Resellers are reporting unusually high volumes of iPhone 17 devices entering secondary markets only weeks after the model’s launch, with bulk lots already circulating through B2B liquidation platforms.
B-Stock, a major wholesale marketplace, says large carriers are offloading “bulk quantities” of the new model, including a single lot of 111 iPhone 17 Pro Max units that drew bids exceeding $80,000. More than 300 iPhone 17 handsets were available on the platform mid-week.
Despite this supply, resale values remain exceptionally strong. B-Stock data shows the iPhone 17 is retaining around 94% of its retail price, with return rates comparable to previous generations and even lower than the iPhone 16. The volume is driven largely by the device’s strong initial sales rather than consumer dissatisfaction.
The iPhone 17’s performance aligns with broader momentum in the global used-smartphone market. CCS Insight reports that secondhand smartphones are growing faster than new device sales, expanding 6% in 2024. Apple accounts for roughly 60% of the pre-owned market, supported by rising demand for lower-cost devices, robust refurbishment programs, and improved warranties.
The sector generated $7.6 billion in U.S. revenue last year, with IDC forecasting used-phone shipments to grow 3.2% in 2025—triple the expected growth rate for new smartphones. The firm projects continued expansion through 2029, driven by trade-in schemes, higher refurbishment standards, and environmental considerations.
Other marketplaces also show resilience in Apple pricing. SellCell lists the iPhone Air with a trade-in value of $760 versus its $999 retail price, despite lower-than-expected demand for that model. Meanwhile, older premium models—including the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 Pro Max—remain among the most frequently resold devices.
The buoyant secondhand market is not denting new iPhone sales. IDC expects Apple to ship at least 247 million new units in 2025, supported by robust demand in China and a rebound in the U.S. and Europe—momentum that helped push Apple’s valuation above $4 trillion earlier this year.
