New trade-in data suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro Max has quickly become the single most traded-in smartphone on the independent resale market.
According to a new report from SellCell, Apple’s latest flagship now accounts for 11.5% of all devices appearing in the top-20 trade-in rankings, just months after launch.
Trade-in share more than doubled in 12 weeks
SellCell’s analysis is based on internal trade-in data and secondary market pricing trends gathered from 40 independent iPhone buyers.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s share of the top-20 trade-in rankings increased:
- From 5.1% in late November
- To 11.5% by early February
That represents more than a doubling in roughly 12 weeks.
Notably, 86% of traded-in units were categorized as mint or good condition, indicating that many owners are reselling shortly after purchase.
How it compares to older iPhones
While the iPhone 17 Pro Max leads, previous models remain highly active in the trade-in market:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max at 7.3%
- iPhone 14 Pro Max at 7.3%
- iPhone 16 Pro Max at 7.2%
- iPhone 13 at 7.2%
The top-20 devices collectively account for approximately 47% of all trade-in activity.
Typically, older models dominate resale rankings due to their large installed base and natural upgrade cycles. The rapid rise of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is unusual given how recently it launched.
Depreciation and resale value
Despite high trade-in volume, the iPhone 17 Pro Max appears to be holding its value relatively well.
Over a 145-day period:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max lost approximately 25.4% of its launch value
- iPhone 16 Pro Max lost roughly 32.5% over the same timeframe
That represents more than 7% lower depreciation for the newer model, translating to as much as $95 in additional retained value compared to the previous generation.
Average resale prices for mint-condition iPhone 17 Pro Max devices currently sit around $967.50.
Why so many early trade-Ins?
SellCell attributes the surge primarily to strong resale pricing. With premium smartphones retaining substantial value shortly after launch, some owners may treat them as short-term assets.
In periods of economic uncertainty, high-end devices can serve as quick liquidity sources. The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s rapid rise in trade-in rankings may therefore reflect broader consumer financial behavior rather than dissatisfaction with the device itself.
