iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Which Holds Better Trade-In Value?
A detailed comparison of trade-in values between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 series to help you decide when to upgrade.
DepxTech Team
Published on November 18, 2025
The Upgrade Dilemma
Every year when Apple releases a new iPhone, millions of users face the same question: should I upgrade now or wait? One of the biggest factors in this decision is how much your current device is worth as a trade-in.
iPhone 16 Trade-In Value Breakdown
The iPhone 16 series launched in September 2025 with four models. Here's how their trade-in values currently stack up:
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 128 GB: $680–$720
- 256 GB: $730–$780
- 512 GB: $800–$850
- 1 TB: $880–$930
iPhone 16 Pro
- 128 GB: $580–$620
- 256 GB: $630–$670
- 512 GB: $700–$740
iPhone 16 Plus & iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus: $450–$520
- iPhone 16: $380–$430
iPhone 15 Trade-In Value Breakdown
After a full year on the market, the iPhone 15 series has settled into predictable trade-in ranges:
iPhone 15 Pro Max
- 256 GB: $550–$600
- 512 GB: $620–$680
- 1 TB: $700–$750
iPhone 15 Pro
- 128 GB: $430–$480
- 256 GB: $480–$520
- 512 GB: $540–$580
iPhone 15 Plus & iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus: $340–$400
- iPhone 15: $280–$330
Key Takeaways
Depreciation Rate
The iPhone 16 series retains approximately 75-80% of its retail value in the first three months. The iPhone 15, now over a year old, sits at roughly 55-65% retention. This is consistent with Apple's historical depreciation curve.
Storage Matters
Higher storage tiers consistently hold their value better in percentage terms. A 1 TB iPhone 15 Pro Max retains about 63% of its value, compared to 55% for the 128 GB iPhone 15 Pro.
Pro vs Standard
The Pro models depreciate slower than standard models. The "Pro" branding carries weight in the resale market, partly because Pro features like the telephoto camera and ProMotion display are in higher demand.
When Should You Trade In?
If you're holding an iPhone 15 and considering the upgrade:
- Trade now if your device is in excellent condition — values will continue dropping
- Wait for iPhone 17 if you want the best upgrade value, but expect your iPhone 15 to be worth 15-20% less by then
- Skip a generation if you have an iPhone 16 — the one-year depreciation hit isn't worth the incremental improvements
How DepxTech Helps
At DepxTech, we provide instant trade-in quotes based on real-time market data. Our pricing algorithm factors in storage, condition, carrier lock status, and market demand to give you the fairest price. Start your trade-in assessment today and see what your iPhone is worth.
