Edward Collins
Mar 14, 2024
A recent study highlights that Apple's iPhone SE line, known for being more budget-friendly, depreciates in value faster than its premium counterparts. Notably, the third-generation iPhone SE, released in March 2022, saw a significant 42.6% drop in resale value just a month after its launch.
In contrast, the iPhone 13 experienced a more modest 18.7% depreciation in the same period. Furthermore, the iPhone 13's value remained relatively stable after the initial three months, a trend not mirrored by the third-generation iPhone SE, which continued to lose value. This pattern of depreciation is also less pronounced in the iPhone 14 and 15 models, underscoring the disparity in value retention between Apple's more affordable and flagship offerings.
This trend raises questions about the upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE. Despite rumoured enhancements, it might still undergo a steeper decline in value compared to Apple's high-end models. This potential rapid depreciation could deter certain buyers, especially those who consider resale value a key factor in their purchasing decisions.
The quicker value decrease of the iPhone SE models could stem from various reasons. These include their positioning as entry-level options, technological shifts that render older technology obsolete more swiftly, and a consumer bias towards advanced features.
The next iteration of the iPhone SE, rumoured for a 2025 release, is expected to boast features akin to the iPhone 14. Anticipated upgrades include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID replacing Touch ID, a USB-C port, an Action button, and a modern, all-screen design eliminating the Home Button.
