Buying a used iPhone has never been smarter. With Apple preparing to raise prices on new devices due to memory shortages and rising production costs, keeping your phone longer or purchasing a refurbished model is a wise move. Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, emphasizes that recent iPhones are very capable and that buying used makes more sense than ever.
Apple prices will rise because of component scarcity
Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook told The Wall Street Journal that price increases are unavoidable due to a memory component shortage worsened by AI data center demand. This will likely affect premium models like upcoming iPhone Pro. Apple has absorbed costs so far, but price hikes are expected within the year. Geopolitical tensions and tariffs have already caused market fluctuations. As we discussed in our article on fusion energy startups, other industries are also seeking ways to reduce dependence on critical components.
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iOS 27 extends the life of older iPhones
With iOS 27, Apple improved the CPU scheduler to maintain performance even on models like the iPhone 11. This means a used iPhone will receive updates for longer, increasing purchase confidence. Replacing the battery on an older model is also cheaper: $30 less for an iPhone 13 compared to an iPhone 17. Wiens recommends buying a one-year-old phone and replacing the battery every six months to save money. Just as fitness trackers can have issues with tattoos, buying a used iPhone requires careful inspection: read our guide to avoid pitfalls.
The used market grows despite economic pressure
According to Back Market, refurbished sales jumped in 2025 due to tariff fears. CEO Thibaud Hug de Larauze reported a new spike after Cook's statement. However, used prices may also rise with a 3-6 month lag. Still, compared to a new flagship, savings are significant. The reuse culture is gaining traction: according to Wikipedia, iPhones have a long useful life supported by software updates. Considering a refurbished device is both sustainable and affordable for many users.
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In conclusion, buying a used iPhone today offers great value, especially with expected price increases on new models. With careful selection and battery maintenance, you can get a high-performing device at a much lower cost.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/buying-a-used-iphone-makes-more-sense-than-ever
