Highlights
- The ultra-thin iPhone Air has lost 40–48% of its value within 10 weeks, making it one of Apple’s fastest-depreciating models.
- While the iPhone 17 series averages 35% depreciation, the Air continues to fall beyond week 10 with the 1TB model losing nearly 48%.
- Analysts cite battery and camera compromises plus weak positioning between base and Pro models as key issues.
Caption – iPhone Air. (Image credit – Apple)
The iPhone Air is rapidly becoming one of Apple’s worst performers in the resale market. According to a new report based on SellCell data, the ultra-thin iPhone Air has already lost between 40% and 48% of its original value within just ten weeks of its launch. It is a sharp decline for a device that debuted with significant hype around its slim design.
SellCell’s analysis covers 52 iPhone SKUs released since the iPhone 14 series. While the iPhone 16 lineup dropped faster during its first week (averaging a 42% decline), the iPhone Air closely followed with a 41% drop, ahead of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, which saw around 40% depreciation.
However, by the sixth week, the situation changed. iPhone Air average value loss is 43.4%, iPhone 16 lineup 40.3% and iPhone 17 lineup (excluding Air) was 36.7%
SellCell adds that “while iPhone 17 depreciation stabilises by week 10, the Air continues to fall, signalling likely long-term issues with resale confidence.”
The 256GB model has dropped slightly above 40%, while the 512GB version has fallen by around 45%. And then there is the 1TB model that has lost nearly 48% of its value.
This means early buyers hoping to resell their iPhone Air today will get significantly less money than they may have expected.
In comparison, the rest of the iPhone 17 series has performed far better with depreciation averaging about 35%. That makes the Air the clear outlier and not in a good way.
Analysts suggest the iPhone Air’s biggest problem is its position in Apple’s lineup. While it offers a sleek, lightweight build, it compromises on battery life and camera performance. As a result, many buyers simply don’t see it as a stronger choice than the standard iPhone 17 or the higher-end Pro models. The premium design alone hasn’t been enough to justify the price for most consumers.
This also reinforces a broader challenge Apple has faced. Mid-tier iPhones positioned between the base and Pro models often struggle. Previous examples include the Mini and Plus variants, which also saw demand fall quickly and resale values drop faster than expected.
The report also states that Apple may need to reconsider how it positions such “in-between” models in future iPhone lineups.
FAQs
Q1. How much value has the iPhone Air lost since launch?
Answer. Within just 10 weeks, the iPhone Air has lost 40–48% of its original value, making it one of Apple’s fastest-depreciating models.
Q2. How does the iPhone Air’s resale performance compare to other iPhones?
Answer. By week 10, the iPhone 17 series averaged ~35% depreciation, while the Air continued falling, with the 1TB model losing nearly 48%.
Q3. Why is the iPhone Air struggling in resale value?
Answer. Analysts cite its compromised battery life and camera performance, plus weak positioning between base and Pro models, similar to past Mini and Plus variants.