Find out if it's worth buying a used iPhone. See tips for choosing the device.
When Apple releases a new phone, they often lower the price of the previous model to make it more affordable. However, buying a used iPhone can be more complicated, as important questions are asked to avoid financial problems and regrets.
This article answers a few questions to help you decide whether to buy a used iPhone. Read on to see what you should do.
Are there any cheap used iPhones?
Used Apple phones are available at online stores such as Enjoei, Mercado Livre and Trocafone, as well as authorized resellers such as iPlace. To get an idea of the sales volume, Apple devices were the most popular on Trocafone in 2022, with around 120 thousand units sold.
The iPhone 7, which no longer receives iOS updates, came in first place, followed by the iPhone 11, released in 2019, in second place. Official stores offer protection against fraud and purchases of stolen phones. But prices can be higher in e-commerce than those offered by individual sellers, although it is important to check the reputation of the seller in question.
Considering the price alone, buying a used iPhone seems like a smart option. However, price isn’t the only factor to consider. Now let’s talk about another important aspect: iPhone software updates.
Which iPhone models no longer receive updates?
You may have heard that some iPhone models are no longer updated by Apple. In practice, this means that these phones will no longer receive operating system updates, but they will still be able to receive security updates.
This decision is being made because older devices typically have significant technical limitations that cause manufacturers to end support for them. For example, in 2023, Apple devices released before 2017 will no longer receive iOS 17 updates, but will continue to receive security updates for an additional period. These phones will still work, but over time, incompatibility could make it difficult to download and update apps like WhatsApp.
How long does an iPhone last?
It's hard to say exactly how many years you can use your iPhone. However, we do know that phones stop receiving operating system updates after about five years. However, this doesn't mean you can't use your device anymore. It all depends on its overall condition. It's also important to visually inspect it for damage, such as scratches and dents, to assess its performance.
Test different components individually or use iPhone apps to ensure everything is working, from the microphone to the touchscreen to the battery.
When Apple releases a new model, does it lower the price of older models?
Yes, when Apple releases a new iPhone, it tends to lower the prices of older models from that brand. This also increases the pressure to lower the price of used devices to attract buyers.
If you're interested in buying an iPhone, a good time to buy a used one is right after the new model is released, as was the case with the iPhone 15.
How much value does a device lose in a year?
When released in September 2022, the iPhone 14 128GB was sold in the official Apple Store for R$7,599. A year later, the iPhone 15 was launched, and the same model was available for R$6,499 in the official store. However, in online stores the device could be seen for up to R$4,598.
In other words, if you plan to replace your device every year and want to sell your phone and recoup some of its value to invest in a newer model, you will face significant depreciation of 15% to 40%.
