When the time comes for a new phone, the question arises of what to do with the old one. iPhone phones hold their value better than most other brands on the market, which means that by selling your old device you can cover a significant part of the price of a new one. In this article we go through everything you need to know to get the best possible price for your iPhone.
When is the right time to sell
The market value of an iPhone declines over time, but that decline is not linear. The steepest drop in value happens in the first two months after a new model is released. If you are planning to buy a new iPhone, the ideal time to sell the old one is just before or during the release of a new generation — while demand for the previous model still exists.
In 2026 the most sought-after models on the market are the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 15 series still holds a solid value, while the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 models are gradually losing price. Models older than the iPhone 13 have a significantly lower market value and a smaller number of interested buyers.
The general rule is that an iPhone two years old loses between 30 and 40 percent of its original value, while a phone three years old loses 50 percent or more. The longer you wait to sell, the less you will get — so, if you have decided to switch phones, do not put off the sale.
What affects an iPhone's buyback price
Several key factors determine how much you will get for your iPhone.
The model and the memory capacity. A newer model means a higher price. Within the same series, the Pro and Pro Max variants are worth more than the standard model. A larger memory capacity (256GB, 512GB, 1TB) brings a higher price because those models are more sought-after on the secondary market.
The physical condition of the device. A phone with no visible signs of use achieves the highest price. Fine surface scratches that are only visible at a certain angle do not have a big impact. Visible damage — deep scratches on the screen, dents on the edges, cracked back glass — directly reduces the value. A phone with a broken screen has a significantly lower buyback price because it requires an expensive replacement before being sold on.
Battery Health. This is a factor many people overlook, and it has a real impact on the price. A Battery Health above 85 percent is considered good condition. Below 80 percent, the phone requires a battery replacement for normal further use, which reduces the buyback value. If your Battery Health is low and you are planning to sell, consider whether it is worth replacing the battery before selling — in some cases an investment of a few thousand dinars for a new battery can increase the buyback price by more than that sum.
Functionality. All functions must work correctly — Face ID, the front and rear camera, the speakers, the microphone, the touchscreen, charging, WiFi, Bluetooth. Every faulty function lowers the price. Before selling, check all these things yourself so you are not surprised by the assessment.
Accessories. The original box, the USB cable and the documentation increase the value. They are not mandatory, but buyers on the secondary market value a complete set because it gives them confidence that the device was bought legitimately.
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How to prepare an iPhone for sale
Before you take the phone in for buyback or offer it for sale, do a few things.
Make a backup of all your data — through iCloud or locally to a computer via Finder (on a Mac) or iTunes (on Windows). Check that the photos, contacts and messages are synced.
Sign out of the iCloud account. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll to the bottom and choose the sign-out option. This is mandatory because a phone with an active iCloud account and Find My iPhone turned on cannot be activated by a new owner.
Turn off Find My iPhone if it did not turn off automatically when you signed out of iCloud. This is a critical step — a phone with an active Activation Lock has a drastically lower value because the new owner cannot use it.
Perform a factory reset of the device. Go to Settings, then General, then Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings. This erases all your data and returns the phone to its factory settings, ready for a new owner.
Clean the phone physically. Wipe the screen and housing with a soft cloth. Remove the case and screen protector if you have them — the buyer wants to see the real condition of the phone, and a clean device makes a better impression.
Where to sell an iPhone in Belgrade
There are several options, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Direct sale via classified ads (KupujemProdajem, Facebook Marketplace) brings the highest price because there is no intermediary. But it requires time — posting the ad, replying to messages, arranging meetings, negotiating. There is also the risk of scams and unsafe meetings with unknown buyers.
Trading old for new in stores is the simplest option but usually brings the lowest price because the store takes a significant margin. It is convenient if you are buying a new phone at the same shop and want to handle everything in one place.
Buyback at a specialized shop offers a balance between price and convenience. The price is higher than in stores because the shop can repair and prepare the phone for resale itself. The procedure is fast — testing, an offer and payment on the spot in 10 to 20 minutes. No waiting for a buyer, no negotiating, no risk of scams.
At the Viper Mobile shop in New Belgrade we buy iPhone models from the 13 series onward. The assessment is free and with no obligation — if the offer does not suit you, we return the phone and you leave with no costs. Payment is immediate, in cash. More details about the process and conditions on the iPhone buyback page.
Mistakes that reduce the buyback price
Several common mistakes can get you a lower price than necessary.
Selling with an active iCloud account drastically reduces the value. Signing out takes a minute, and the difference in price can be enormous. Always sign out before selling.
Delaying the sale for months after the decision. Every week the phone loses value. If you have decided to sell, do it as soon as possible.
Ignoring Battery Health. If your Battery Health is at 78 percent, a battery replacement of a few thousand dinars can increase the buyback price by more than that sum. Consult a repair technician about whether this investment is worth it for your specific case.
Presenting the phone in worse condition than it is. Clean the phone, remove the old case and screen protector. A clean and tidy phone makes a better impression and can bring a better price.
Need phone repair?
Frequently asked questions about selling an iPhone
How much can I get for an old iPhone?
It depends on the model, the condition and the Battery Health. Prices change daily in line with the market. For a specific assessment, call 065/362-61-31 and state the model and condition — we will give you an indicative price.
Do you buy iPhones with a broken screen?
Yes. We buy a phone with a damaged screen at a lower price that reflects the cost of the repair. We sell it as-is.
Is the original box needed?
It is not mandatory, but it increases the value. If you have it, be sure to bring it.
How long does the whole buyback process take?
From 10 to 20 minutes — testing, an offer, payment. With no waiting and no obligation.
If you are planning to sell your iPhone, visit the iPhone buyback page or call 065/362-61-31 for a free assessment.