The release of a new iPhone model is usually met with excitement, but not all devices hold their worth equally well. While the recent iPhone 17 series is maintaining a relatively steady resale market, one particular model—the iPhone Air—is experiencing a dramatic decline in value, worrying both consumers and sellers. In this article, we explore the steep depreciation rates of the iPhone Air, compare it with other models, and examine what this could mean for its future in the resale ecosystem.
The iPhone Air Is Suffering the Steepest Value Drop Among Recent Releases
According to a recent ten-week study conducted by SellCell, the iPhone Air has lost nearly half of its resale value shortly after its launch. On average, this model has declined by 44.3%, with the 256GB variant dropping 40.3% and the 1TB model falling a staggering 47.7%. This represents the highest depreciation rate among Apple’s recent lineup, surpassing even the iPhone 14 Plus and certain iPhone 13 mini configurations.
The iPhone Air’s depreciation trend is alarming, especially as it continues to lose value even after the typical stabilization period of ten weeks. This ongoing decline points to deeper challenges for this model in the secondary market.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Series Shows Solid Value Retention
In contrast, the iPhone 17 series is demonstrating a more stable performance on the resale market. On average, these models have lost just 34.6% of their original retail price within the same 10-week timeframe. This is an improvement over the iPhone 16 series, which saw a 39% decline, although it still falls behind the iPhone 15 series, which only depreciated by approximately 31.9%. The standout within the 2025 lineup is the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with a slow depreciation rate of just 26.1% over ten weeks.
Public Sentiment on Buying a Used iPhone Air
A poll gauging buyer interest in second-hand iPhone Air units reveals a mixed picture. Of 53 participants:
- 16.98% stated they only purchase new phones
- 39.62% said they would avoid the iPhone Air altogether
- 33.96% are open to buying one if it’s significantly discounted and in good shape
- 9.43% are actively seeking deals on pre-owned models
These attitudes reflect ongoing uncertainty surrounding the iPhone Air’s value proposition in the resale market.
Challenges Ahead for the iPhone Air
Unlike other Apple models that often stabilize in price around the ten-week mark after launch, the iPhone Air continues to depreciate rapidly past this window. This extended downward trend signals potential long-term difficulties in maintaining demand and retaining value among second-hand buyers.
Much of the discourse surrounding the iPhone Air is negative, focusing primarily on its disappointing sales performance. This unfavorable reputation only compounds its challenges in the resale market, putting it in a precarious position.
