Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Cross-brand launches resale tracks iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel launch cycles together—one brand’s launch impacts all used prices.
- Expect 20–30% post-launch drops in used values within 4–6 weeks after new flagship releases across all major brands.
- AI features are narrowing the Android resale gap—Galaxy S25 and Pixel models are holding value better than older cycles.
- The best selling window is typically late August to early September, before fall flagship launches reset used prices.
- January brings a price reset—lock quotes in December, then re-quote Jan 1–10 to avoid slippage from holiday returns and market corrections.
Why Cross-Brand Launches Matter Now
Launches don’t happen in a silo. One brand moves, and all boats rock.
Apple and Samsung split the best-sellers list in Q3 2025. Apple led the premium crowd, but Samsung’s volume push was strong. That pressure spills into used prices when upgrade waves hit after launches.
Meanwhile, Google kept growing. Pixel’s “phone for everyone” push and handy perks like MagSafe/Qi2-style charging helped the brand hit a solid 7% share in the U.S. in 2025. That puts price heat on older Android flagships in the used lane.
The big twist this cycle: AI. New Android flagships with on-device AI are holding value better, closing the historic gap with iPhone. Apple still leads in total value retention, but the math for Galaxy and Pixel owners is changing fast.
The takeaway: stop planning around one brand’s keynote. It’s a cross-brand launches resale world now. Overlapping launches push and pull used prices across iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel at the same time. Tie your moves to the shared tide.
The Post-Launch Depreciation Reality (What the Data Shows)
Launches crush used prices right after the hype. It happens every year, and 2025 was no different.
Expect 20–30% drops in used values in the 4–6 weeks after new models hit shelves across iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel. It’s the classic post-launch phone depreciation cliff as upgrade waves flood the resale market.
Pre-launch value peaks land in late summer. Late August to early September is the best window to sell older iPhones, Galaxies, and Pixels before fall flagships reset the board.
Brand specifics matter. iPhone sellers face the biggest rush right before September. Galaxy owners typically see strength just ahead of Samsung’s big Unpacked events. Pixel owners often hold through early fall, then slide after October launches. This pattern repeats each year.
Apple Still Leads, But the Pace Is Up
Apple still leads, but the pace of depreciation is up. iPhone 16 dropped about 35.4% in five months—faster than older models. Pro models still hold more, thanks in part to long iOS support. Many Pro phones keep over 70% after a year when cared for well.
If current trends continue, iPhone depreciation could reach the mid-40% range by 2027, which is steeper than before.
Samsung’s Twist: AI-Enhanced Galaxies Are Catching Up
Galaxy S25’s five-month depreciation around the mid-40% range is better than past cycles. The gap to iPhone shrank notably. Some forecasts even point to near parity by mid-2026 if the trend holds.
Pixel’s Steady Climb Matters Too
Pixel 9/10 models lost less value than Pixel 8 at the 10-month mark, which shows growing trust in Google’s AI perks and support. Pixel’s U.S. share around 7% in 2025 helped that momentum.
The Holiday Curveball
December is great for locking quotes. But January can reset prices.
December is prime time to lock a quote while promos are live. Then, be ready: early January (Jan 1–10) often brings a “reset” dip as gift returns hit and shoppers take a breather. Budget buyers can bring a small bounce in late January.
Android devices can get extra wobbly right after New Year’s. If you miss your ship date, re-quote fast to avoid slippage.
Your 60-Day Playbook (And How to Reuse It All Year)
Here’s a simple, two-track plan. Use Track A now. Use Track B this summer. Then repeat. Think of it as your 60-day phone resale calendar.
Track A: Holiday 2025 → Samsung Launch (Dec 24–Late Feb)
Weeks 1–2 (Dec 24–Jan 5): Lock quotes before New Year dips. Back up your phone, unlock it, and factory reset it. Grab 2–3 quotes from different channels to build a pricing ladder. Pick your top target and a backup.
Weeks 3–4 (Jan 6–Unpacked): Move when your best quote posts. Don’t wait for tiny spikes. Most mini-peaks can’t outrun the post-launch dip that tends to follow big announcements.
Weeks 5–8 (Launch → 4–6 weeks after): Expect a 20–30% softening after the reveal as listings flood the market. If you missed your window, re-quote quickly. Choose the channel with the highest certainty to avoid further slide.
Track B: Summer → iPhone/Pixel (July–October 2026)
T-60 days (mid-July): Start prep. Check battery health. Clean your device. Take clear photos. Get it unlocked if you can.
T-30 days (mid-August): This is the historic peak for iPhone trade-ins and often strong for Galaxy and Pixel too. Lock quotes and list before keynote week to catch max demand.
Launch → +6 weeks: If you held too long, expect the 20–30% dip. Re-quote and ship fast.
Keep it rolling: As AI features raise Android retention, repeat both tracks each quarter. You’ll build a habit that matches the market, not fights it.
Brand-by-Brand Cheat Sheet for 2025–2026
iPhone
What to know: Apple still leads in resale value. But iPhone 16 fell faster at five months than old cycles. Pro models hold better with long iOS support and strong demand for premium storage.
Key dates: Peak often lands August 15–25. Aim to sell before September launches to avoid the swift reset.
2026 watch: If depreciation keeps rising, expect stiffer drops after launches. Move earlier, not later.
Galaxy
What to know: Galaxy S25’s AI lift narrowed the resale gap with iPhone. Five-month depreciation improved from earlier S-series cycles. That’s a big change for Android sellers.
Key dates: Watch Samsung’s Unpacked timing. Pre-event weeks are your sweet spot. Sell before the hype train hits and used listings flood in.
2026 watch: Some forecasts see near parity with iPhone retention by mid-2026 if AI gains hold. That could mean less pain after launch weeks.
Pixel
What to know: Pixel 9/10 held better than Pixel 8 at similar points. With a 7% U.S. share and a “phone for everyone” appeal, used Pixel demand is steadier than it used to be.
Key dates: Pixels often hold through early fall. But the dip shows up after October launches. Move ahead of that window if you’re not upgrading.
2026 watch: If holiday momentum hits again, check values in mid-January and re-quote as needed. The quick reset can surprise even strong models.
How Market Share and Launches Rebalance Used Prices
Think of the used market like a seesaw. When new flagships pull buyers, used listings spike, and prices dip. When supply clears, prices perk back up.
In Q3 2025, Apple and Samsung split the top sellers. Apple led premium. Samsung chased volume with ultrathin designs and more AI. Those high-profile pushes shift attention at upgrade time, which shifts used prices too.
Pixel’s 2025 pop—helped by Qi2-style charging and a simple story—nudged buyers toward Google. That extra pull pressured used Galaxy prices at times, especially for older models.
The bottom line: Cross-brand launches amplify each other. High demand for new AI flagships depresses used values for a few weeks. But Android’s resale gains suggest a more balanced used market ahead, which is good news for recent Galaxy and Pixel sellers.
A Simple Channel Strategy for Cross-Brand Resale
You don’t need to get fancy. You just need a plan you can repeat.
Lock quotes late December, then re-quote Jan 1–10. This catches promo pricing but protects you from the New Year reset if you haven’t shipped yet.
Use a hybrid approach. Get 2–3 quotes: one from a dedicated buyback, one from a carrier trade-in, and one private listing. Use the best guaranteed quote as your safety net. Give the private listing a short window for a small premium. If it doesn’t move, take the guaranteed payout.
Don’t chase every tiny spike. After launches, used markets flood. A sure thing beats missing the boat.
Know your region. Some cities swing higher or lower for certain models. If you go private, check comps in your area first to set a clean “list-to-sold” plan.
The Value Levers That Move Payouts (The Easy Wins)
You can’t control the launch calendar. You can control your device quality and your listing.
Battery health matters. Aim for 80%+ health. If a battery swap bumps your price more than the cost, it can be worth it on higher-end models.
Privacy readiness pays. Back up your data. Sign out of your Apple ID or Google account. Turn off Find My/Activation Lock. Then factory reset. Buyers pay faster when they see it’s ready to use. For extra clarity, Apple explains how to remove Activation Lock here. Google’s Find My Device steps live here.
Unlocked wins. An unlocked phone can sell to more buyers. That often means faster sales and less haggling.
Complete kits help. Include a charger and cable if you can. Clean accessories improve the look and help your listing pop.
Recent comps set your floor. Check a few model-by-model price trends and current listings to avoid guessing. Set a floor you’ll accept and a list price that leaves small room to negotiate.
Sell sooner for greener outcomes. The longer a device sits, the more it loses—and the less useful life it has left. Selling now keeps it in use, cuts e-waste, and often puts more cash in your pocket.
“Industry experts warn that activation lock is the number one deal-breaker for resale.”
That sounds bold, but it’s true in practice. If Find My or Activation Lock is on, many buyers won’t even quote. Clear it first, every time.
Your Cross-Brand Resale Calendar You Can Reuse
Use this quick template for any cycle. It keeps you ahead of dips and puts guardrails around your plan.
- T-60 days: Health check. Battery, screen, ports, camera. Clean it up. Get unlocked if possible. Back up your data.
- T-30 days: Gather 2–3 quotes. Pick your safety net and your stretch goal. Prep photos and a short, honest description.
- T-14 days: Lock your best quote. If you’re going private, list now with clear photos, proof of IMEI, and your firm ship date.
- Launch week: If you haven’t sold yet, re-quote. Don’t wait for a unicorn buyer while prices slide.
- Post-launch +2–4 weeks: Expect a trough. If you’re still holding, take the most certain payout.
How to Protect Your Payout Against January Swings
January creates fast changes. Don’t get caught flat-footed.
Lock in December when promos are hot. If you need the phone through the holidays, ask your buyer how long the quote holds.
Re-quote between Jan 1–10 if you still have the phone. Expect lower offers. If you see a fair number, grab it.
Watch late January for budget buyers. If you’re going private, a small price cut plus a clean listing can move your phone in that window.
Android owners: move faster. Galaxy and Pixel prices can wobble more than iPhone in early January. A fast re-quote can save you real dollars.
A Brand-by-Brand Storyline You Can Act On
iPhone owners: your best time is still pre-September. iPhone 16’s faster depreciation means don’t wait. Pro models hold best. Keep battery health high, storage clean, and find your buyers before the keynote.
Galaxy owners: your AI moment is real. S25’s improved retention shortens the gap to iPhone. Sell before Unpacked. If you miss, re-quote fast and pick certainty.
Pixel owners: steady gains. If you plan to sell after the holidays, keep an eye on mid-January. If you see that small dip, don’t freeze—re-quote and ship.
Case References at a Glance
- Apple vs. Samsung best-seller split in Q3 2025 (premium lead + volume push)
- Android AI features are narrowing the resale gap (Samsung S25, projections)
- Pre-launch timing and value peaks in Aug–Sep (90-day plan)
- Which phones hold resale longest and why (iOS support effect)
- Pixel’s market momentum and Qi2-style appeal (2025 report)
How GizmoGrind Fits (And What We Accept)
GizmoGrind makes selling simple. Get a fast quote online. Ship free. Get paid quick. We help people across the U.S. sell used smartphones, tablets, MacBooks, Apple accessories, and smartwatches. We do not accept iCloud-locked, blacklisted, lost/stolen, or water-damaged devices. Our process is built for speed, safety, and better value with greener outcomes.
Put It All Together: Your Cross-Brand Playbook, in One Breath
Watch the calendar. The peak pre-launch window hits late August to early September for iPhone, with Galaxy and Pixel peaking around their launch cycles too.
Expect the slide. 20–30% post-launch dips are normal, especially in the first 4–6 weeks.
Use your 60-day flow. Lock quotes early. Re-quote at launch. Choose certainty over chasing tiny bumps.
Pull your levers. Battery health, clean condition, unlocked status, and a fast, clear listing push payouts higher.
Plan for January. Lock in December if you can. Re-quote Jan 1–10. Look for late-January budget buyers if you’re still holding.
Track AI-driven shifts. Android’s S25/Pixel gains are real. The gap is narrowing. That’s good news if you’re selling a recent Galaxy or Pixel in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cross-brand launches resale?
It’s a strategy that looks at iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel launch cycles together. One launch impacts all used prices. So we time sales to the full wave, not just one brand.
What is the best time to sell iPhone, Galaxy, or Pixel?
Late August to early September is the classic peak before fall flagships. Galaxy peaks just before Unpacked. Pixels often hold into early fall, then dip after October. Aim to sell pre-launch.
How much do phones drop after a new model comes out?
Plan for a 20–30% slide in the first 4–6 weeks after launch. This is normal in busy upgrade cycles.
Do AI features really help Android resale now?
Yes. The Galaxy S25 improved over older S models. Pixel 9/10 also held better than Pixel 8. The iPhone still leads, but the gap is smaller in 2025–2026.
Should I wait for a small price spike?
Usually, no. Most micro-spikes fade fast, and the post-launch dip tends to win. If your quote is strong, ship it.
How do I get my phone ready to sell?
Back up, sign out, remove Find My/Activation Lock, then factory reset. If you need help, see Apple’s Activation Lock steps and Google’s Find My Device help. Keep battery health strong and include basic accessories for a smoother sale.
What won’t GizmoGrind accept?
We can’t take iCloud-locked, blacklisted, lost/stolen, or water-damaged devices. Clear locks first to avoid delays.
Final Word: Make Your Move Before the Market Moves You
You don’t need to predict the future. You just need a calendar and a plan. Lock quotes before the resets. Re-quote when the news drops. Ship on time. Keep your battery and your listing clean. Use this 60-day playbook now through Samsung’s window and again before late-summer iPhone/Pixel launches.
Cross-brand launches resale isn’t a gamble. It’s a rhythm. Once you hear it, you can time your sale like a pro—and keep more of your phone’s value for what comes next.