You’re staring at that glass-and-aluminum slab, wondering if it's still worth a small fortune or if it's depreciated like a luxury car driving off the lot. Honestly, the answer changes every single week. If you’re trying to figure out how much is an iphone 15 worth right now in early 2026, you're likely seeing a massive gap between what Apple says and what the "street" price is.
It’s frustrating.
Apple just updated their official trade-in values this January, and for most of us, it wasn’t great news. They shaved about $10 to $20 off the top for the base models. But here is the thing: Apple’s trade-in desk is basically a convenience store. You pay for the ease with your own equity. If you want the real cash value, you have to look at the secondary market where buyers are actually fighting over the 15-series because it was the first to finally—thankfully—adopt USB-C.
The Cold Hard Numbers: Resale vs. Trade-In
Let's get specific. As of mid-January 2026, a standard iPhone 15 (128GB) in good condition is hovering around $390 to $410 on sites like Swappa or Back Market. If you’ve kept it in a "Dbrand" skin and a screen protector since day one, you might squeeze $430 out of a private buyer.
Compare that to Apple. Their official trade-in value just dropped to a maximum of $300.
Think about that. You are essentially paying a $100 "lazy tax" just to let Apple recycle it for you. It’s a huge delta. The Pro models hold onto their dignity a bit better, but even they are feeling the weight of the newer iPhone 17 releases.
What your specific model fetches today:
- iPhone 15 (Base): You're looking at $339 on the low end for a carrier-locked version, up to $477 for a mint, unlocked 512GB unit.
- iPhone 15 Plus: This one is the sleeper hit. Because of the massive battery, it’s still pulling $420 to $570 depending on storage. People love the big screen without the "Pro" price tag.
- iPhone 15 Pro: The move to titanium helped here. These are still commanding $480 to $730.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: Still the king of the 15-series hill. You can realistically get $560 for a used one, but a 1TB model in "Excellent" condition can still net you $780 if you find the right buyer.
Why the Price is All Over the Place
Condition is the obvious factor, but it’s not just about cracks. I’ve seen people lose $50 on a sale just because they didn't realize their battery health had dipped below 85%. In 2026, buyers are savvy. They ask for that "Battery Health" screenshot before they even say hello.
Then there’s the "locked" problem. A phone locked to AT&T or Verizon is basically a paperweight to half the market. If you’ve paid yours off, call your carrier. Get it unlocked. It takes ten minutes and instantly adds $40 to $60 to the value.
Storage is another weird one. While a 512GB iPhone 15 cost a lot more at launch, it doesn't retain that premium linearly. You usually only get back about 30% of what you spent on that extra storage space. The 128GB and 256GB models are the "sweet spots" for resale velocity. They move fast because they're affordable.
Where to Actually Sell It Without Getting Scammed
Facebook Marketplace is a literal jungle. You'll get twenty "Is this available?" messages and zero buyers. If you value your sanity, Swappa is generally the gold standard for tech enthusiasts. They actually moderate the listings.
✨ Don't miss: How Source Code My Beginnings Actually Reshaped Software History
If you want the cash today and don't want to mail anything, Best Buy or Gazelle are "okay," but their quotes are often closer to Apple's low-ball offers. For example, a "Good" condition iPhone 15 might only get you $355 at a major buyback site, whereas a private buyer on eBay (even after fees) would likely net you closer to $380.
Actionable Steps to Maximize Your Value
Don't just factory reset it and hope for the best.
First, clean the port. You’d be surprised how much lint accumulates in a USB-C port over two years. A "faulty connection" can drop your quote by $100 at a refurbisher. Use a toothpick. Be gentle.
Second, check your AppleCare status. If you have a month left, it’s actually transferable to the new owner. Mentioning "AppleCare+ until February" in your listing title is like blood in the water for sharks—people will jump on it.
Lastly, don't wait until the iPhone 18 rumors start heating up in the spring. Historically, iPhone values take another 10% dive around March. If you’re looking to offload that iPhone 15, the window where it’s still worth nearly half its original value is closing. Check your battery health, get the carrier unlock code, and list it before the next seasonal dip.