Two iPhone models you must sell this month - as Apple experts warn time is running out

04 August 2023 , 11:27

820     0

The value of old iPhones is about to change - so you don't have long to sell for a decent price

Bad news, iPhone fans: your device could be about to plummet in value, thanks to the new iOS 17 update. As Mirror.co.uk warned readers in June, several older iPhone models are set to be excluded from Apple's latest major software update. That means that their trade-in value is about to plummet as they won't get access to shiny new features such as StandBy mode, Live Stickers and NameDrop. If you're thinking about getting a new phone that is compatible with iOS 17, now is the time to trade in.

A number of iPhones will be affected by issues, including popular models which are still in use by some Apple fans today.

The iPhone X cost £999 on release - but is now worth much less

The iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and the iPhone X along with some iPhone SE models can't install iOS 17 and will miss out when this update is made available in September and that could also be bad news for what they are worth.

In June, we reported that the trade-in values of these smartphones are predicted to drop by as much as 50% by the time iOS 17 is released.

This has already begun happening. The iPhone X, for example, cost £999 on release, and last year could be sold for upwards of £200 or even £300. However, it has since dropped in value to as low as £120 on popular resale sites like Music Magpie or on Apple's official trade-in site.

Apple TV release MLS Season Pass worldwide and announce free opening weekend

Now that Apple's September event is just over a month away, and with it the launch of a new iPhone, this month is your last chance to get your money's worth before it drops even further.

Recycling your iPhone is a much better way to get rid of it than sending it to landfill - and it pays (Getty)

In June, Mirror.co.uk quoted mobile phone experts at SellCell as saying: "Neither the iPhone X or the iPhone 8 will receive the iOS 17 update, which means the phones won't get security updats either.

"Owners and their data are more at risk of attack by people with malicious intent, like hackers, for example. These models will become obsolete once the new iOS version rolls out to the public.

"This could spell disaster for iPhone X or 8 owners, who will see the value of their handset plummet considering the news."

The lack of future iPhone updates could even have an impact on the security of your iPhone, with older models not receiving the same number of patches. Having said this, Apple has been known to release urgent patches for older iPhone models.

Mirror.co.uk's top tips for selling or trading in your iPhone

• Compare trade-in values across different sites: You can get different amounts of money for your old phone either as cash or trade-in credit to spend on another device. Sites like CompareMyMobile will show you a variety of different quotes for your phone so you can get the best payout.
• Remove all your private data: Before selling the phone, make sure you've gone into the settings app and performed a full factory reset after backing up any important texts, photos, or files. This will stop other people from snooping on your private info.
• Keep it in good nick: It goes without saying, but a phone with a smashed screen will be worth much less money than one in good condition. The trade-in value you're offered depends on the condition of your device, so just make sure you look after it before selling.

Ciaran Daly