ByThe iPhone 16e dropped on February 28, 2025, at an impressive $599. Loaded with A18 power and Apple Intelligence, this budget-friendly device is shaking up the market.
As budget-conscious buyers rush to snag the latest model, older iPhones like the 14 and 15 are seeing a rapid decline in value. On top of that, users now have the option to buy phones like Nothing phone 3A at $379, which means your window to cash in big is closing fast.
This isn’t just another “sell-it-quick” guide—this is how to maximize your payout with 2025-specific strategies and real market data.
How to Sell Your Old iPhone for Max Profit in March 2025?
1. Peg Your iPhone’s Peak Price
With the iPhone 16e now out, the market for older models has changed. A mint condition 256GB iPhone 15, for example, is still fetching between $550 and $625 on Swappa, while a scratched iPhone 14 may sit at around $325, based on eBay sold listings.
To get the most out of your sale, you need to track pricing closely.
Use resources like PriceSpy to see where your phone stands in the current market. Phones that are unlocked tend to fetch 15% more, and rarer colors like Pacific Blue for the iPhone 12 Pro can even spike in value due to collector interest.
Additionally, iPhone 13s, which are starting to show their age as 5G adoption slows, can still pull in around $350. Timing is crucial—track these trends closely to ensure you’re selling when demand is high.
2. Polish for Profit
If you want to get the highest possible payout, presentation matters. It’s not just about having a clean phone; it’s about ensuring it’s in pristine condition.
- Start with a good wipe down using 70% isopropyl alcohol to remove fingerprints and grime. This simple step can add $20-$30 to your phone’s value.
- Make sure to sign out of your Apple ID and perform a factory reset (Settings > General > Reset). Phones that are locked or don’t have a clear reset history can lose up to 50% of their resale value.
- If your battery is over 85%, make sure to mention it in your listing, as this can easily add $50 or more to your phone’s worth.
- If the screen has cracks or significant scratches, don’t let that stop you—getting a $50 screen repair can increase your phone’s value by 25% over what platforms like Decluttr would offer for a “broken” phone.
3. Pick the Right Platform to Sell
The iPhone 16e launch has shifted buyer behavior, so it’s crucial to list your phone on the right platform.
For maximum profit, sites like Swappa and eBay are great choices, especially if your device is in excellent condition. A mint iPhone 15 might fetch $550 on Swappa, whereas Decluttr would only offer around $475 with free shipping.
However, if you prefer a hassle-free experience and want to avoid the risks of direct selling, you can also explore local buyback services like PayMore Store to sell your smartphone safely and instantly. Unlike trade-ins that offer lowball prices, PayMore provides competitive cash offers without the hassle of negotiations.
Also, local platforms like OfferUp have seen a surge in activity post-16e release, according to X, making it an ideal time to flip your device locally for a profit.
However, avoid Apple’s trade-in program—they offer a paltry $400 for an iPhone 15, which is well below market value.
3. Timing is Everything
The release of the iPhone 16e has already impacted resale values. Historically, once a new model gains traction, older devices continue to depreciate as more sellers flood the market.
- If you’re holding onto an iPhone 14 or 15, selling sooner rather than later ensures you get the best possible price.
- Waiting too long could mean steeper declines, and while October’s holiday season brings a 15% price bump due to gift demand, that’s still months away.
By then, resale platforms may be saturated, and trade-in offers could drop even further. Act now while demand is high to maximize your profit.
4. Stand Out From the Crowd
When it comes to listing your device, differentiation is key. For example, listing your iPhone 15 at $525 instead of $550 (a slight discount) with a “$20 off today” offer creates a sense of urgency and can encourage buyers to act quickly.
- Make sure to include five high-quality pictures—front, back, edges, and a screen-on shot.
- Adding a note like “90% battery, tested March 2025” helps boost buyer confidence. A short video can further elevate trust by showing the device in use, which can increase trust by 20%.
- If you’re selling multiple phones, consider using platforms like SellCell, which will pay you up to $1,200 for three iPhone 14s in bulk—perfect if you’re upgrading multiple devices at once.
5. Secure Your Payment
When it comes to securing your cash, safety is a priority. If you’re selling online, always use PayPal Goods & Services to protect yourself from potential scams.
Avoid friends-and-family payments or direct transfers, as these can leave you vulnerable to fraud. For local sales, opt for cash transactions when possible, ideally at a carrier store for added security.
Why This Advice Works?
The iPhone 16e’s release is fueling demand for older iPhones, particularly the iPhone 15.
By timing your sale right, presenting your device in top condition, and choosing the best platform, you can turn your iPhone 15 into $600 or more—far more than the $400 Apple’s trade-in program will offer.
This strategy, focused on timing, preparation, and leveraging current market dynamics, ensures you’re not just selling your phone—you’re selling it for maximum profit.
Furthermore, as tech evolves, upgrading at the right time ensures you get the best value for your devices. Just as the iPhone 16e reshapes the smartphone market, AMD has finally taken a long-awaited leap in integrated graphics, changing how laptops handle performance without sacrificing battery life.
If you’re curious about the latest breakthroughs in laptop GPUs, check out our in-depth look at AMD’s latest move in integrated graphics.
