So, you've got this slab of Deep Purple or Space Black glass in your hand, and you’re thinking about letting it go. It's a powerhouse. That 48MP main sensor still holds its own, and the A16 Bionic isn't exactly a slouch, even in 2026. But honestly, the window to get "top dollar" is closing faster than most people realize.
Timing is everything.
If you wait until the next big Apple keynote to sell iPhone 14 Pro Max units, you're basically handing money back to the buyer. Right now, in early 2026, the market is at a weird, lucrative crossroads. Prices are hovering around $415 to $530 depending on whether you've got the base 128GB model or the 1TB beast. If you're lucky and kept yours in "mint" condition—no micro-scratches, no battery health below 85%—you might even sniff $600 on a good day.
Where the Money Actually Is (And Isn't)
Most people just head to the Apple Store. It's easy. It's safe. It's also usually the lowest offer you'll get. Apple wants your trade-in so they can sell you a new phone, but they aren't exactly known for their generous payouts on four-year-old tech.
You've got better options.
Marketplaces like Swappa or Back Market are currently showing much better numbers. For example, a 256GB iPhone 14 Pro Max is averaging a sale price of about $451 on Swappa right now. Meanwhile, some professional buyback sites like BankMyCell or SellCell are aggregating offers that can peak around $661 if your device looks like it just came out of the box.
Don't ignore the "small" details either. Carrier-locked phones (looking at you, AT&T and Verizon) typically fetch 20% less than a truly unlocked version. If you can, call your carrier and get that thing unlocked before you list it. It takes ten minutes and could literally add $50 to your pocket.
Avoid the 1TB Trap
Here is a weird truth about the resale market: storage doesn't scale the way you think it does. When you bought that 1TB model, you paid a massive premium. But when you go to sell iPhone 14 Pro Max hardware today, the "premium" for that extra storage has evaporated.
Buyers want the Pro Max experience—the big screen and the Dynamic Island. They aren't always willing to pay $200 more for storage they might never fill. You'll likely see the best "return on investment" if you're selling a 128GB or 256GB model.
✨ Don't miss: Tampermonkey Scripts YouTube Music Pause: How to Finally Kill the Are You Still Watching Popup
The "Cracked" Reality
Got a crack? It happens. But don't think your phone is worthless. Even a "cracked" 14 Pro Max is pulling in about $290. Some places, like The Whiz Cells, specialized in buying these "less than perfect" units. They'll fix them up and resell them. Just don't try to hide it. If you send a cracked phone to a "Flawless" buyer, they'll just hit you with a massive price "adjustment" (read: a lowball) once it hits their warehouse.
Prep Work: Don't Leave Your Data Behind
Selling your phone isn't just about the cash; it's about making sure the next person doesn't have access to your Venmo or those 4,000 photos of your cat. Since the iPhone 14 series in the US was the first to go "eSIM only," the reset process is a bit different than the old days.
- Back it up. Use iCloud or plug it into a Mac/PC. Seriously.
- Unpair your Apple Watch. This is the one everyone forgets. If you don't do this, your watch stays "locked" to a ghost phone.
- Sign out of Find My. If "Find My iPhone" is still active, the buyer literally cannot use the device. It becomes a very expensive paperweight.
- The Reset. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- The eSIM choice. When you're wiping it, it’ll ask if you want to keep or delete your eSIMs. Since you’re selling it, delete them. ## Why 2026 is the "Sweet Spot"
We are officially in the "plateau" phase of depreciation. The first two years of an iPhone's life are a brutal downward slide in value. By year four, the curve flattens out. People who can't afford the $1,200 price tag of the latest flagship are looking specifically for the 14 Pro Max. It’s the first year of the Dynamic Island, which makes it feel "modern" compared to the older notch-style iPhones.
📖 Related: 15 Divided by -5 Explained (Simply): The Math Behind the Negative Sign
This demand keeps your resale value buoyed. But don't get too comfortable. Once the next "SE" or budget model drops with better specs, the 14 Pro Max will take another leg down.
Quick Value Check (January 2026 Estimates)
- 128GB: $417 - $440
- 256GB: $451 - $480
- 512GB: $489 - $540
- 1TB: $529 - $600
Actionable Steps to Get Paid
Don't just list it and hope.
First, get three instant quotes. Start with a comparison site like SellCell or BankMyCell to see the absolute floor of what your phone is worth. Then, check Swappa to see what "real people" are actually paying. If the gap is more than $50, list it on Swappa. If it's closer, just use a buyback site for the convenience and the free shipping label.
📖 Related: Installing a WiFi Repeater: What Most People Get Wrong
Clean the charging port with a toothpick. Wipe the screen with a microfiber cloth. Take photos in natural light. It sounds like extra work, but a clean-looking phone on a marketplace listing can be the difference between a sale today and a listing that sits for three weeks.
When you're ready to ship, use a sturdy box. Bubbles are your friend. If that screen cracks in the mail because you used a flimsy envelope, your $500 payout will turn into $200 before you can say "Dynamic Island." Take a video of the phone working and the serial number before you box it up—it's your insurance policy against "it arrived broken" scams.