iPhone trade-in values change fast. Here is what affects your iPhone's value, how Apple trade-in compares to selling for cash, and how to get the most money for your phone.
If you are wondering how much your iPhone is worth right now the honest answer is that it depends on four things — your model, storage size, condition and whether it is unlocked. iPhone values change every few months as new models come out and older ones drop in resale demand. This guide covers what affects value, what Apple trade-in actually pays vs what you get selling for cash in Detroit, and how to get the most money for your iPhone.
These are estimated cash values at iMobile Detroit based on current market conditions. Values change frequently — use the price checker for the exact current offer on your specific model and condition.
| iPhone Model | Estimated Cash Value | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Highest offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone 16 Pro | High offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Strong offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Strong offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | Good offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone 14 Pro | Good offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | Fair offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone 13 | Fair offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone 12 series | Lower offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone 11 series | Lower offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone X / XR / XS | Low offer | Grade A unlocked |
| iPhone 8 / SE | Low offer | Grade A unlocked |
Exact prices change weekly. Walk in for a free quote in 5 minutes or use the live price checker at iMobile →
The biggest factor is which iPhone you have and how old it is. A new iPhone 16 Pro Max is worth significantly more than an iPhone 12. Apple releases new models every September which causes the previous year's model to drop in value. If you are planning to sell, doing it before the next iPhone announcement gets you more money.
Condition matters a lot. An iPhone with a cracked screen is worth noticeably less than the same model in clean condition. Small scratches are fine and do not affect the offer much. A cracked front glass, cracked back glass, or water damage all reduce the value. Battery health under 80 percent also lowers the offer since the buyer knows they will need to replace it.
An unlocked iPhone is worth more than a carrier locked one. Unlocked phones can be used on any carrier which makes them more desirable to buyers. If your iPhone is locked to AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon we still buy it — just at a lower offer. We do not buy phones that are still on a payment plan or have an unpaid balance with the carrier.
Higher storage models are worth more. A 256GB iPhone 14 is worth more than a 128GB version of the same model. If you have a 512GB or 1TB Pro model you will see a meaningful difference in the offer compared to base storage.
Before we can buy your iPhone the iCloud account must be signed out and the phone factory reset. This is not just an iMobile policy — any legitimate buyer will require the same thing. An iPhone with iCloud lock still active is essentially useless to the buyer because it cannot be set up or used on another account. To remove it go to Settings then tap your name at the top then scroll down and tap Sign Out. After that go to Settings then General then Transfer or Reset iPhone then Erase All Content and Settings. If you are not sure how to do it bring your Apple ID password with you and we will walk you through it in the store.
An unlocked iPhone works on any carrier anywhere — AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, international carriers, prepaid networks, all of them. That makes it more valuable because anyone can buy it and use it immediately. A carrier locked iPhone is tied to one specific network. A Verizon locked iPhone for example can only be activated on Verizon. That cuts the potential buyer pool significantly which is why locked phones sell for less on the resale market. We still buy carrier locked iPhones at iMobile — the offer is just lower to account for the smaller resale demand. If your iPhone is unlocked or you can get your carrier to unlock it before coming in you will get a better offer. Most carriers will unlock a fully paid off iPhone for free if you call and ask.
Apple trade-in gives you store credit toward a new device. The credit amounts are published on Apple's website and change frequently. The catch is that the credit can only be used at Apple — you cannot spend it anywhere else. At iMobile you get actual cash, CashApp or Zelle that you can spend on anything. For most people selling for cash in Detroit is the better deal unless you are buying a new iPhone from Apple anyway and their credit offer is strong. Check Apple's current trade-in value for your model and compare it to the cash offer at iMobile before deciding.
A few things you can do before coming in to maximize your offer. Make sure iCloud is signed out and the phone is factory reset — this is required before we can buy it anyway. Clean the phone — a clean device presents better and sometimes makes a difference at the counter. Bring the original box and charger if you still have them — not required but can help on newer models. And come in sooner rather than later. iPhone values drop when Apple announces new models, usually in September each year.
Common questions about iPhone value and trade-in.
Walk in at 20503 Dequindre St, Detroit. Free quote in 5 minutes, cash same day.
Or call (313) 900-1032