The iPhone 17 Pro Max has rapidly become the most traded used smartphone in the United States. Despite its launch only five months ago in September 2025, it now dominates the secondhand market ahead of many other models.
Data from Sell Cell, a price comparison site for used gadgets, reveals that the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s market share among used phones rose to 11.5% by early February 2026. This is a remarkable jump from just 5.1% at the end of November 2025. The model rose from 8th place to number one in the rankings within 12 weeks.
Rapid Growth in Secondhand Sales
This steady climb indicates consistent sales activity rather than a sudden spike, as Sell Cell confirms the growth began in late December and continued through early 2026. The sustained demand contributes to the phone’s strong resale value.
Reasons Behind the Surge in Sales
A key factor is the relatively low depreciation rate of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Over 145 days since its release, it lost only about 25.4% of its initial retail price. In comparison, the previous model, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, depreciated by 32.5% in the same period. Lower depreciation means the device retains more of its value, making it attractive for resale.
Sell Cell reports that 86% of available used iPhone 17 Pro Max devices are in good or excellent condition. This suggests many users sell their phones shortly after purchase, likely to upgrade or switch models promptly.
Potential Buyer and Seller Behavior
Although Sell Cell does not disclose which models users upgrade to, Phone Arena speculates that sellers might be switching to less expensive options such as the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 standard model, or even the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This pattern reflects satisfaction with the technology of the Pro Max but a preference for more affordable alternatives or slightly different features.
There is also minimal speculation about users leaving the iOS ecosystem altogether for Android, indicating strong brand loyalty despite active trade-ins.
Used Smartphone Market Landscape in the U.S.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is not alone in securing strong interest within the used phone market. Other models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 Pro Max remain popular. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra also appears among the top traded devices, albeit at a significantly lower share.
Here is the breakdown of the 20 most traded used smartphones in the U.S. from January 10 to February 9, 2026, according to Sell Cell’s official blog:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max – 11.5%
- iPhone 15 Pro Max – 7.3%
- iPhone 14 Pro Max – 7.3%
- iPhone 16 Pro Max – 7.2%
- iPhone 13 – 7.2%
- iPhone 13 Pro Max – 6.2%
- iPhone 11 – 5.6%
- iPhone 12 – 4.6%
- iPhone 15 – 4.6%
- iPhone 14 Pro – 4.5%
- iPhone 17 Pro – 4.3%
- iPhone 14 – 4.2%
- iPhone 16 Pro – 4.0%
- iPhone 15 Pro – 3.7%
- iPhone 13 Pro – 3.5%
- iPhone 12 Pro Max – 3.3%
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – 3.2%
- iPhone 17 – 3.1%
- iPhone XR – 2.5%
- iPhone 16e – 2.4%
What This Means for Consumers
The data suggests that consumers are actively trading the latest high-end iPhones to stay current or to switch to alternatives that better fit their needs or budgets. The strong resale prices reduce the overall cost of upgrading, enabling users to sell their nearly new devices at favorable prices.
Meanwhile, the considerable volume of phones available in excellent condition benefits buyers seeking relatively recent models without paying full retail prices. This healthy circulation boosts the secondhand market’s vibrancy and could influence future smartphone purchasing decisions.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s first few months on the market highlight a trend where high-end devices hold their value better and enjoy brisk resale activity. This dynamic may continue to shape manufacturer strategies and consumer behaviors in the competitive smartphone industry.
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