DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
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Apple iPhone Launch Could Trigger Fresh Wave of Trade-Ins, Strengthening Demand for Refurbished Models

Apple iPhone Launch Could Trigger Fresh Wave of Trade-Ins, Strengthening Demand for Refurbished Models

Sep 15, 2026 - 07:42
New costlier iPhones may boost refurbished smartphones' demand
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Key Highlights

  • Refurbished-device platform expects buybacks to increase within 30 days of the launch
  • iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series expected to record strongest increase in buybacks
  • Apple accounted for 65.3% of refurbished smartphone sales on its platform in 2025

Apple's latest iPhone launch is expected to trigger a fresh wave of trade-ins. Meanwhile, strengthening demand for older, refurbished models, as sharply higher flagship prices push buyers towards more affordable ways of entering the company's ecosystem, according to Cashify.

The refurbished-device platform expects buybacks to increase within 30 days of the launch and gather pace over the following 60-90 days as supplies improve. Festive offers expand and more customers upgrade.

Strongest Increase in Buybacks Expected for iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Series

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series are expected to record the strongest increase in buybacks. The iPhone 13 and 14 could continue contributing substantial volumes because of their larger installed base.

Apple Dominates Refurbished Smartphone Sales on Its Platform

Apple accounted for 65.3% of refurbished smartphone sales on its platform in 2025 and 32.6% of all devices bought back. The iPhone 13 was both its bestselling refurbished iPhone and most frequently traded-in model.

Demand for Older iPhones Expected to Strengthen

Refurbished-phone retailers expect demand for older iPhones to strengthen following the latest price increases. Particularly among customers who want an Apple device but are unwilling to spend close to Rs 1 lakh on a new base model. Retailers also expect warranties, battery health and device certification to become more important as first-time buyers move towards the secondary market.

Higher Supplies Could Limit Correction in Prices

Higher supplies would ordinarily reduce prices of outgoing models. However, Cashify expects the elevated prices of new iPhones to simultaneously lift demand for previous generations, potentially limiting the correction. Prices could therefore soften gradually instead of declining sharply.

Demand Expected to Shift Towards iPhone 14 and 15

Demand is expected to shift progressively towards the iPhone 14 and 15 as availability improves. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 may initially remain in the premium refurbished category because of its higher residual value.

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Key Background and Context

NEW DELHI: Apple's latest iPhone launch could trigger a fresh wave of trade-ins. Meanwhile, strengthening demand for older, refurbished models, as sharply higher flagship prices push buyers towards more affordable ways of entering the company's ecosystem.

According to Cashify.The refurbished-device platform expects buybacks to increase within 30 days of the launch and gather pace over the following 60-90 days as supplies improve. Festive offers expand and more customers upgrade.The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series are expected to record the strongest increase in buybacks.

The iPhone 13 and 14 could continue contributing substantial volumes because of their larger installed base.Apple accounted for 65.3% of refurbished smartphone sales on its platform in 2025 and 32.6% of all devices bought back. The iPhone 13 was both its bestselling refurbished iPhone and most frequently traded-in model.

The iPhone 13 represented 6.93% of Cashify's smartphone buybacks but accounted for 15.5% of refurbished demand. Indicating that demand exceeded the volume volume entering its resale system.Meanwhile. Refurbished-phone retailers expect demand for older iPhones to strengthen following the latest price increases.

Particularly among customers who want an Apple device but are unwilling to spend close to Rs 1 lakh on a new base model. Retailers also expect warranties, battery health and device certification to become more important as first-time buyers move towards the secondary market.Higher supplies would ordinarily reduce prices of outgoing models.

However, Cashify expects the elevated prices of new iPhones to simultaneously lift demand for previous generations, potentially limiting the correction. Prices could therefore soften gradually instead of declining sharply.Demand is expected to shift progressively towards the iPhone 14 and 15 as availability improves.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 may initially remain in the premium refurbished category because of its higher residual value. NEW DELHI: Apple's latest iPhone launch could trigger a fresh wave of trade-ins. Meanwhile, strengthening demand for older, refurbished models, as sharply higher flagship prices push buyers towards more affordable ways of entering the company's ecosystem.

According to Cashify.The refurbished-device platform expects buybacks to increase within 30 days of the launch and gather pace over the following 60-90 days as supplies improve. Festive offers expand and more customers upgrade.The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series are expected to record the strongest increase in buybacks.

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The iPhone 13 and 14 could continue contributing substantial volumes because of their larger installed base.Apple accounted for 65.3% of refurbished smartphone sales on its platform in 2025 and 32.6% of all devices bought back. The iPhone 13 was both its bestselling refurbished iPhone and most frequently traded-in model.

The iPhone 13 represented 6.93% of Cashify's smartphone buybacks but accounted for 15.5% of refurbished demand. Indicating that demand exceeded the volume volume entering its resale system.Meanwhile. Refurbished-phone retailers expect demand for older iPhones to strengthen following the latest price increases.

Particularly among customers who want an Apple device but are unwilling to spend close to Rs 1 lakh on a new base model. Retailers also expect warranties, battery health and device certification to become more important as first-time buyers move towards the secondary market.Higher supplies would ordinarily reduce prices of outgoing models.

However, Cashify expects the elevated prices of new iPhones to simultaneously lift demand for previous generations, potentially limiting the correction. Prices could therefore soften gradually instead of declining sharply.Demand is expected to shift progressively towards the iPhone 14 and 15 as availability improves.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 may initially remain in the premium refurbished category because of its higher residual value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cashify expects buybacks to increase within 30 days of the launch and gather pace over the following 60-90 days

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series are expected to record the strongest increase in buybacks

Apple accounted for 65.3% of refurbished smartphone sales on its platform in 2025

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I write about the forces shaping business and the global economy, from startup growth and changing markets to international trade and policy. My work focuses on breaking down complex developments into clear, practical insights and understanding what they could mean for businesses, investors, and the wider economy.

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