iPhone 15 Trade-In Value: Compare Live Quotes
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The iPhone 15 introduced USB-C to the standard iPhone line. Its current resale value depends on the exact model, storage, condition, lock status, and buyer inspection; compare live quotes before deciding.
No current amount is stored here · Quotes depend on model, storage, condition, lock status, and inspection
iPhone 15 trade-in value by condition and storage
Use live buyer quotes; storage, lock status, condition, and inspection affect the final amount.
| Condition | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent (flawless screen, minimal wear) | Live quote required | Live quote required | Live quote required |
| Good (minor scratches, fully functional) | Live quote required | Live quote required | Live quote required |
| Fair (noticeable wear, working screen) | Live quote required | Live quote required | Live quote required |
| Cracked / broken screen | Live quote required | Live quote required | Live quote required |
No current amount is stored here. Use the provider finder and confirm your exact configuration on each provider site.
iPhone 15 vs 15 Pro vs 15 Pro Max trade-in values
Good condition, unlocked, 128GB base storage unless noted.
| Model | Good: live quote | Excellent: live quote | Cracked: live quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | Live quote required | Live quote required | Live quote required | Sell → |
| iPhone 15 Plus | Live quote required | Live quote required | Live quote required | Sell → |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Live quote required | Live quote required | Live quote required | Sell → |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Live quote required | Live quote required | Live quote required | Sell → |
Where the iPhone 15 sits on the depreciation curve
The iPhone 15 launched at $799 in September 2023. Its USB-C port can broaden its appeal relative to Lightning models, but that does not prove a fixed resale premium. Compare live quotes at matching storage, condition, lock status, and inspection terms.
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.
Trade-in demand can change around new iPhone announcements as more owners upgrade, but the size and timing of any quote change are not fixed. Compare live quotes near your decision date.
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
Get an Apple Trade In estimate, then 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.
SellCell — compare many buyers at once
Current trade-in quotes vary by model, storage, condition, lock status, and inspection. Compare live quotes for your exact device before deciding.
Compare iPhone 15 offers on SellCell →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: Compare live quotes if you no longer use the phone or already plan to upgrade. Match the condition definitions and inspection terms before treating one headline amount as better than another.
- Sell near a new-model announcement: Compare live quotes if your timing is flexible; do not assume a guaranteed seasonal peak.
- Sell around a new-model launch: Compare live quotes before and after the announcement. More owners may enter the resale market, but the size and timing of any change are not fixed.
- Keep using it: If it remains useful, the value of continued use may matter more than timing a possible quote change.
If you are planning to upgrade to the iPhone 17, compare quotes before and after its announcement and decide whether the timing fits your own use of the phone. See the best time to sell your iPhone for the model-year timing factors.
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:
- Compare a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro or 16: If your main complaint about the 15 is the camera or performance, shortlist those models and compare like-for-like live offers with a new iPhone 16. Check the refurbished iPhone 15 guide for condition, battery, warranty, and return criteria.
- 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 provider finder: Select your model, then confirm storage, condition, and the final amount on each provider site.
iPhone 15 trade-in FAQ
How much is an iPhone 15 worth in 2026?
Current trade-in quotes vary by model, storage, condition, lock status, and inspection. Compare live quotes for your exact device before deciding.
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?
Compare the current estimate, payment format, inspection terms, and convenience of each option. Apple Trade In can be useful when its credit and process fit your upgrade.
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.