If you’re switching ecosystems or plan to upgrade to a new model soon, it’s worth seeing what you can get for your iPhone 16. There’s still plenty of demand for it, and listings tend to move quickly. Once the next iPhone drops, that momentum usually fades fast. Knowing what affects your phone’s value can help you decide the best time and way to sell.
Determining Your iPhone 16’s Value
A lot of what your phone’s worth is just common sense. If it looks good, works right, and isn’t tied to a carrier, people want it. If the battery’s been through a ton of charge cycles or the screen’s all scuffed up, not so much. This puts you in an excellent spot for selling a phone as new as an iPhone 16. Here’s what to look at:
- Storage size: The more storage your iPhone has, the more it’s usually worth. Everyone likes extra space for photos, apps, and videos, so higher-capacity models tend to receive better offers. You can see your phone’s storage under Settings > General > About.
- Condition: Physical condition has a big impact on resale value. If your phone’s been in a case and the screen and frame still look new, you’ll have no problem getting max value. Light wear is generally fine, but noticeable scratches, dents, or cracks can bring the price down.
- Battery health: A healthy battery makes your iPhone more appealing since it means fewer charging issues for the next owner. You can check yours under Settings > Battery > Battery Health. A battery close to full capacity (90% or more) is very appealing to buyers.
- Locked or unlocked: Unlocked phones usually sell for more because they can be used with any carrier. If your iPhone was bought through a carrier and you’re still making payments, it’s probably locked. You can check this under Settings > General > About, then look for Carrier Lock.
Now that you have a sense of what affects your phone’s value, the next step is figuring out where to sell. Some people care most about getting every last dollar. Others just want to be done with it and move on. There’s no single best way; it really depends on how much time you want to spend and how patient you are with the process.
Where to sell an iPhone 16?
The first option is to use Apple and your carrier. They typically offer trade-in programs, but these are rooted in convenience. You just hand over your device and get credit toward your next purchase, but the trade-off is that you’ll get less money than if you sold it yourself.
You could also try selling privately on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. You’re likely to receive a good chunk of your initial cost back, but it comes with hassles. You need to take photos, write a listing, answer questions from potential buyers, and deal with payment and shipping. You’re also meeting strangers or trusting someone you don’t know to pay you.
There’s a better middle option, though. Buyback companies like https://sell.rakerock.com/ specialize in purchasing used electronics and make the whole process quick and easy. You get a quote online in seconds, they send you a prepaid shipping label, and you get paid within 24 hours of them receiving your device. RakeRock is also R2v3 certified, which means they follow strict protocols for data security and responsible recycling. Your personal information gets completely wiped, and if your device can’t be refurbished, it’s recycled properly instead of ending up in a landfill.
Good Time to Sell
Since the iPhone 16 is still a current model, now is actually a great time to sell. Phones hold their value best while they’re still relatively new, before newer releases and battery wear start to drag prices down. If you’re ready to sell an iPhone 16 Pro or any iPhone model, getting a quote takes only a minute and doesn’t cost anything, so it’s an easy way to see what your device could bring in.
