Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Jun 23
iPhone Ultra Could Lose $1,292 in 1 Year as Foldables Shed 64.6% of Value
Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Jun 23

iPhone Ultra Could Lose $1,292 in 1 Year as Foldables Shed 64.6% of Value

3 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Jun 23

Summary

  • $2,000 iPhone Ultra buyers could see about $1,292 erased in resale value after one year, according to SellCell’s projection for a foldable iPhone.
  • SellCell says foldable phones lose 64.6% of their value in the first year, the worst retention of any smartphone category and well above the 55% drop for traditional smartphones.
  • Apple’s actual hit could be smaller because iPhones usually hold value better: the base iPhone 16 retained 51.4% after a year, while the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max kept 56.4%.
  • Even within that stronger iPhone range, a foldable Ultra would still likely cost owners roughly $1,000 over a year, making short-term trial purchases expensive beyond Apple’s 14-day return window.

Insights

With rivals' foldables losing 65% of their value, can Apple's brand power alone save its 'Ultra' from the same fate?
Is Apple’s rumored $2,000 foldable a revolutionary device or just the most expensive way to lose $1,000 in a year?