The early resale value of an iPhone Air is dropping faster than any iPhone model in recent years. New data shows that several configurations of the ultra-slim device have lost close to 50% of their value, just ten weeks after the device’s launch. Meanwhile, other iPhone 17 models are holding value well, outperforming the iPhone 16 range at the 10-week mark.
A ten-week analysis published by SellCell, shows there is a significant difference in retail value between the iPhoje Air and the rest of the latest iPhone 17 lineup. SellCell looked at real-time trade-in pricing from more than 40 U.S. companies that purchase used smartphones, comparing average values across weeks since launch against each model’s original MSRP. All devices in the study were considered to be in good condition for consistent comparisons.
The iPhone 17 series has averaged 34.6% depreciation after ten weeks, performing better than the iPhone 16 range at the same point last year, which declined 39%. The iPhone 15 series was the strongest performer over the past several product cycles, retaining more value at the ten-week mark with an average depreciation of 31.9%. The iPhone 14 range sits at 36.6% over the same period.
The iPhone Air’s value is falling like a lead balloon, averaging 44.3% depreciation across all storage configurations. The Air’s declines range from 40.3% to 47.7%, making it the weakest-performing iPhone range since the iPhone 14 Plus and certain iPhone 13 mini configurations. The worst performer is the 1TB iPhone Air model.
Meanwhile, the 256GB iPhone 17 Pro Max has seen its value decline 26.1% after ten weeks, while the 512GB iPhone 17 Pro Max has fallen 30.3%. The standard iPhone 17 fell between 32.9% and 40.8%. The iPhone 17 lineup as a whole retains 9.7% more value than the Air after ten weeks.
You can find SellCell’s full report here, as well as details of their methodology.
