Trade in Your iPhone Before You Upgrade to the iPhone 18
Thinking about upgrading when Apple's next iPhone arrives? If so, now could be the perfect time to think about what you'll do with your current device. Before you upgrade, it's worth finding out how much your existing iPhone could be worth.
If you're planning to move to the next generation, trade-in your iPhone before you upgrade to the iPhone 18 and you could put the money from your current device towards your next one.
Apple's next major event is scheduled for 9 September 2026, making this an important time for anyone considering an iPhone upgrade. While the exact specifications, pricing and availability of the next iPhone should be confirmed by Apple at launch, you don't have to wait until then to start preparing.
In this guide, we'll explain why trading in before an upgrade can make sense, what affects your iPhone's value and how to get your old device ready to sell.
Why Trade in Your iPhone Before You Upgrade?
When a new iPhone generation launches, attention naturally shifts towards the latest models. However, that can also make it important to think about the value of the device you're replacing.
Your current iPhone is still a valuable piece of technology, particularly if it's a recent Pro or Pro Max model. The longer you leave it unused, the less useful it becomes to you and, over time, its resale value can change.
By checking your trade-in value before upgrading, you can get a clearer idea of your overall upgrade cost.
For example, if you're currently using an iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max, getting a quote before Apple's next launch can help you understand what your existing phone could contribute towards your next device.
When Is the Best Time to Trade in Your iPhone?
There is no guaranteed date when an iPhone's value will change. Prices are affected by demand, model availability, storage capacity, condition and the wider market.
However, major smartphone launches can influence the value of previous-generation devices. Once a newer model becomes available, more people may start selling the previous generation, potentially affecting market prices.
That's why it can be sensible to check your price before you upgrade rather than assuming your old phone will be worth the same after the launch.
Envirofone currently offers a 14-day price lock on selected trade-ins, allowing you to lock in a quoted price for a limited period while you make your plans.
If you have an iPhone 17 Pro Max, you can check your current iPhone 17 Pro Max trade-in price directly with Envirofone.
How Much Could Your iPhone Be Worth?
The value of your iPhone depends on several factors.
Envirofone's current selling service provides an instant quote based on the specific model, storage capacity and condition of your device.
For example, Envirofone currently lists the iPhone 17 Pro Max at up to £880 and the iPhone 17 Pro at up to £715. These are maximum advertised values and the exact offer depends on the individual device.
You can check how much your iPhone is worth before making any decisions about upgrading.
What affects your iPhone's value?
- Model: Newer iPhone models generally have greater resale demand.
- Storage: Higher-capacity models can attract different offers.
- Condition: A phone in excellent condition can be worth more than one with significant damage.
- Functionality: Whether features such as the screen, cameras and buttons work can affect the quote.
- Network status: The network your device is connected to may be relevant when getting a quote.
To find your exact price, visit Envirofone's phone selling service and search for your model.
Should You Trade in an iPhone 17 Pro Before the iPhone 18?
If you're currently using an iPhone 17 Pro and already know that you want to upgrade to the next generation, checking its value now is worth considering.
The iPhone 17 Pro trade-in page allows you to select your storage capacity and condition to receive a quote.
You don't have to send your phone immediately. Getting a quote first simply gives you useful information when deciding whether the upgrade makes financial sense.
If the amount you're offered is enough to make the upgrade attractive, you can proceed with the sale. If not, you can continue using your existing iPhone and reassess your options later.
Should You Trade in an iPhone 17 Pro Max Before the iPhone 18?
The same principle applies if you're using an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Pro Max is one of Apple's premium models, and the value of your particular device will depend on its storage capacity and condition.
Envirofone currently lists 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB versions of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. You can check the current trade-in offer for your iPhone 17 Pro Max and see what your device could be worth.
If you're planning to move to the next iPhone generation, checking this price before launch can help you budget for the upgrade.
What If Your iPhone Is Damaged?
Don't automatically assume that a damaged iPhone is worthless.
Envirofone accepts iPhones in a range of conditions, including devices with faults or damage, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Cracked screens, battery issues and other damage can affect the value of your device, but you may still be able to sell it rather than leaving it unused in a drawer.
Visit Envirofone's iPhone selling page to search for your model and see what options are available.
How to Prepare Your iPhone Before Trading It In
Once you've decided to sell your current iPhone, take a few minutes to prepare it properly.
1. Back up your data
Before handing over your phone, make sure your photos, contacts, messages and other important information are backed up.
You can then transfer your information to your new iPhone when you're ready to upgrade.
2. Sign out of your Apple Account
Make sure you've signed out of your Apple Account and removed the device from your account before sending it away.
3. Turn off Find My iPhone
Find My needs to be disabled before your device can be fully processed. This also helps ensure that the next owner can use the phone without activation issues.
4. Remove your SIM
Remember to remove your physical SIM card before sending your iPhone. If you're using an eSIM, make sure you've transferred or removed it as appropriate.
5. Factory reset the device
Once your data has been backed up and you've signed out of your account, erase your personal information and restore the iPhone to factory settings.
For more guidance, visit Envirofone's guide to how selling your phone works.
How Does an iPhone Trade-In Work?
Trading in your iPhone doesn't need to be complicated.
With Envirofone, the process starts by finding your exact device and answering a few questions about its condition.
- Get your quote: Search for your iPhone and provide the requested details.
- Accept your offer: If you're happy with the quoted value, confirm that you want to sell.
- Send your phone: Envirofone provides free tracked postage options.
- Device testing: Your iPhone is checked when it arrives.
- Get paid: Once the device has been processed and matches the information provided, payment is made.
You can read the full process on the Envirofone selling guide.
What Can You Do With the Money From Your Old iPhone?
The money from your old iPhone can help offset the cost of your next device.
Rather than viewing an upgrade as the full price of a new phone, think about the difference between the cost of your replacement and the amount you can recover from your existing device.
This can make it easier to set a realistic upgrade budget before deciding which model to buy.
If you're planning to purchase a refurbished device rather than a brand-new one, Envirofone also offers a range of refurbished phones to choose from.
Could You Use EnviroCash Towards Your Next Phone?
If you're planning to sell your old iPhone and buy another device through Envirofone, there is another option to consider.
Envirofone offers EnviroCash as an alternative to receiving your payment as cash. The current service offers a 7% bonus when you choose EnviroCash to spend on a refurbished device.
That could make it worth comparing the cash value of your iPhone with the potential additional value of EnviroCash if you're already planning to buy a refurbished phone.
Explore the latest refurbished phones from Envirofone to see what could fit your budget.
Should You Wait Until After the iPhone 18 Launch?
Whether you sell before or after Apple's announcement is ultimately your decision.
If you already know you're upgrading, getting a quote before the launch gives you a useful benchmark. You can then compare that with any later offer and decide when you're comfortable selling.
If you aren't certain about upgrading, there's no need to rush. You can continue using your current iPhone and wait until Apple officially announces its new products and pricing.
The key is to avoid leaving your current phone unused for months without checking its value. A device sitting in a drawer isn't helping fund your next upgrade.
Why Sell Your iPhone Instead of Leaving It in a Drawer?
Old smartphones are often forgotten once their owners upgrade.
However, your previous iPhone may still have value. Selling it gives you an opportunity to recover some of the money you've already spent while allowing the device to be refurbished, reused or responsibly recycled.
Envirofone has been helping customers sell their technology since 2005 and says it has paid more than £160 million to customers.
You can start the selling process online and find out what your device could be worth.
Trade-in Your iPhone Before You Upgrade to the iPhone 18
If you're planning to upgrade when Apple's next iPhone generation arrives, don't wait until you've bought your new phone before thinking about your old one.
Trade-in your iPhone before you upgrade to the iPhone 18 and you'll have a clearer idea of your upgrade budget, while giving yourself time to prepare your device properly.
Whether you own an iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, an older iPhone or a damaged device, it's worth checking what it's worth before making your next move.
Get your iPhone trade-in quote from Envirofone today and see how much your current device could contribute towards your next upgrade.
Then, when you're ready to choose your next phone, browse Envirofone's refurbished range for another way to make your upgrade more affordable.
