iPhone 15 Trade-In Value: What Your iPhone 15 Is Worth in June 2026
The iPhone 15 is two generations old, which sounds bad — but that's actually good news for sellers. Most of the brutal first-year depreciation has already happened. The 15's USB-C switch keeps demand healthy, and values are holding steadier than Lightning-era models at the same age. The risk now isn't a crash; it's the slow slide that starts when the iPhone 17 lands in September 2026. Selling this summer is the right call.
Data last updated June 2, 2026 · Values are estimates for Good-condition, unlocked, base-storage units · Final offers depend on each buyer's inspection
iPhone 15 trade-in value by condition and storage
Estimated best offer for an unlocked iPhone 15 (base model) as of June 2026.
| Condition | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent (flawless screen, minimal wear) | ~$335 | ~$375 | ~$425 |
| Good (minor scratches, fully functional) | ~$300 | ~$335 | ~$385 |
| Fair (noticeable wear, working screen) | ~$200 | ~$225 | ~$255 |
| Cracked / broken screen | ~$120 | ~$135 | ~$155 |
Estimates for unlocked units — not guaranteed quotes. Carrier-locked phones may earn less. Use the estimator for your exact configuration.
iPhone 15 vs 15 Pro vs 15 Pro Max trade-in values
Good condition, unlocked, 128GB base storage unless noted.
Where the iPhone 15 sits on the depreciation curve
The iPhone 15 launched at $799 in September 2023. Two and a half years later it's trading in at roughly $300 Good — about 37% of its original price. That sounds steep, but compared to where it should be on the typical iPhone depreciation curve, the 15 is holding up better than average. Why? USB-C.
The 15 was the first iPhone to drop Lightning for USB-C, making it compatible with the same cables as MacBooks, iPads, and the iPhone 16. Refurbishers and buyers value that interoperability because it broadens the resale market — people who want a modern-feeling used iPhone without paying 16-series prices gravitate toward the 15 specifically for the cable standard.
The bad news: the window is closing. Most iPhone depreciation hits hardest in years 2–3, and the iPhone 15 is right in that window. Values are relatively stable right now, but the iPhone 17 announcement in September 2026 will push another wave of 16-series trade-ins into the used market, which compresses prices for older models too. Selling before that event is worth real money.
For the full timing picture, see our guide to the best time to sell your iPhone. If you're on the fence about buying a refurbished 15 instead, check refurbished iPhone 15 prices first — the gap between new-from-buyback and certified refurb can be smaller than you'd expect.
Sell your iPhone 15 — then protect the next one
Lock in the best resale offer, and consider cover for your upgrade before you drop it.
Where to sell your iPhone 15
Dedicated buyers beat Apple and carrier credit on cash. Here's how the main options differ.
Decluttr — fast, fixed-price quote
Instant locked quote for your iPhone 15, free prepaid shipping label, next-day payment once they inspect. No auctions or haggling — best if you want cash in hand fast.
Sell your iPhone 15 on Decluttr →SellCell — compare many buyers at once
A marketplace that pulls offers from dozens of buyback companies side by side. Usually surfaces the single highest quote for popular models like the 15. Takes an extra minute to compare but often worth $20–40 more.
Compare iPhone 15 offers on SellCell →Gazelle — long-trusted, accepts damage
One of the oldest buyback services, with a smooth process and a willingness to buy cracked and older phones that others won't touch. Quotes can run slightly lower than SellCell's best, but the reliability is proven.
Get a Gazelle quote for iPhone 15 →Apple & carrier trade-in — credit only
Apple and carriers typically offer less than dedicated buyers, and pay in store or bill credit tied to a new purchase — not cash. Worth checking if you're buying a new iPhone directly from them and want a simple one-step transaction. Otherwise the buyback route wins.
Before you ship: erase your iPhone 15 and disable Find My
A phone that arrives with Find My / Activation Lock still on gets rejected or returned. You'll lose weeks and the quote may expire. Here's the exact sequence:
- Back up to iCloud (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) or plug into your Mac and back up in Finder.
- Erase the phone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. This signs you out of Apple ID and turns off Find My automatically.
- Remove your SIM card before boxing the phone.
- Confirm in iCloud.com that the device no longer appears under Find My — just to be certain.
- Pack the phone in the prepaid box or envelope your buyer sends. Most buyers send one after you accept the quote.
That's it. The whole process takes about five minutes and prevents the most common reason trade-ins fall apart.
Is now the right time to sell your iPhone 15?
Short answer: yes, sooner is better than later. Here's the trade-off:
- Sell now (June 2026): Values are relatively stable. You get roughly $300 Good, $335 Excellent. The USB-C factor is working in your favor and demand from buyers who want to avoid Lightning is real.
- Sell July–August 2026: Still a good window. Values unlikely to move much, but you're ahead of the September iPhone 17 announcement that traditionally drops resale prices on older models.
- Sell after September 2026: Riskier. When the 17 launches, a wave of 16-series trade-ins floods the used market, compressing prices for 15-series models too. Historically this means a 10–20% drop in the weeks after launch.
- Hold into 2027: By then the 15 will be three years old, in the steepest part of the depreciation curve. Only worthwhile if you genuinely need to keep using it.
If you're planning to upgrade to the iPhone 17 anyway, the math nearly always favors selling the 15 before the 17 is announced rather than after. You might lose a few weeks of use, but you gain $30–80 in resale value. See the best time to sell your iPhone for the full timing breakdown by model year.
Alternatives to selling: upgrade paths
If you're selling the 15 to upgrade, the most cost-efficient path is rarely buying a new iPhone 16 at full price. A few options worth considering:
- Buy a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro or 16: If your main complaint about the 15 is the camera or performance, a certified refurbished 15 Pro can close that gap for $100–150 less than a new 16. Check refurbished iPhone 15 prices for current listings.
- Wait for the iPhone 17 refurb market: When the 17 launches, used 16-series prices drop. If you can wait until late 2026 or early 2027, you may be able to buy a refurbished 16 for what a refurbished 15 costs today.
- Use the trade-in estimator: Our free tool lets you enter your exact model, storage, and condition to see a more precise estimate before you commit to any buyer.
iPhone 15 trade-in FAQ
How much is an iPhone 15 worth in 2026?
As of June 2026, a Good-condition, unlocked 128GB iPhone 15 trades in for roughly $300. Excellent condition earns ~$335. Cracked drops to ~$120. The 15 Pro is worth ~$400 Good and the 15 Pro Max ~$470 Good. Higher storage adds 10–28%.
Is the iPhone 15 still worth selling in 2026?
Yes, and now is a better time than after September. The 15's USB-C port keeps demand healthy, but the iPhone 17 launch will push resale prices down across all older models. Selling this summer preserves your value.
Where can I get the most for my iPhone 15?
Decluttr, SellCell, and Gazelle consistently beat Apple and carrier trade-in. SellCell is a comparison marketplace that surfaces the highest offer from dozens of buyers at once — usually the best starting point for popular models like the 15.
Does USB-C help the iPhone 15's resale value?
Yes. The 15 was the first iPhone with USB-C, making it compatible with modern cables and accessories. Buyers and refurbishers prize that interoperability, giving the 15 stronger demand in the used market than same-age Lightning models.
What do I need to do before shipping my iPhone 15?
Back up to iCloud or your Mac, then go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. This signs out of iCloud and disables Find My automatically. Remove your SIM card before boxing the phone. A locked phone gets rejected — don't skip this step.