How do refurbished Apple prices change over time?
Refurbished Apple prices generally decrease over time, with the biggest drops occurring when Apple releases a new generation of a product. A refurbished iPhone 16, for example, will see its steepest price decline after the iPhone 17 launches, as supply of refurbished iPhone 16 units increases and demand shifts toward the newer model.
What drives refurbished price changes?
Several factors influence refurbished pricing:
- New product launches: When Apple releases a new model, the previous generation drops in price. This is the single biggest driver of refurbished price changes.
- Supply volume: As more units of a model enter the refurbished market (from trade-ins, upgrades, and returns), competition between sellers pushes prices down.
- Seasonal demand: Prices can rise during high-demand periods like back-to-school season and the holidays, then fall again afterward.
- Software support: When Apple drops a model from the latest iOS or macOS, its refurbished price tends to drop more steeply.
How can I track price trends?
RefurbMe provides product statistics pages where you can see price history and trends for specific Apple products. You can view median prices over time and compare across different markets and sellers.
How do I get the best price?
- Set price alerts: Use RefurbMe's price drop notifications to get notified when a product hits your target price.
- Buy after a new launch: Prices on the previous generation typically drop within weeks of a new Apple release.
- Compare sellers: Different refurbishers price the same product differently. Compare prices across sellers to find the best deal.