Here’s something most iPhone 13 owners probably haven’t thought about: your phone is losing money right now, and it’s about to lose a lot more.
Apple is gearing up for one of its biggest fall launches in years. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first-ever foldable iPhone are all set to debut in September 2026. That’s a significant moment, and if you’re still holding onto an iPhone 13, the timing matters more than you might think.
This guide will walk you through what the iPhone 18 launch actually means for your resale value, when the best window to sell is, what your iPhone 13 is realistically worth right now, and how to squeeze every dollar out of it before that window closes.
Why the iPhone 18 Launch Directly Affects Your iPhone 13
Every time Apple announces a new flagship, older models take a hit in the secondary market. It’s not a rumor or a theory; it’s a pattern that repeats every single September.
Based on historical resale trends, iPhones often lose around 20% to 25% of their value during the first year. But the steeper drop comes when a new launch is announced. Trade-in prices for older models can fall an additional 12% to 20% in the months surrounding a major release. Buyers who were willing to pay $200 for your iPhone 13 in July may only offer $150 for the exact same phone in October.
This year carries extra weight. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and a brand-new foldable iPhone in fall 2026, with the standard iPhone 18 pushed to spring 2027. That compressed fall lineup means consumer attention and upgrade dollars are all pointed in one direction. Older iPhones like yours get deprioritized fast.
The iPhone 13 is also approaching a significant age milestone. It launched in September 2021, which means by the time the iPhone 18 arrives, it will be almost five years old. At that age, battery degradation is common, software support timelines are getting shorter, and repair costs start creeping up. Buyers know this, and they’ll price accordingly.
What Is Your iPhone 13 Actually Worth Right Now?
The value of your iPhone 13 in 2026 depends on four things: model, storage, condition, and whether it’s carrier unlocked.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of resale value for unlocked models:
- iPhone 13 (good condition): around $175
- iPhone 13 Pro (good condition): around $200
- iPhone 13 Pro Max (good condition): around $250
Condition is the biggest swing factor. A phone with a clean screen, no cracks, and a battery health above 85% will consistently earn more than one with cosmetic damage, even if they’re the same model and storage. Carrier lock status also matters. An unlocked iPhone 13 is worth more to a buyer than one locked to a specific network, because it opens up the pool of people who can actually use it.
The honest reality is that these prices are close to as good as they’re going to get for an iPhone 13. From September onward, expect them to fall steeply.
When Is the Best Time to Sell?
Timing your sale well isn’t complicated, but it does require some intention.
Trade-in and resale prices for older iPhones tend to peak in the weeks just before a new launch is announced. Buyers are still actively looking, supply hasn’t flooded the market yet, and the new release hasn’t psychologically devalued your phone in the public’s mind.
The sweet spot for selling your iPhone 13 is 2 to 4 weeks before the iPhone 18 announcement, which puts that window roughly in late July to mid-August 2026.
That’s now. If you’re reading this in June or early July, you’re still in a good position to act with enough time to get a competitive quote, prepare your device, and complete the sale before the market shifts.
Waiting until after the September announcement is the most common mistake iPhone sellers make. By then, prices have already moved downwards.
Where to Sell Your iPhone 13
The Whiz Cells is the best place to sell your iPhone 13 if you want the most money with the least hassle. Here’s why.
We pay an average of 47% more than other buyback platforms. That’s not a rounding error; that’s a meaningful difference in what lands in your pocket. And we’ve backed it up with over $49 million paid out to sellers, 300+ Google reviews, and 290+ verified reviews on Trustpilot.
The process takes about five minutes. Get a quote, accept it, ship your iPhone 13, get paid. No haggling, no platform fees, no “is this still available?” messages from people who ghost you the second you reply.
We pay via PayPal, bank transfer, Visa card, gift card, or check. Pick whatever works for you.
If you want to see exactly how we stack up against other buybacks, we broke it all down in our full comparison of the best places to sell your phone.
How to Get the Highest Price for Your iPhone 13
Preparation takes less than 30 minutes and can add anywhere from $20 to $50 to your final offer. Here’s what to do:
- Check your battery health. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Anything above 85% is a selling point worth mentioning.
- Confirm it’s unlocked. Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. An unlocked phone is worth more.
- Back everything up. Use iCloud or connect to your computer. Do this before you do anything else.
- Sign out of your Apple ID and disable Find My iPhone. This is non-negotiable for any buyer to accept the phone. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out.
- Factory reset the device. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Clean it up. A microfiber cloth on the screen and back goes a long way. First impressions affect offers.
- Get a quote. Lock in your price before August. The Whiz Cells quote lasts 20 days.
None of these steps are difficult, but skipping them is the fastest way to leave money on the table.
The Bottom Line
Your iPhone 13 has held its value reasonably well. But the clock is running. Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone in September, 2026, and once that happens, the market for older iPhones shifts quickly.
If you plan to upgrade this year or next, selling now gets you the most cash to put toward it.
The best time to sell your iPhone 13 is before the announcement. That window is open right now.
Faqs on Should You Sell Your iPhone 13 Now?
How much longer will an iPhone 13 be good for?
The iPhone 13 still works fine as a daily driver, but its runway is shortening. Apple typically supports iPhones for around six years, and the iPhone 13 launched in September 2021, putting it close to that limit. It will likely see one or two more iOS updates, but it won’t get everything newer models do. It still works, but “still works” and “worth holding onto” are two different things when resale value is actively falling.
When should you sell your iPhone?
Before Apple announces its next generation, not after. Once the announcement drops, older models lose perceived value almost overnight. For the iPhone 13, that window is late July to mid-August 2026, roughly 2 to 4 weeks before the expected iPhone 18 Pro announcement in September. The Whiz Cells locks in your quote for 20 days, so you can get your price now and ship when you’re ready.
Is the iPhone 13 worth trading in?
Yes, but not through your carrier. Carrier trade-in programs undervalue older phones and pay out in account credits rather than cash. The iPhone 13 still commands $200 or more in good condition, which is real money worth capturing before September knocks it down. A buyback platform like The Whiz Cells will get you more and pay it directly to you.
Is it better to trade in or sell my iPhone 13?
Selling to a buyback platform like The Whiz Cells beats both carrier trade-ins and peer-to-peer selling for most people. Carrier trade-ins pay less. Peer-to-peer platforms like Facebook Marketplace come with lowball offers, no-shows, and scammers. The Whiz Cells gives you a competitive offer, a straightforward process, and payment in your preferred method without any of that friction.
Where can I sell my iPhone 13?
The Whiz Cells is the best place to sell your iPhone 13 if you want the most cash with the least effort. Get a quote, accept it, ship your phone, get paid. The whole process takes about five minutes, and your quote is locked in for 20 days. We pay via PayPal, bank transfer, Visa card, gift card, or check, and we pay an average of 47% more than other buyback platforms. Over $49 million paid out, 300+ Google reviews, and 290+ verified reviews on Trustpilot.
