You've probably got an old iPhone 7 sitting in a junk drawer somewhere. It's collecting dust, sandwiched between a tangled mess of Micro-USB cables and maybe a dead Kindle. It feels ancient, right? I mean, this phone launched back when the world was obsessed with Pokemon GO and the lack of a headphone jack was the biggest scandal in tech.
But here is the thing. People are still buying them.
If you are wondering how much are iPhone 7 worth right now, the answer isn't "nothing," but it’s definitely not a down payment on a house. We are looking at a market that has shifted from "daily driver" to "emergency backup" or "kid's first phone." Honestly, the price varies wildly depending on whether you're trading it in for a shiny new iPhone 17 or selling it to a collector on eBay.
The Cold Hard Numbers: Current Market Value
Let’s get straight to the point. If you walk into a store today, you aren't getting three figures.
The average resale value for a standard iPhone 7 in 2026 hovers between $25 and $80. If you have the larger iPhone 7 Plus, you can bump those numbers up slightly, usually landing between $50 and $115.
Why such a big range? It's all about the details. A 32GB model that looks like it went through a blender is basically a paperweight. On the flip side, a 256GB Jet Black model in "Excellent" condition—the kind with the glossy finish that everyone scratched immediately—actually pulls a premium from people who miss that specific aesthetic.
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Real-World Pricing Breakdown
- iPhone 7 (32GB): You’re looking at $25 to $45 on most secondary markets.
- iPhone 7 (128GB): This is the sweet spot. Usually fetches $55 to $70.
- iPhone 7 (256GB): If it's in great shape, you might snag $80 to $100 from the right buyer.
- iPhone 7 Plus: Add about $30 to $40 to any of the prices above. The dual camera and bigger screen still hold a bit of weight.
Why Does Anyone Still Care About the iPhone 7?
It’s a fair question. This phone doesn't support the latest iOS versions. It can't run the newest high-end games. So why is there still a market?
Basically, it's the "it just works" factor for basic tasks. For a grandparent who just wants to FaceTime the grandkids or a parent looking for a cheap Spotify player for their kid, an iPhone 7 is perfect. It’s got a solid build, a decent enough camera for daylight photos, and that iconic home button that some people still refuse to give up.
The Trade-In Trap: Apple vs. The World
You might think taking it back to the mothership is the easiest move. Apple does still accept the iPhone 7 for trade-in, but don't expect a red carpet.
Apple’s official trade-in value for an iPhone 7 currently caps out at around $40. The 7 Plus might get you $50.
Is it convenient? Totally. You drop it off, they give you a gift card, and you walk out. But you're leaving money on the table. Third-party sites like Back Market or Swappa are almost always a better bet. On Swappa, for instance, the average sale price for an iPhone 7 is closer to $60 because you’re selling directly to a human, not a massive corporation that needs to profit on the refurbishment.
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What Actually Changes the Value?
Not all iPhone 7s are created equal. If you want to know exactly how much are iPhone 7 worth in your specific case, you have to look at these four deal-breakers:
1. The Battery Health (The Big One)
In 2026, battery health is the ultimate price decider. If your "Maximum Capacity" in settings is below 80%, your value drops off a cliff. Most buyers don't want to spend $50 on a phone only to spend another $50 replacing the battery. If you’re at 90% or higher, highlight that in your listing. It's a rare find for a device this old.
2. Carrier Lock Status
An "Unlocked" phone is worth significantly more than one tied to AT&T or Verizon. Why? Because an unlocked phone can be shipped anywhere in the world. There is a massive market for older iPhones in developing regions where they are still used as primary devices. If your phone is paid off, call your carrier and make them unlock it before you sell. It takes ten minutes and adds $10 to $20 to the price.
3. Storage Capacity
The jump from 32GB to 128GB is huge. In a world of 4K video and massive app updates, 32GB is almost unusable. A 128GB model will sell twice as fast as a 32GB one.
4. Screen Integrity
Cracked glass? Forget about it. A cracked screen on an iPhone 7 often costs more to fix than the phone is worth. If your screen is shattered, you're looking at "parts only" pricing, which is usually under $10.
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Where to Get the Most Cash
If you're ready to part ways with your old tech, you've got options. Honestly, skip the local "We Buy Gold and Phones" kiosks in the mall. They'll offer you $5 and a handshake.
- SellCell: This is a great comparison tool. It aggregates quotes from dozens of buyback sites. It’s the easiest way to see the "floor" of what your phone is worth.
- Swappa: My personal favorite. You take a few photos, list the condition, and set your price. You’ll usually get $15-20 more here than any trade-in site.
- eBay: Good for those 256GB models or rare colors like (PRODUCT)RED. Collectors frequent eBay more than the trade-in sites.
- Gazelle: Fast and easy. They won't give you the absolute top dollar, but they pay quickly and provide the shipping label.
The "Collector" Wildcard
There is a small, weird niche for the iPhone 7. Specifically, the Jet Black and (PRODUCT)RED versions. If you happen to have one of these in a box, unopened (which, let's be real, you probably don't), it's worth hundreds. Even if used, if the Jet Black finish isn't covered in micro-abrasions, a collector might pay a premium just for the nostalgia.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to turn that hunk of aluminum into actual money, don't wait. These values only go down as the hardware becomes more obsolete.
- Check the Battery: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If it’s above 85%, you’re in the "Good" category.
- Unlock It: Contact your carrier. Even if you aren't with them anymore, if the device is paid off, they are legally required to unlock it in most cases.
- Clean It: Seriously. Use some isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth. A clean phone in photos looks like a well-maintained phone.
- Compare Quotes: Use a site like BankMyCell or SellCell to see who is paying the most today.
- Factory Reset: Don't forget to turn off "Find My iPhone" before you wipe it. If you don't, the buyer can't use it, and you won't get paid.
The iPhone 7 was a workhorse. It was the first "water-resistant" iPhone. It gave us the haptic home button. While it's not the powerhouse it used to be, it still holds enough value to cover a few months of your Netflix subscription—or a very nice dinner out.