How to Sell Your iPhone 15 or 16 Pro Max for the Best Price
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max are incredible devices, holding their value better than almost any other smartphone on the market. But "holding value" doesn't mean you'll automatically get top dollar. The difference between a quick sale and a great sale can be hundreds of dollars.
If you're looking to upgrade, switch carriers, or just cash out, here is your definitive guide to getting the maximum payout for your premium iPhone.
1. Timing is Everything
High-end iPhones depreciate in specific steps. The biggest drops happen:
- September: Right after Apple announces the new models.
- January: After the holiday season glut.
The Golden Rule: The best time to sell is right now. Every week you wait is potential value lost. If you're planning to upgrade in September, consider selling in August or locking in a trade-in quote early (Cell Me Your Phone offers price locks for 7 days!).
2. Unlock Your Device
We can't stress this enough (check out our Locked vs Unlocked guide): Unlocked iPhones sell for 10-20% more.
If you paid off your device, it doesn't mean it's automatically unlocked. You often have to request it from your carrier.
- Verizon: Auto-unlocks after 60 days.
- AT&T/T-Mobile: You must submit a request via their portal.
Check your status in Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. If it says "No SIM restrictions," you're gold.
3. Condition is King (But Repairs Might Not Pay Off)
For a Pro Max model, buyers expect perfection.
- Screen: Micro-scratches are okay, but cracks are a dealbreaker for top-tier pricing.
- Battery Health: Anything above 90% is excellent. Below 80% is a "Service" battery and lowers value.
Should you fix a cracked screen?
For a newer model like the 16 Pro Max, a screen repair can cost $300-$400 at Apple. If the value increase is only $100-$150, don't fix it. Sell it as-is. We buy cracked iPhones and often pay more than you'd net after paying for a repair.
4. Include the Accessories
While less critical than in the past, having the original box and original braided USB-C cable can be a nice negotiation point, especially for private party sales. For professional buyers like us, we focus on the device itself, so don't worry if you lost the cable.
5. Prepare Your Digital Life
Before you hand it over:
- Back up to iCloud or a computer.
- Sign out of iCloud (Critical!).
- turn off Find My iPhone.
- Erase All Content and Settings.
6. Choose Your Buyer Wisely
You have three main options for a high-value device like an iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Option A: Carrier Trade-In
- Pros: Convenient if upgrading.
- Cons: "Bill credits" over 36 months—you don't get the cash. If you switch carriers, you lose the credits.
Option B: Online Mail-In Sites
- Pros: Easy to ship.
- Cons: Risk of "requoting" (they lower the offer after they receive it). Payment takes weeks.
Option C: Local Cash Buyers (Like Us!)
- Pros: Cash/Venmo on the spot. No waiting. No mail risk. Higher payouts than carriers for "cash" value.
- Cons: You have to meet up (but we make it safe and easy in public places).
Why Sell Locally in Utah?
Selling a $1,000+ phone to a stranger on Facebook Marketplace is risky. Scams are rampant.
At Cell Me Your Phone, we offer a safe, professional alternative.
- We meet in public.
- We verify the device instantly.
- We pay immediately.
Get Your Quote for Your iPhone Pro Max Now →
Ready to cash in? We specialize in high-end devices like the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro Max. Get a quote in 60 seconds!
