Best Time to Buy an iPhone
Knowing when to buy a new phone, especially a new iPhone, can be key to getting the best deal. Apple follows a consistent annual pattern, launching its new iPhone models each year in September following its annual Apple Event. For buyers, understanding this schedule - and how it ripples through both new and used iPhone pricing - is crucial for making the most of seasonal promotions and sales.
Based on an analysis of over 1 million pricing data points tracked across Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy throughout 2025, the depreciation curve for iPhones is steeper than many buyers realize. The iPhone 16 series lost 35.4% of its value within just five months of release - nearly 11 percentage points faster than the iPhone 13 depreciated at the same age. On the refurbished market, prices declined at an average of −1.13% per month throughout 2025, with May 2025 seeing the sharpest single-month drop of −5.55%, largely driven by certified refurbishers liquidating high-volume trade-ins.
Timing your purchase around Apple’s annual announcement also matters more than most people realize. Within just 24-48 hours of a new iPhone reveal, previous-series prices typically drop 10-15% across major retailers. Apple itself tends to follow suit shortly after - when the iPhone 16 launched in September 2024, Apple dropped the price of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus by $100. Trade-in values follow a similar pattern, typically falling 12-18% in the week immediately following the annual announcement, so selling or trading in before the event can make a meaningful difference.
For shoppers who prefer buying new, timing your purchase around key retail moments also matters. During Black Friday 2025, Apple offered a $75 gift card with iPhone 16 purchases, while major carriers were offering strong trade-in promotions on the iPhone 17 lineup. More broadly, once a model has been on the market for 12 or more months, discontinued Pro models frequently become available from third-party retailers at 30-50% off their original MSRP.
Certified pre-owned programs through carriers like Verizon and AT&T are also worth considering, typically offering savings of 20-30% depending on model age and availability - a strong middle ground between buying new and going fully secondhand.
Will the iPhone 16 Go On Sale in 2024?
When the Apple iPhone 16 launched, it came with an imposing price tag - from $799 for the standard iPhone 16 to $1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max - driven by headline features like the AI-powered Apple Intelligence system and the latest Bionic chip. If you’ve been waiting for the price to drop, the good news is that the data now tells a clear story about when and how much you can save.
According to an analysis of over 1 million pricing data points tracked across Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy throughout 2025, the iPhone 16 series lost 35.4% of its value within just five months of launch - nearly 11 percentage points faster than the iPhone 13 depreciated at the same age. That’s a significant shift, and it has real implications for buyers trying to time their purchase.
Apple’s Pricing Strategy for New Models
Apple continues to hold firm on launch pricing at the Apple Store for its newest models, while older generations receive price cuts as attention shifts to the latest release. This has been a consistent pattern for years: when the iPhone 16 launched in September 2024, for example, Apple reduced the price of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus by $100 - a reliable signal of what to expect each fall cycle.
The more dramatic discounts, however, tend to come from outside the Apple Store. After 12 or more months post-release, discontinued Pro models in particular become available at 30-50% off their original MSRP through third-party retailers and certified refurbishers. Apple has also historically leaned on promotional value rather than outright price cuts - during Black Friday 2025, for example, Apple offered a $75 gift card with iPhone 16 purchases rather than reducing the sticker price directly.
It’s also worth noting that trade-in values typically drop 12-18% in the week immediately following Apple’s annual September announcement - so if you’re planning to trade in an older device, timing that move before the next announcement can meaningfully affect what you get back.
Black Friday and Seasonal Sales
Major retailers and carriers have consistently used Black Friday to offer their most aggressive iPhone promotions. Black Friday 2025 was no exception - while Apple stuck to its gift card approach for the iPhone 16, carriers went further, offering the iPhone 17 Pro Max free with qualifying trade-ins for customers on select unlimited plans.
Within 24-48 hours of the iPhone 17 announcement in fall 2025, previous-series iPhone 16 prices dropped 10-15% across major retailers - a pattern that has repeated consistently with each new Apple launch cycle. This makes the post-announcement window one of the most reliable opportunities to pick up the prior generation at a reduced price.
If you’re flexible on timing and willing to switch carriers or upgrade your plan, Black Friday remains one of the strongest windows to maximize value on a new iPhone purchase, even if the official retail price doesn’t budge.
Vendor-Specific Sales and Promotions
Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy have historically layered on value through bundled accessories, extended warranties, and promotional gift cards during major sales events. These deals often apply to both current and prior-generation models, making them a strong option if you’re open to buying an iPhone 15 or older iPhone 16 configuration at a reduced price.
Certified pre-owned programs from carriers like Verizon and AT&T are also worth considering, offering savings of 20-30% depending on model age and availability - a meaningful discount without sacrificing reliability. It’s also worth understanding the hidden costs that often come with carrier trade-in deals before committing to a plan upgrade.
The Best Time to Buy the iPhone 16 in 2026
As of mid-2026, the iPhone 16 has been on the market long enough that meaningful discounts are now widely available. Refurbished iPhone prices declined at an average of −1.13% per month throughout 2025, with May 2025 alone seeing a −5.55% drop - the largest single-month decline in two years - as certified refurbishers moved high volumes of trade-ins. That trajectory has continued into 2026.
If you’re on a tight budget, this is genuinely one of the better moments to buy an iPhone 16 - either refurbished, certified pre-owned, or through a carrier promotion. And if you want the absolute latest, the iPhone 17 series is now the current flagship, which means iPhone 16 pricing has only gotten more competitive. That said, with Apple’s next annual announcement expected in September 2026, waiting just a few more weeks could trigger another round of price drops - both on the iPhone 16 and any new trade-in promotions tied to whatever Apple announces next.
Buying Last Year’s iPhone Models
Not everyone needs the latest model. Opting for last year’s iPhone can save you substantial money without sacrificing quality or features.
Price Reductions After New iPhone Launches
Apple typically reduces the prices of its previous-generation iPhones after the release of a new model. This pattern is well established - in September 2024, Apple dropped the price of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus by $100 when the iPhone 16 launched. Within just 24 to 48 hours of a new iPhone announcement, previous-series prices also tend to fall 10-15% across major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. The iPhone 16 series itself lost 35.4% of its value within just five months of release - nearly 11 percentage points faster than the iPhone 13 depreciated at the same age. Discontinued Pro models can often be found at 30-50% off original MSRP from third-party retailers after 12 or more months post-release.
It’s also worth noting that trade-in values typically drop 12-18% in the week following Apple’s annual announcement, so if you’re planning to trade in an older device, timing that before the announcement can help you maximize its value.
If you’re not set on having the newest model, waiting for price adjustments after a new iPhone launches is a reliable and well-documented way to save money while still enjoying a powerful, capable device.
Black Friday Deals on Older iPhones
Black Friday consistently delivers some of the best iPhone deals of the year. During Black Friday 2024, Apple offered a $75 gift card with iPhone 16 purchases, while major carriers went even further - offering the iPhone 16 Pro Max free with qualifying trade-ins. Other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy also provided significant discounts on older and refurbished models throughout the holiday shopping period.
These seasonal sales present a strong opportunity to buy a high-quality phone at a lower price. Even unlocked older iPhones tend to see competitive pricing around Black Friday, making it one of the most reliable windows to save.
Consider Buying Refurbished iPhones
For budget-conscious buyers, purchasing a refurbished iPhone can deliver excellent value. Throughout 2025, refurbished iPhone prices declined at an average of −1.13% per month, with May 2025 seeing a particularly sharp single-month drop of −5.55% - the largest in two years - driven by certified refurbishers liquidating high volumes of trade-ins. That kind of pricing momentum means patient buyers can find strong deals throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
Apple and its authorized retailers offer certified refurbished devices with warranties and quality checks, while carriers like Verizon and AT&T offer certified pre-owned iPhones at savings of 20-30% depending on model age and availability. Refurbished devices consistently deliver similar performance to new models at a meaningfully lower price point, making them one of the smartest ways to buy an iPhone on a budget.
Sell Your Apple iPhone to Buy the New One
When upgrading to a new iPhone, it’s essential to consider what to do with your current phone. Selling it quickly, before it loses further value, can help maximize your budget for a new device. This matters more than ever - the iPhone 16 series lost 35.4% of its value within just five months of release, nearly 11 percentage points faster than the iPhone 13 depreciated at the same age. And if you’re waiting for the right moment to sell, be warned: trade-in values typically drop 12-18% the week after Apple’s annual announcement, and within just 24-48 hours of a new iPhone reveal, previous-series prices drop 10-15% across major retailers.
Apple Trade-In Program
Apple’s Trade-In Program is a straightforward option that provides store credit in exchange for your current phone. While convenient, this program offers credit rather than cash, which restricts your purchasing options to Apple products. This limitation can be restrictive if you intend to buy a new iPhone from other retailers or carriers where cash is more valuable. It’s also worth noting that trade-in values tend to fall sharply around Apple’s September announcements, so timing your trade-in before the event can make a meaningful difference in what you’re offered.
Selling Through Online Marketplaces
Another popular option is selling through online platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. This method often yields a higher payout, but it comes with challenges like negotiating prices, dealing with potential scams, and managing unreliable buyers. Selling online also requires time, making it less practical if you need immediate funds for limited-time deals. Keep in mind that refurbished iPhone prices declined at an average of −1.13% per month throughout 2025, with some months seeing particularly sharp single-month drops - so waiting too long to list your device can quietly cost you more than you’d expect.
Selling to ecoATM for Quick Cash
ecoATM is an efficient solution if you prefer a quick and secure sale. Unlike Apple’s Trade-In Program, ecoATM provides cash instantly, giving you the flexibility to use it however you wish - whether that’s putting it toward a new iPhone from a carrier, a third-party retailer, or taking advantage of a seasonal promotion. This flexibility is especially useful during events like Black Friday, when carrier deals and gift card offers can stack with your own cash to lower your total out-of-pocket cost significantly. Given how quickly iPhone values erode after a new model announcement, selling sooner rather than later through ecoATM means you keep more money in your pocket.
How to Sell to ecoATM
- Locate a Kiosk: Use our kiosk locator to find a kiosk near you.
- Receive an Offer: Place your current phone in the kiosk to get an automatic evaluation and cash offer.
- Get Paid Instantly: If you accept the offer, our kiosk dispenses cash immediately, allowing you to reinvest the funds right away.
Why Selling Your Current Phone Quickly Is Important
Depreciation affects all smartphones, including iPhones. The iPhone 16 series lost 35.4% of its value within just five months of release - nearly 11 percentage points faster than the iPhone 13 depreciated at the same age. On average, refurbished iPhone prices declined at around −1.13% per month throughout 2025, with May 2025 seeing the steepest single-month drop in two years at −5.55%, largely driven by certified refurbishers liquidating high-volume trade-ins. This depreciation only accelerates with each new iPhone launch as older models fall out of demand.
Within 24-48 hours of a new iPhone announcement, previous-series prices have been shown to drop 10-15% across major retailers - and trade-in values typically fall 12-18% in the week following Apple’s annual announcement alone. When the iPhone 16 launched in September 2024, Apple cut the price of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus by $100 overnight, instantly eroding the resale value of anyone still holding onto an older model.
The bottom line: the longer you wait to sell your current phone, the less it’s worth. With the iPhone 17 series expected to launch in September 2025, now is one of the worst times to sit on your current device. Selling before the next major iPhone release - or before your model gets discontinued - is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Once Apple drops a model from its lineup, third-party sellers flood the market with used units, pushing prices down even faster.
If you want to lock in the best value for your phone and capitalize on the best time to buy an iPhone, now’s your chance. Check what your phone is worth before you sell your old device today at the nearest ecoATM kiosk!
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