standard iPhone 18 lineup is reportedly being held until spring 2027. (MacRumors)
That creates two separate upgrade windows. Cashmycell's resale data shows why the gap could matter.
iPhone 17's resale value ahead of the iPhone 18 launch
The iPhone 17 enters the next upgrade cycle with strong resale performance. Cashmycell's March 2026 data shows the base iPhone 17 at $645 against its $800 MSRP, retaining 80% of its original value.
That gives the iPhone 17 a relatively strong resale position heading into the iPhone 18 cycle. Buyers can compare its current value against the expected launch price and features of the new generation. If Apple launches the standard iPhone 18 in spring 2027 as reported, buyers could have a longer window to evaluate whether the iPhone 17 offers enough savings to justify skipping the newer generation.
For buyers considering the Pro lineup, however, the decision comes sooner. With the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max expected to launch in September, the resale performance of previous Pro Max generations offers another useful point of comparison.
What recent pro models tell us about resale value
Cashmycell’s resale data through March 2026 paints a clear picture: not every Pro Max holds its value equally. The table below shows how much resale value each generation had retained by that point. Because each model was at a different stage of its depreciation cycle, the figures offer a snapshot of how their values have held up over time rather than a direct head-to-head comparison.
Note: Figures have been rounded for readability
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the clear outlier, retaining almost all of its original $1,200 MSRP, with a March 2026 resale value of $1,195. The iPhone 16 Pro Max retained 70%, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max retained 50%.
For September buyers, the iPhone 17 Pro Max provides a useful benchmark. A new iPhone 18 Pro may command launch pricing, while the existing iPhone 17 Pro lineup could offer a stronger value proposition as buyers weigh the cost of upgrading.
Before you purchase, consider these strategies
The key point is timing. A September launch gives consumers more information before committing to an upgrade.
For buyers who already own a recent Pro model, the decision can be especially dependent on resale value. A high-value trade-in or resale can substantially reduce the effective cost of moving to a newer generation.
Apple's foldable faces a different resale test
The first iPhone foldable will enter a market where resale values have already been tested across several manufacturers.
Cashmycell's March 2026 resale data shows how widely absolute resale values vary across foldable generations:
Note: Figures have been rounded for readability
Newer Samsung Fold models are retaining more value than several older foldables, but the category remains less predictable than Apple's conventional iPhone market.
Apple's foldable therefore comes with an unknown resale equation. Its eventual performance will depend on pricing, demand and how quickly future foldable generations evolve.
How much would an iPhone 18 upgrade really cost?
The price printed on the new iPhone is only one part of the calculation.
Effective upgrade cost = New phone price − current phone resale value
Condition also matters. Cashmycell tracks devices across Excellent, Good, Average and Damaged categories, so the same model can command very different resale prices depending on its condition.
Before upgrading, it is worth checking what the current device could fetch on the resale market. Our Depreciation tool provides an estimate based on the model and condition.
Should you wait for the iPhone 18?
If you want a Pro or Pro Max and do not need a new phone immediately, waiting until September gives you the opportunity to compare the iPhone 18 Pro lineup with the outgoing iPhone 17 Pro models. The new generation is close enough to make an immediate purchase harder to justify.
If you want Apple's foldable: wait for the announcement and evaluate the price alongside the category's resale history.
If value matters most: September could be the more useful date. The iPhone 17 lineup may offer a better balance of price and resale value once the new models arrive.
If you specifically want the standard iPhone 18, current reports suggest you may need to wait until spring 2027.
September could create better buying opportunities for the iPhone 17 series and previous generations, if Apple, carriers or retailers reduce prices or increase promotions after the new Pro models arrive. That could make the outgoing generation more attractive to value-focused buyers.
Methodology
The resale figures in this article are based on Cashmycell pricing data through March 2026. MSRP figures represent each phone’s original launch price, while resale figures reflect Cashmycell’s tracked resale prices. Because the models launched at different times, the figures represent a snapshot of each phone’s value at that point rather than a same-age comparison of depreciation. Historical figures are intended as a reference point and should not be interpreted as a forecast of future resale value.
How much is your iPhone worth?
If you’re looking to sell your iPhone, here are the maximum resale values for selected recent iPhone models:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: $720
- iPhone 16 Pro: $630
- iPhone 16 Plus: $485
- iPhone 16: $480
- iPhone 16e: $310
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: $530
- iPhone 15 Pro: $420
- iPhone 15 Plus: $340
- iPhone 15: $335
FAQs
1. When will the iPhone 18 launch?
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch in September 2026. The standard iPhone 18 and other lower-cost models are reportedly scheduled for spring 2027. (MacRumors)
2. Should I wait for the iPhone 18 Pro?
If a Pro upgrade is already planned, waiting allows a direct comparison between the new models and potentially lower-priced iPhone 17 devices after the September launch.
3. Will the iPhone 17 become cheaper after the iPhone 18 launch?
Prices can change when a new generation arrives, although the actual discount will depend on retailers, storage configurations, demand and promotions.
4. Will Apple's foldable iPhone hold its value?
There is no Apple foldable resale history yet. CMC's data shows that resale performance varies considerably across existing foldable generations.
5. How can I check my current iPhone's resale value?
Cashmycell's depreciation tool can be used to compare estimated resale values based on the phone model and condition.
6. Is it better to buy the iPhone 17 now or wait for the iPhone 18?
If you don't need a new phone immediately, waiting until September could be more beneficial. The iPhone 18 launch may bring new features and could lead to lower prices or promotions on the iPhone 17 lineup.
7. When is the best time to sell my iPhone before the iPhone 18 launches?
Selling before the September launch could help you avoid further depreciation once the newer generation arrives. Checking your phone's current resale value can help determine whether selling now makes financial sense.
8. Will the iPhone 17 lose value after the iPhone 18 launches?
It may. New iPhone launches can put downward pressure on older models as buyers shift toward the new generation and retailers adjust pricing. However, the size and timing of any resale decline can vary by model, condition, storage and demand.