You're standing in that weird middle ground of tech. The iPhone 14 Pro Max isn't the shiny new toy anymore—not with the iPhone 17 Pro Max hitting the shelves—but it's far from a relic. Honestly, it’s still a beast. But if you’re trying to figure out how much is a iphone 14 pro max in 2026, the answer isn't a single number on a price tag. It’s a moving target that depends on where you’re looking and how much storage you’re trying to hoard.
Let's be real: Apple doesn't even sell these new in the main store anymore. You won't find it sitting next to the latest models. To get one, you're diving into the world of refurbished gems and "open-box" gambles.
The Current Market Price for the 14 Pro Max
If you want the quick and dirty version, a used iPhone 14 Pro Max is going to set you back anywhere from $430 to $750. That’s a massive range, I know. But a beat-up 128GB model from a random seller on eBay is a different beast than a "Certified Refurbished" 1TB unit directly from Apple.
For most people, the sweet spot is the 256GB model. Right now, on sites like Swappa or Back Market, those are hovering around the $480 to $540 mark for "Good" or "Excellent" condition.
Breaking It Down by Storage
Storage is the biggest price swinger. Since you can't add an SD card later, you're paying for your future photo-dumping habits upfront.
- 128GB: The "budget" entry. You're looking at about $433 to $480. It’s fine if you live in the cloud, but 4K video will eat this alive in days.
- 256GB: The most popular choice. Prices sit between $470 and $550. Honestly, this is where the best value is right now.
- 512GB: For the power users. Expect to pay $520 to $600.
- 1TB: The "I never want to see a storage full warning again" option. These are still holding value surprisingly well, often listed between $650 and $750.
Why Is the Price Still So High?
You’d think a phone from late 2022 would be dirt cheap by now. It isn't. There’s a specific reason for that: the A16 Bionic chip. Even in 2026, that processor is faster than many brand-new mid-range Android phones. Plus, this was the year Apple introduced the Dynamic Island. Since that's still the "look" of modern iPhones, the 14 Pro Max doesn't feel or look outdated when you pull it out at dinner.
The screen is another factor. That 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz) is still gorgeous. People are willing to pay a premium for that big, smooth screen experience, which keeps the floor from dropping out on the resale value.
Where to Buy Without Getting Ripped Off
Buying a used phone feels like a blind date—sometimes it’s great, sometimes you end up with a cracked screen and a battery that dies at 40%.
Apple Certified Refurbished
This is the gold standard. Apple basically guts the old phone, gives it a new battery, a new outer shell, and a fresh one-year warranty. As of early 2026, Apple has been listing refurbished 14 Pro Max units starting around $679. Yes, it’s more expensive than eBay, but it’s effectively a brand-new phone.
The Big Resale Sites
Swappa is generally the safest bet for peer-to-peer sales because they actually check listings. Back Market and Gazelle are also solid because they offer their own warranties. On these platforms, you’ll find the average "Excellent" condition 128GB model for roughly $475.
Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile)
Don't ignore the carriers. Sometimes they have "Pre-Owned" stock they’re trying to clear out. You might see a 14 Pro Max for $10 to $15 a month on a 36-month plan. It sounds cheap, but remember you’re locked in. If you want to leave your carrier, you’ll have to pay off the remaining balance of the phone's full "retail" price, which they often inflate to around $800 in these scenarios.
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The Trade-In Reality Check
If you’re looking at it from the other side—maybe you own one and want to sell—don't expect a windfall. Apple recently cut their trade-in values again.
Right now, if you hand a perfect 14 Pro Max to Apple, they’ll give you about $350 in credit. That’s it. You can get almost double that by selling it yourself on the private market. It’s the "convenience tax." If you don't want to deal with weirdos on Facebook Marketplace, you take the $350. If you want the full **$600+** value, you have to do the legwork.
Is It Still Worth Buying?
Kinda depends on what you're coming from. If you have an iPhone 11 or 12, the 14 Pro Max feels like a spaceship. The jump to the 48MP main camera was huge. The battery life is also legendary; even with some degradation, a used 14 Pro Max usually outlasts a brand-new standard iPhone 15 or 16.
However, keep an eye on battery health. If you’re buying used, ask the seller for a screenshot of the battery capacity. If it’s below 85%, you’re going to be looking for a charger by 4:00 PM. A battery replacement at the Apple Store is usually around $99, so factor that into your "deal" price.
Actionable Steps for Your Purchase
If you've decided the 14 Pro Max is the one, don't just click "buy" on the first listing you see.
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First, check Apple’s Refurbished store on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning—that’s when they usually restock. If they have it, buy it there for the warranty alone. If they don't, head to Swappa and filter by "Mint" condition. Look for sellers with at least 50 positive reviews.
Avoid "Fair" condition listings unless you plan on keeping the phone in a thick, opaque case for the rest of its life. The price difference between "Fair" and "Excellent" is usually only about $40, which is a small price to pay to avoid a scratched-up screen. Finally, make sure the model is "Unlocked." A phone locked to a carrier is significantly cheaper, but it’s a massive headache if you ever want to switch providers or travel internationally with a local SIM.