iPhone 18 is Coming! Should You Sell Your Old Phone Now? These 2 Models Are Most Profitable to Sell Right Now

Apple's fall 2026 launch event is scheduled for 1:00 AM Taiwan time on September 10. The market expects the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's first foldable iPhone to be the highlights. As new models emerge, the secondhand market is expected to shift, prompting many users to consider selling their old devices before prices decline.

A telecom retailer recently analyzed over 10,000 device recycling transactions and identified the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series as currently being in an optimal window for resale.

The iPhone 17 Pro has shown exceptional price stability. Based on 256GB models, its peak buyback price remained at NT$29,500 for five consecutive months from March to July 2026. Compared to its original retail price of NT$39,900, this represents a residual value of approximately 74%. The iPhone 17 Pro Max peaked between NT$34,500 and NT$40,500, while the standard iPhone 17 ranged from NT$21,000 to NT$26,000.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series, however, are now at a critical juncture. Their secondhand market values remain relatively high. Notably, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has demonstrated rare price resilience, with peak buyback prices ranging from NT$24,500 to NT$26,000 between March and July, and still around NT$25,000 in August. Some retailers even observed a counter-seasonal price increase, likely driven by strong demand for specific models, limited supply of used units, and currency fluctuations—creating an unusual market phenomenon ahead of a new launch.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has maintained a peak resale value of NT$18,000 to NT$18,500 over the past six months, showing no significant drop yet. However, with the next-generation Pro models imminent, older high-end models may face downward pressure. Experts recommend selling now if you plan to upgrade, while the current price support still holds.

In contrast, there is no urgent need to sell the standard iPhone 17. Continuing to use it incurs relatively low residual value loss at this stage.

For users still on iPhone 14 or earlier models, waiting may not be beneficial. For example, the 256GB iPhone 14 has seen its peak buyback price stagnate at NT$7,500 from March to August 2026. While this appears stable, it is already near the market's floor level. Industry experts note that smartphones typically enter a steep depreciation phase after three years of use. Delaying the sale by even a month could result in a loss of NT$500 to NT$1,000. Therefore, users planning to upgrade are advised to dispose of iPhone 14 and older models as soon as possible.