You're probably looking at that slab of Sierra Blue or Graphite and wondering if it’s finally time. The iPhone 13 Pro Max was a beast when it launched, and honestly, it still is. But we’re deep into 2026 now. The iPhone 17 is the new king on the block, and the "Pro Max" label on your 13 is starting to feel more like a legacy title than a current boast.
Selling now is a weirdly smart move.
Most people wait until their phone is a literal paperweight before they sell iphone 13 pro max handsets, but that’s how you lose hundreds of dollars. Right now, the 13 Pro Max sits in a "Goldilocks" zone. It still has the 120Hz ProMotion display—something the base iPhone 16 still doesn't even have—and the battery life remains legendary. Buyers know this. They want your phone because it’s the "affordable" pro experience.
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The Brutal Reality of Resale Value Right Now
Let's talk numbers, because guessing gets you nowhere. As of January 2026, the market has shifted. According to data from trade-in aggregators like BankMyCell and SellCell, a 128GB iPhone 13 Pro Max in "Good" condition is pulling in roughly $315 to $360 on the high end for cash buybacks.
If you’ve got the 1TB version? You're looking at closer to $520.
But here’s the kicker: Apple just slashed their official trade-in values again. If you go through the Apple Store, you might only get $280. That’s a $50 to $80 "convenience tax" you’re paying just to avoid shipping a box. Is it worth it? Probably not for most people.
Prices are expected to slide another 10% by March. Every week you wait, you're basically dropping a $10 bill into a paper shredder.
Where Should You Actually List It?
You have three main paths. Each one has a different "vibe" and payout.
1. The "I Want Cash Now" Path (Buyback Sites)
Sites like Decluttr, Back Market, and Gazelle are for people who hate humans. You answer a few questions, they send a box, you ship it, and money appears in your PayPal. It’s low stress. Back Market is currently offering up to $494 for the 128GB model if it’s pristine, which is surprisingly competitive.
2. The "Maximum Profit" Path (Marketplaces)
Swappa and eBay. This is where the enthusiasts hang out. On Swappa, the average sold price for a 256GB model is hovering around $402. You’ll get more money here than anywhere else, but you have to deal with shipping it yourself and the occasional "is this still available?" message that leads nowhere.
3. The "Scammer Gauntlet" (Local Sales)
Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. You get the money instantly. No fees. But you also have to meet a stranger at a Starbucks and hope they don’t try to pay you in counterfeit twenties or "accidentally" swap your phone for a dummy unit during the inspection.
Preparation Is 90% of the Sale
Don't just wipe the screen with your shirt and call it a day. If you want top dollar when you sell iphone 13 pro max units, you need to prove it’s been cared for.
First, check your battery health. If you’re above 85%, scream it from the rooftops. Buyers in 2026 are terrified of degraded batteries. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and take a screenshot.
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Next, the "Pro Cleaning." Get a toothpick. Carefully—seriously, be gentle—dig the lint out of the charging port and the speaker grilles. A clean port makes the phone look three years younger.
The Software "Kill Switch"
Before you ship it, you must disable Find My iPhone. If you don't, the phone is a brick to the buyer, and they will ask for a refund.
- Unpair your Apple Watch (if you have one).
- Sign out of iCloud in Settings.
- Go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- If you use an eSIM (which most 13 Pro Max users do), make sure you select "Erase All and Delete eSIM."
Scams to Dodge in 2026
The "Overpayment Scam" is still alive and well. Someone sends you a "check" or a fake PayPal screenshot for $100 more than the price, then asks you to send the change back via Zelle. It's a scam. The original payment will bounce in three days, and your "change" is gone forever.
Also, never give out your IMEI number before a sale is finalized. Scammers can use it to clone your device's identity or check if it’s eligible for insurance fraud. Only show it in person or after the money is in escrow.
Your 2026 Action Plan
If you're ready to move on, don't overthink it. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a classic, but it's not an investment—it's a depreciating asset.
- Step 1: Get a quote from a comparison site like SellCell or BankMyCell just to see your "floor" price.
- Step 2: Take high-quality photos in natural light. Show the corners. If there’s a scratch, show it. Honesty prevents returns.
- Step 3: List on Swappa if you want the best price-to-effort ratio.
- Step 4: Secure your data. Back up to iCloud, then do the factory reset mentioned above.
The window for getting $400+ for this phone is closing fast. Once the mid-year phone rumors start heating up in a few months, the 13 series will officially join the "budget" ranks. Sell it while it’s still a "Pro."