When the time comes for a new phone, the question arises of what to do with the old one. iPhone devices hold their value better than most other brands on the market, which means selling your old device can cover a significant portion of the cost 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 drops over time, but that drop isn't linear. The steepest drop in value happens in the first two months after a new model is released. If you're planning to buy a new iPhone, the ideal time to sell your old one is right before or during the release of the 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 solid value, while the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 models are gradually losing price. Models older than the iPhone 13 have significantly lower market value and fewer interested buyers.
The general rule is that an iPhone that's two years old loses between 30 and 40 percent of its original value, while a three-year-old phone loses 50 percent or more. The longer you wait to sell, the less you'll get — so if you've decided to switch phones, don't delay the sale.
What affects the iPhone buyback price
Several key factors determine how much you'll get for your iPhone.
Model and storage capacity. A newer model means a higher price. Within the same series, Pro and Pro Max variants are worth more than the standard model. Higher storage capacity (256GB, 512GB, 1TB) brings a higher price because those models are in greater demand on the secondary market.
Physical condition of the device. A phone with no visible signs of use achieves the highest price. Minor surface scratches visible only at certain angles don't have much impact. Visible damage — deep scratches on the screen, dents on the edges, a cracked back glass — directly reduces value. A phone with a broken screen has a significantly lower buyback price because it requires an expensive replacement before it can be resold.
Battery Health. This is a factor many overlook, yet it has a real impact on price. Battery Health above 85 percent is considered good condition. Below 80 percent, the phone requires a battery replacement for normal continued use, which reduces the buyback value. If your Battery Health is low and you're planning to sell, consider whether it's worth replacing the battery beforehand — in some cases, an investment of a few thousand dinars for a new battery can increase the buyback price by more than that amount.
Functionality. All functions must work properly — Face ID, front and rear camera, speakers, microphone, touch screen, charging, WiFi, Bluetooth. Every malfunctioning feature reduces the price. Before selling, check all of these yourself so you're not caught off guard by the assessment.
Accessories. The original box, USB cable, and documentation increase value. They're not mandatory, but buyers on the secondary market appreciate a complete set because it gives them confidence that the device was purchased legitimately.
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How to prepare your iPhone for sale
Before you take your phone in for buyback or offer it for sale, do a few things.
Back up all your data — through iCloud or locally to a computer via Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows). Make sure your photos, contacts, and messages are synced.
Sign out of your iCloud account. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll to the bottom, and select 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 the new owner.
Turn off Find My iPhone if it didn't turn off automatically when you signed out of iCloud. This is a critical step — a phone with active Activation Lock has drastically lower value because the new owner can't use it.
Perform a factory reset on 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 factory settings, ready for the new owner.
Clean the phone physically. Wipe the screen and body with a soft cloth. Remove the case and screen protector if you have them — the buyer wants to see the actual condition of the phone, and a clean device leaves a better impression.
Where to sell an iPhone in Belgrade
There are several options, each with its own pros and cons.
Direct sale through classified ads (KupujemProdajem, Facebook Marketplace) brings the highest price because there's no middleman. But it requires time — posting the ad, answering messages, arranging meetings, negotiating. There's also a risk of scams and unsafe meetings with unfamiliar buyers.
Trade-in for a new device at stores is the simplest option but usually brings the lowest price because the store takes a significant margin. It's convenient if you're buying a new phone at the same store and want to handle everything in one place.
Buyback at a specialized repair service offers a balance between price and convenience. The price is higher than at stores because the service can repair the phone itself and prepare it for resale. The process is fast — testing, an offer, and payment on the spot within 10 to 20 minutes. No waiting for a buyer, no negotiating, no risk of scams.
At Viper Mobile in New Belgrade, we buy back iPhone models from the 13 series onward. The assessment is free and with no obligation — if the offer doesn't suit you, we return the phone and you leave at no cost. Payment is immediate, in cash. More details about the process and terms are on the iPhone buyback page.
Mistakes that lower the buyback price
A few common mistakes can get you a lower price than necessary.
Selling with an active iCloud account drastically reduces value. Signing out takes a minute, and the difference in price can be huge. Always sign out before selling.
Delaying the sale for months after deciding to sell. Every week, the phone loses value. If you've decided to sell, do it as soon as possible.
Ignoring Battery Health. If your Battery Health is at 78 percent, a battery replacement costing a few thousand dinars can increase the buyback price by more than that amount. Consult with a technician about whether this investment is worthwhile in your specific case.
Presenting the phone in worse condition than it actually is. Clean the phone, remove the old case and screen protector. A clean, tidy phone leaves a better impression and can bring a better price.
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Frequently asked questions about selling an iPhone
How much can I get for my old iPhone?
It depends on the model, condition, and Battery Health. Prices change daily according to the market. For a specific estimate, call 065/362-61-31 and provide the model and condition — we'll give you an approximate price.
Do you buy back iPhones with a broken screen?
Yes. We buy back phones with a damaged screen at a lower price that reflects the cost of repair. We resell it in its current condition.
Is the original box required?
It's not mandatory, but it increases value. If you have it, be sure to bring it.
How long does the whole buyback process take?
From 10 to 20 minutes — testing, offer, payment. No waiting and no obligation.
If you're planning to sell your iPhone, visit the iPhone buyback page or call 065/362-61-31 for a free assessment.