iPhone 13 Release: The Perfect Time to Sell Your iPhone 11 or 12
There’s always a certain buzz around Apple’s late-summer releases. Every year, iPhone fans gear up for the next big launch — and in the run-up to the iPhone 13, that excitement was higher than ever. With a new model on the horizon, many people naturally start thinking about trading in their current device to help fund the upgrade.
If you’re holding onto an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12, timing your trade-in can make a huge difference to the value you get back. Below, we look at how depreciation works around iPhone launches and why the weeks leading up to a new release matter so much.
If you’re already planning your upgrade, you can browse current offers on our mobile phone trade-in page.
Why the iPhone 13 Release Impacts Trade-In Prices
Every year, demand spikes for Apple phones in August and September — right before the new model lands. According to Envirofone data, this is when most people reach the end of a contract cycle and start looking for their next handset. Naturally, once the new iPhone hits the shelves, older devices begin to lose value as the market shifts.
Past launches show the same pattern again and again:
- The iPhone 12 typically drops by around 23% in value after the September release.
- The iPhone 11 sees a drop of around 17%, based on similar previous-year trends.
To put that into real terms:
- iPhone 12 models could drop by up to £122 in value.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max models could lose as much as £164.
- iPhone 11 models may see a drop of around £65 or more.
Apple moves quickly — and even a device that feels fairly new can lose a noticeable chunk of its trade-in price as soon as its successor arrives.
Why August Is the Best Month to Sell
Looking back at depreciation trends from the iPhone 7 through to the iPhone XR, August has consistently offered the best returns for anyone planning to trade in an older device. This is the moment just before demand shifts towards the new model — making it the ideal time to secure a higher price.
Higher-end models like the iPhone 12 Pro Max 512GB tend to hold their value slightly better (around a 22.9% decrease instead of the full 23%). But even then, the difference is small — and every iPhone 11 and 12 model sees a noticeable drop once September arrives.
The devices hit hardest are usually the standard storage options, such as the iPhone 12 64GB, which historically see a bigger percentage reduction in value once the next Apple flagship is announced.
What About the iPhone 11 Range?
Trends from previous years show that the iPhone 11 series also dips sharply in value after the autumn announcement. The Pro Max sees the largest monetary drop (around £85), while the standard iPhone 11 and 11 128GB versions lose a higher percentage due to their lower capacities and fewer features.
If you’re holding an iPhone 11 and want the best return, selling before the iPhone 13 launch window is the smartest move.
Thinking of Selling? Now’s the Time
If it’s still August when you're reading this, you’re in the perfect window to get the best value for your iPhone 11 or 12. Acting early could mean earning up to £164 more compared to waiting until after the new iPhone arrives.
Trading in with Envirofone is simple: send your handset in one of our free postal bags, let our team run a quick check on its condition, and receive your payment. You can get started on our sell your phone page and lock in the best possible price.
*All prices based on market data available at the time of publication.
