How Much Is Your iPhone Worth? A Complete Trade-In Value Guide (Singapore)

Q: Will my iPhone's trade-in value drop after a new model launches?

Often, yes â€” your current device effectively becomes one generation older the moment a successor is announced, which can lower its assessed value. Trading in before a launch, or checking for launch-tied trade-in promotions, are both worth considering.

Written by the M1 Content Team · Last updated: 28 August 2026

If you're upgrading your iPhone, here's the direct answer: your trade-in value depends on four things — your model and release year, storage capacity, physical and functional condition, and timing (values drop once a new iPhone launches).

A well-kept iPhone from last year's lineup can be worth significantly more than the same model with a cracked screen or weak battery health traded in six months later.

This guide breaks down exactly how each factor affects your payout, plus how to time your trade-in and prepare your device to get the highest value, before you check your iPhone's trade-in value with M1.

What Determines Your iPhone's Trade-In Value?

Trade-in value isn't a single fixed number per model — it's calculated from a combination of factors. Here's a quick summary, with the detail below.

Factor	Impact on Value	Example
Model & release year	High	An iPhone that's 2+ generations old is valued meaningfully lower than last year's model
Storage capacity	Medium	256GB / 512GB / 1TB retain more absolute value than base 128GB models
Physical condition	Medium	Screen cracks, dents, or corrosion lower the valuation — sometimes significantly
Functional condition	High	A failing battery, unresponsive touchscreen, or camera issue is graded down more heavily than cosmetic wear
Battery health	Medium	Battery health below roughly 80% is typically treated as a wear factor
Completeness & account status	Critical (pass/fail)	Device must be unlocked, wiped, and free of Activation Lock — missing accessories don't matter too much.

Model and release year. This is the biggest factor. Newer models hold value better, and each iPhone generation typically loses a noticeable chunk of value once a successor launches. If you're on an iPhone that's two or more generations old, expect a meaningfully lower valuation than someone trading in last year's model.

Storage capacity. Higher storage tiers (256GB, 512GB, 1TB) generally retain more absolute value than base 128GB models, even as a percentage of original price.

Physical condition. Screen cracks, dents, corrosion, or a battery that's visibly swollen all reduce value — sometimes significantly. A phone in excellent cosmetic condition with no functional issues will always grade higher than one with the same specs but visible wear.

Functional condition. This matters more than cosmetic condition. A cracked screen might cost you some value, but a phone with a failing battery, unresponsive touchscreen, or camera issues will be graded down much more heavily — these point to real repair costs down the line.

Battery health. Anything below roughly 80% battery health is typically treated as a wear factor, since it signals the battery will likely need replacing soon.

Completeness. You generally don't need original accessories (boxes, cables, adaptors) for trade-in, but the device itself needs to be unlocked, wiped, and free of any account locks.

Does Timing Affect Trade-In Value?

Yes — and this is the part most people overlook. iPhone trade-in values tend to drop the moment a new generation is announced, because the model you're holding just became “one generation older” overnight in the eyes of valuation.

If you're planning to upgrade around a launch window, there's a genuine trade-off to weigh:

Trade in before a new iPhone launches: you typically lock in a higher value, since your device hasn't yet been pushed down a generation
Trade in after a new iPhone launches: your current device's value has likely dropped, but you may find trade-in promotions or bonus cashback tied to the new model that offset the difference

There is no universally “right” answer here — it depends on whether the promotional bonus on the new model outweighs the value drop on your old one. Worth checking current promotions before deciding either way.

Trade In or Sell Privately — Which Gets You More?

Check your battery health in Settings before you go — if it's borderline, there's not much you can do about it, but at least you'll know what to expect
Clean your device — smudges and dust don't affect grading, but scratches hidden under a dirty screen might be missed in your own self-assessment, leading to surprises during the in-person check
Remove your case and screen protector so the assessor can see the actual condition underneath
Don't attempt DIY repairs before trading in — a poorly repaired screen or battery swap (especially with third-party parts) can actually lower your valuation compared to an original, unrepaired part in worse cosmetic shape
Back up your device properly before wiping it — see our full guide on backing up your iPhone before a trade-in for a step-by-step walkthrough, so nothing gets lost in the process

Before You Hand Over Your Device: The Non-Negotiables

Regardless of where you trade in, three things need to happen first, or your device may be rejected entirely:

1. Sign out of iCloud and disable Find My iPhone — an active Activation Lock means the device technically can't be resold, so it will be rejected until this is removed

2. Factory reset your iPhone — this protects your personal data and is required before assessment

3. Remove your SIM card (and any memory cards, if applicable)

These aren't optional extras — an iPhone still locked to your Apple ID cannot be accepted for trade-in at all, so it is worth double-checking before your appointment.

Ready to Find Out What Your iPhone Is Worth?

Once you know roughly what to expect, the next step is simple — start your trade-in online or in-store and get an actual valuation for your specific device. If you're timing your upgrade around a new launch, take a look at the latest iPhone lineup and pricing to plan your trade-in and upgrade together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a cracked screen disqualify my iPhone from trade-in?

Not usually, a cracked screen typically lowers the value rather than disqualifying the device outright, unless the damage affects the display's functionality. Devices with serious functional issues (won't power on, unresponsive touchscreen) may not qualify.

Do I need the original box and accessories to trade in my iPhone?

No, you generally only need to hand in the device itself. Original boxes, cables, and adaptors aren't required.

Will my iPhone's trade-in value drop after a new model launches?

Often, yes — your current device effectively becomes “one generation older” the moment a successor is announced, which can lower its assessed value. Trading in before a launch, or checking for launch-tied trade-in promotions, are both worth considering.

Can I trade in an iPhone that's still under a payment plan?

This depends on your specific plan and outstanding balance, please check your eligibility and terms before starting the trade-in process.