So, you’re holding onto that titanium slab and wondering if it’s still a small fortune or just a very expensive paperweight. Honestly, it’s a bit of both. If you’re trying to figure out how much is a iphone 15 pro max worth right now, the answer isn’t a single number you can just look up on a sticker. It’s more like a moving target that depends on whether you’re trading it in for a shiny new iPhone 17 or trying to offload it to some guy on Facebook Marketplace.
Let’s be real: Apple gear holds value better than almost anything else in the tech world, but the 15 Pro Max has had a weird ride. It was the first "Titanium" iPhone, the one that finally brought us USB-C, and the first to ditch the mute switch for that Action Button. Those things still matter. But as we sit here in early 2026, the market has settled into some pretty specific brackets.
The Cold, Hard Numbers
If you just want the quick "what can I get for it" answer, here is the current landscape. Most people are seeing offers between $450 and $780. That is a massive range, right?
Well, a 256GB model in "good" condition—meaning it has the usual pocket sand micro-scratches but no cracks—is hovering around the $530 to $580 mark on sites like Swappa or Back Market. If you were smart (or lucky) enough to get the 1TB version and kept it in a case since day one, you’re looking at more like $700 to $750.
But wait. If you walk into an Apple Store today? They’ll probably offer you significantly less in trade-in credit—think closer to $350 or $400. It's the "convenience tax." You pay for not having to deal with strangers or shipping boxes.
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Why the 512GB Model is the Secret Winner
Interestingly, the 512GB version is currently the "Goldilocks" of resale. While the 1TB models cost a fortune at launch, they actually lose the highest percentage of their value. It’s a niche product. Most buyers on the used market aren’t looking to pay a massive premium for storage they won’t use.
The 512GB hits that sweet spot for creators and heavy users who want more than the base 256GB but aren’t willing to pay 1TB prices. Because of that higher demand, it holds onto its value surprisingly well, often netting you nearly as much as the 1TB on the secondary market.
The Battery Health "Cliff"
This is the part most people ignore until they’re trying to hit "sell." In 2026, buyers are obsessed with battery health. It has basically replaced "cosmetic condition" as the number one value driver.
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Check your settings. If your Maximum Capacity is 80% or higher, you’re in the clear. The moment it hits 79%, the value of your phone doesn't just dip—it falls off a cliff. We're talking a 30% to 50% drop in what resellers are willing to pay. Why? Because at 79%, the phone technically needs a "service," and no refurbisher wants to eat that $100+ repair cost.
If you're at 81% right now, sell it yesterday. Seriously.
Carrier "Deals" vs. Real Cash
You’ve probably seen the "Get $1,000 for your iPhone 15 Pro Max" ads from Verizon or AT&T. Don't get it twisted—your phone isn't actually "worth" $1,000.
Those are marketing subsidies. They give you that "value" spread out over 36 months of bill credits to keep you locked into a high-priced unlimited plan. If you plan on staying with your carrier for the next three years anyway, it's a fantastic deal. But if you want to switch carriers or just want cash in your pocket to buy a used car or a flight to Europe, that phone is only "worth" what the open market says.
A Quick Breakdown of Market Realities:
- Private Sale (Swappa/eBay): You get the most money ($550 - $750) but handle the risk, shipping, and fees.
- Instant Cash Sites (BankMyCell/Gazelle): Mid-tier money ($450 - $600) with zero hassle. They send the box, you send the phone.
- Apple Trade-In: Lowest value ($350 - $450) but the easiest possible experience.
- Carrier Promos: Highest "perceived" value ($800 - $1,000) but comes with a 3-year "contract" via bill credits.
Does the Titanium Finish Actually Matter?
When the 15 Pro Max launched, everyone was obsessed with "Natural Titanium." It was the "it" color. Fast forward to now, and it actually does fetch a small premium—maybe $20 or $30 more than the Blue Titanium, which hasn't aged quite as well in terms of popularity.
Black and White are, as always, the safe bets. They sell the fastest because they're boring and everyone likes boring. If you have the Blue one, just be prepared for it to sit on the listing page a little longer.
What to Do Before You Sell
Before you go hunting for the best price, you've gotta protect yourself.
- Back up to iCloud: Don't be the person who loses three years of photos.
- Unpair your Apple Watch: People always forget this, and it makes setting up a new phone a nightmare.
- Turn off "Find My": If you don't do this, the phone is basically a brick to a buyer, and they will ask for a refund.
- Factory Reset: Wipe it clean. No one needs to see your old memes.
The 15 Pro Max is still a powerhouse. It has the A17 Pro chip, which was the first to handle "console-quality" gaming, so it’s not like it’s obsolete. If you don't need the latest AI features or the slightly better zoom on the newer models, it might actually be worth more to you as a daily driver than the $500 check you’d get for selling it.
Your next move? Head into your settings and look at that battery health percentage right now. If it’s near 80%, start looking at those trade-in values today before it ticks down one more point and costs you a couple hundred bucks in resale value.