Thinking about trading in your phone? Here’s something most people don’t realise, when you sell can make just as much difference as where. Leave it too late and you could be losing out on £50–£150, just because you waited a few weeks.
Sounds dramatic, but timing your trade-in really does matter, and in this guide we’ll explain why, when to act, and how to make sure you get the best return with The iOutlet!
Why Timing Your Trade-In Matters
Phones, like cars, lose value over time. But they don’t just depreciate in a straight line, there are moments when the market goes down overnight. Those sudden drops usually come down to one thing: new launches.
Knowing when demand peaks, and when it falls, could literally mean more money in your pocket. Trade in at the right moment, and you’ll cash in. Miss the window, and your device could be worth far less than you expect.
iPhone Release Season = Price Drop Central
Apple announces new iPhones around every September, and when they do, resale values take a hit. Overnight, older models flood the market, demand drops, and trade-in prices can fall by 10–20%.
Take the iPhone 14 Pro as an example. In August 2023, it was worth around £600. A few weeks after the iPhone 15 arrived, that figure dropped closer to £550, then by January 2024 that dropped further to £490.
If you’re planning to upgrade this autumn, the smart move is to trade in your old iPhone a few weeks before the announcement. That way, you get a stronger price before the market gets swamped with trade-ins.
And this isn’t just an Apple problem. Samsung launches can have a similar impact, especially on the Galaxy S and Note ranges. Knowing the release calendars of the big brands can help you decide when to act.
Check current iPhone trade-in values here
When Demand Is Highest
The best time to sell is when people are actively looking for used devices. We usually see stronger prices:
- Late summer, especially August – buyers are still paying solid prices before Apple’s September launch.
- Back-to-school season – August into early September is popular for budget and mid-range phones, especially for students.
- Post-Christmas in January – many people want a cheaper upgrade after the holiday spend.
But here’s the catch, while August is a great month, the moment Apple (or Samsung) announces new flagships in September, values on top-end models drop sharply. That back-to-school demand won’t protect flagship devices from the post-launch slump. So, August is your sweet spot for high-value flagships, but older and mid-range phones can still hold demand into the early new year.
Real-World Example: iPhone 14 Pro
Here’s how timing played out for the iPhone 14 Pro:
- August 2023: £600
- October 2023 (post iPhone 15 launch): £550
- January 2024: £490
- August 2024: £420
That’s almost £50 lost by waiting just two months, and over £100 down by leaving it until the new year. It proves the point, if you know a new iPhone is coming and you really want to upgrade, don’t hang about.
Why Trade In Now with The iOutlet?
The truth is, waiting rarely works in your favour. If you’re already thinking about selling, there’s a good chance now is the best time.
Trading in with The iOutlet gives you:
- Competitive prices that match or beat other UK trade-in sites.
- Same-day payments once your phone arrives.
- No hidden deductions, we quote fairly and stick to it.
- Peace of mind knowing your old device will be refurbished and reused, not binned.
- A trusted UK company.
TL;DR – Best Times to Trade In
Phone values are always moving, and the longer you wait, the less your device is worth. The best times to sell are late summer, post-Christmas, and the back-to-school period. The worst times are immediately after new iPhone or Samsung launches, and in the slower months of January and February.
The key takeaway? Trade in while demand is high and before the next big launch steals attention. So don’t leave your phone collecting dust (and losing value). Get a quote, lock it in, and trade in on your terms.
