Apple has mastered the art of not only enticing millions to part with their cash for the latest iPhone year after year but also in crafting top-notch, innovative smartphones that keep customers loyal. This commitment to quality and ongoing support, including software updates for older models like the iPhone XS, ensures they maintain a higher resale value than many competitors.
However, just like when you drive a new car off the lot, simply taking your new smartphone out of the box causes its trade-in value to drop. But one to two years down the road, you can count on your used iPhone to put a pretty big dent in your upgrade costs versus someone who opted for an Android.
In fact, though iPhones tend to lose about 46% of their value in the first six months, that doesn’t come anywhere close to brands like LG and Huawei, which depreciate around 69% and 76% on average annually, respectively. In short, if you plan on trading in and trading up in the future, there’s no better smartphone option than the iPhone.
Since you’re interested in figuring out what your iPhone XS is worth, we can only guess that you’re thinking of trading it in in the near future (an iPhone 15, perhaps, or a newer model down the road). Fortunately for you, both of these models keep up with Apple’s track record of respectable resale values.
So, just how much is your iPhone XS worth? Read on to find out.
Contents
How Much Is an iPhone XS Worth?
Comparison Shopping Is Key
iPhone XS Resale Value Comparison Chart
Don’t Delay—Lock In Your iPhone XS Resale Value Today
How Much Is an iPhone XS Worth?
With a slick design, excellent cameras, and crystal-clear screens, the iPhone XS series has been a hit with Apple fans since its introduction back in 2018. Of course, all those perks came with a price to match, starting out at $999 for the iPhone XS and $1,099 for the iPhone XS Max – and those are just basic model prices.
Now, with the arrival of the iPhone 15, you might be thinking that it’s time for an upgrade and are curious about how much your iPhone XS can fetch you. In addition to which version you have, your iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max’s resale value depends on a number of factors. These include:
| • | Condition – Does your phone have any dings or abrasions? Or worse yet: functional damage? They’ll all cost you. Even scratches can decrease your trade-in by an average of 23%). |
| • | Carrier – Is your iPhone XS locked to a specific carrier (relax, Verizon customers: all Verizon phones are automatically unlocked 60 days after purchase)? If so, your resale value could decrease to 24-51% depending on your wireless provider. |
| • | Payment – Accepting store credit could net you more than getting cash. |
| • | Storage size – 64GB, 256GB, 512GB—the bigger, the better. |
Taking everything into account, an iPhone XS is worth between $35 and $197, while an iPhone XS Max is worth between $48 and $226. Please note that these resale values are based on different iPhone models in varying condition on the Verizon network and will depend on where you trade in your device. (The prices above are based on GadgetGone estimates.)
It’s important to remember that your offer will change depending on the condition of your phone. For example, the same iPhone XS above won’t get you anything at Best Buy if it doesn’t turn on, while a brand-new, never-activated iPhone XS Max will bring in $298 from GadgetGone.
Take the Time To Compare
Based on the offers above (including the lower values focused on inoperable models), where you trade in your old iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max can make a huge difference. We’re talking potentially $100 or more for the 512GB model – that’s no small amount. Additionally, although getting $65 in cash that same day from an ecoATM for that model sounds great, you might want to kick yourself when you realize that you could have gotten $166 from GadgetGone (for that same 512GB model) if you had waited a little longer. Likewise, getting a $71 account credit from your wireless provider seems like a good deal, but what if you actually need cash?
Regardless of whether you’re looking to upgrade or just needing some quick cash, the first thing you should do is shop around for iPhone resale values. Think outside the box – buyback sites, big-box retailers, your carrier, Apple Trade In, maybe even a wildcard like GameStop, Amazon, or ecoATM. Watch out for any promotions they might have available to maximize your trade-in. Plus, some buyback companies (such as GadgetGone) will even price match better offers you receive from competitors.
With just a little bit of effort, you can make sure you’re getting the most money possible for your used iPhone XS or Max.
iPhone XS Resale Value Comparison Chart
To help you along, we checked out current resale values with some of the top buyback programs. Please note that the prices below are for an iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max with 512GB in good condition on the Verizon network. Your specific offer is dependent on your iPhone’s storage size, condition, and carrier.
| iPhone XS | iPhone XS Max | |
| GadgetGone (cash) | $166 | $201 |
| Amazon Trade-In (store credit) | $99 | $160 |
| Best Buy Trade-In (store credit) | $90 | $125 |
| ecoATM (cash) | $65 | $90 |
| GameStop Trade-In (store credit) | $78 | $103 |
| Apple Trade In (store credit) | $120 | $150 |
| AT&T Trade-In Program (store credit) | $70 | $100 |
| T-Mobile Trade-In Program (store credit) | $55 | $100 |
| Verizon Device Trade-In Program (store credit) | $71 | $100 |
Feel like you’re ready to trade in? Be sure to read our reviews of Amazon Trade-In, Best Buy Trade-In, ecoATM, GameStop Trade-In, Apple Trade In, AT&T Trade-In, T-Mobile Trade-In, and Verizon Device Trade-In before finalizing your buyback option.
How To Lock In Your iPhone XS / XS Max Resale Value
Dreaming about your new iPhone model already? Don’t get too comfortable, as these resale values won’t stick around for long. In fact, you can expect those numbers to drop by around 30% after a few days, especially as a new model gets closer to announcement. That’s quite a drop for iPhone XS worth.
In short, don’t delay. Luckily, with many buyback companies and trade-in programs, your quote will be locked in for several days, giving you plenty of time to decide (GadgetGone in particular has a price-lock period for 14 days). So, use this to your advantage while iPhone XS resale values are still high.
Speaking of dynamic trade-in values, it’s crucial that we mention that any online offer is subject to change once your device is received and evaluated. Why, you might ask? Well, although you might believe that your iPhone is in good condition, the evaluator may not see it that way. So, don’t be surprised if that $200+ you thought you were getting becomes $150 due to wear and tear that only an expert can see.
If you’re thinking that sounds a bit frustrating, we’re right there with you. Unfortunately, what looks like gentle use to your untrained eye may actually be worse than you think. After all, that’s why we’re the experts. Fortunately, many buyback options will send you back your used iPhone – for free, no questions asked – if you don’t like the final offer. Most, but not all (Looking at you Verizon).
In other words, take the time and research before you sell. It could make all the difference in getting top dollar from your iPhone XS worth. And that’ll send you on your way to getting a model that you do want.
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