iPhone Ultra Could Lose Value Fast, Resale Experts Warn
Potential buyers of a USD 2,000 iPhone Ultra are warned that the device could lose over USD 1,000 in value within its first year. Data from SellCell highlights high depreciation rates in premium phone categories, suggesting that consumers should utilise Apple's 14-day return policy rather than relying on resale if the device fails to meet their needs.
Consumers considering the purchase of a high-end iPhone Ultra model as a trial may face significant financial loss if they decide to resell the device shortly after acquisition. With speculation surrounding a potential premium handset priced at approximately USD 2,000, market analysis suggests that early depreciation could result in a substantial decline in residual value.
iPhone Ultra Resale Value and Market Depreciation
As per a report by Macrumors, foldable smartphones currently experience the highest depreciation in the industry, losing an average of 64.6% of their value within the first year of ownership. This figure significantly exceeds the 55% depreciation rate observed for traditional smartphone models. While foldable devices often carry higher initial price tags, their poor value retention can result in absolute losses approaching USD 1,000 for a new unit sold after twelve months. iPhone Fold Effect? Apple Reportedly Triggers Design War as Samsung and Huawei Pivot to Widescreen Foldables Amid Battery Concerns.
Applying these trends to a hypothetical USD 2,000 iPhone Ultra, analysts suggest that the device could lose as much as USD 1,292 in value during its first year on the market. Even when adjusting for the fact that Apple products historically retain value better than their competitors, the financial risk remains significant. For comparison, base model iPhone 16 units retained approximately 51.4% of their value after one year, while the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max maintained 56.4%. iPhone 18 Pro Price in India.
Even if an iPhone Ultra were to follow the more favourable depreciation patterns of existing iPhone Pro Max models, users could still anticipate a loss of around $1,000 over a single year. Consequently, experts suggest that consumers looking to evaluate the handset’s utility should rely on Apple's 14-day return policy. This window allows users to return the device for a full refund, effectively eliminating the financial risk associated with long-term depreciation for those who find the device does not meet their expectations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2026 03:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
