Curious about which Apple products depreciate slowest and hold resale value best over time? This in-depth guide compares iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch using real data to help you decide when and what to sell or upgrade.

 

Overview: How Each Product Class Depreciates

  • iPhone: Loses ~25% instantly upon unboxing and up to ~62% in the first year. Recent models like iPhone 14 lost ~48%, while iPhone 15 averaged ~56% first‑year drop.
  • iPad: Average depreciation across all iPads since 2017 is ~68% as of Dec 2022.
  • MacBook: Holds value stronger — depreciation of ~30‑40% in year one and slower decline thereafter, often better than iPhone or iPad.
  • Apple Watch: Depreciates fastest among Apple devices — average ~83% value loss over first 2 years; Series 7 lost ~71% by end‑2022.

 

Depreciation Timeline Comparison

  • **Months 0‑3:** iPhones typically drop ~27‑33% after launch; high-end MacBooks and iPads drop more slowly.
  • **Year 1:** iPhones lose ~46%; iPads ~27%; MacBooks ~30‑40%; Apple Watch ~50–60%. Sellers of Pro models fare slightly better.
  • **Year 2:** iPhone continues to drop (~70%+) while MacBooks and iPads stabilize and depreciate more gradually.

 

Devices That Retain Value Best

  • MacBook Air/Pro: Especially M1/M2 models remain in demand and supported, resulting in slower depreciation.
  • iPad Pro (2021–22): Retained around ~42–55% in first year—stronger than average tablets.
  • iPhone Pro & high‑capacity models: Depreciate slower compared to standard and lower storage variants.

 

Summary: Slowest Depreciation Ranking

  1. MacBook (and iPad): Best long‑term resale retention (~30–40% drop year 1)
  2. iPhone: Moderate decline (~50–60% drop first year)
  3. Apple Watch: Steepest depreciation (~80%+ over two years)

 

5 Tips to Maximize Resale Value

  • Sell just before new model launches—typically highest offers in August/early September.
  • Keep device in excellent condition—battery health, physical appearance, and full specifications matter.
  • Prefer Pro models or higher storage—they depreciate slower.
  • Use certified buyers or stores that refurbish; they often offer higher trade-in value.
  • Understand warranty status and support lifecycle—longer software support adds value to MacBook and iPad.

 

Thinking about selling your Apple device?
Contact MaKaiTeeTum — we accurately assess your MacBook, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch and recommend optimal timing to sell for the best resale price.
Call: 064‑564‑7945
Line ID: @KunTum

 

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