iPhone Air Resale Value Plummets 50% in Ten Weeks, Report Reveals

Apple’s latest iPhone Air is losing its value at an alarming rate. A new report shows the device has suffered the steepest early resale drop of any recent iPhone model. Some configurations have lost nearly half their original price in just ten weeks.

This data comes from a comprehensive ten-week analysis by SellCell. The report compares the performance of the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air in the U.S. secondary market. The findings reveal a stark and unexpected split in consumer demand.

A Sharp Split in iPhone Resale Performance

SellCell tracked average trade-in values from over 40 buyback companies. They compared the prices against each phone’s launch MSRP. The results are clear and definitive.

The standard iPhone 17 lineup has depreciated an average of 34.6% after ten weeks. This actually outperforms the iPhone 16 series at the same point last year. The iPhone 15 remains the value retention champion of recent years.

In sharp contrast, the iPhone Air has performed poorly. Its average depreciation sits at 44.3% across all storage options. The worst performer is the 1TB iPhone Air model, which has lost 47.7% of its value.

This decline places the Air as the weakest iPhone range since certain iPhone 14 Plus and 13 mini models. The iPhone 17 Pro Max models are holding value much better, with some seeing just a 26% drop.

Market Uncertainty and Consumer Implications

The data suggests a clear market preference. Consumers in the secondary market are showing strong, consistent demand for Pro-tier iPhones. The new iPhone Air, however, is facing significant headwinds.

Another worrying sign is the Air’s depreciation curve. While iPhone 17 models saw their value losses stabilize, the Air’s decline continued through the tenth week. This indicates longer-term uncertainty about its worth on the used market.

For consumers, this has direct financial implications. Early adopters who sell their iPhone Air now will get far less money back compared to owners of other new models. It may also influence future buying decisions for value-conscious shoppers.

The dramatic iPhone Air resale value drop highlights a challenging market reception for Apple’s latest design experiment, suggesting consumers are prioritizing proven models over the new form factor.

Info at your fingertips

Why is the iPhone Air losing value so quickly?

According to the SellCell report, weaker than expected consumer demand in the secondary market is the primary driver. The data suggests buyers are opting for the more traditional iPhone 17 models, especially the Pro versions, over the new Air design.

How does the iPhone Air’s drop compare to last year’s models?

The iPhone Air’s average 44.3% depreciation is significantly worse. The iPhone 16 series averaged a 39% drop at the ten-week mark, while the current iPhone 17 series is only down 34.6% on average.

Which specific iPhone Air model lost the most value?

The 1TB storage variant of the iPhone Air was the single worst performer in the entire study. It lost 47.7% of its original retail value within the first ten weeks after launch.

What does this mean for someone buying an iPhone Air now?

New buyers may find good deals on the primary market, but they should be aware that the device’s resale value is likely to remain lower. If you plan to upgrade frequently, a Pro model may be a better financial choice.

Are any new iPhones holding their value well?

Yes. The report shows iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are retaining value strongly. The 256GB iPhone 17 Pro Max has depreciated only 26.1%, making it the best-performing model in the new lineup.