Apple iPhone 17 launch accelerates secondary market price drops

RecommerceIQ tracks early depreciation

SecondaryMarket.news spoke with RecommerceIQ, an Italian pricing intelligence company, to measure the direct impact of this launch on the secondary smartphone market. According to their data, the depreciation that usually occurs over one month took place within only a few days of the Apple iPhone 17 becoming available. Please note the huge difference in selling prices between Europe (Germany) and the US.

Secondary prices show clear shifts

For the like new, 128GB versions, several notable price movements were recorded. The Samsung Galaxy S25 dropped 5% both in the United States and Germany, with Germany showing declines earlier. The Apple iPhone 14 saw a 3% depreciation one week before release, in both countries. The Apple iPhone 15 lost 3% in the United States, although Germany saw a rebound. The Apple iPhone 16 experienced a 4% depreciation in both countries. Compared to the usual 2% to 4% monthly depreciation rate, these changes underline the disruptive effect of the Apple iPhone 17 arrival.

Italian company behind pricing insights

RecommerceIQ operates a SaaS platform using AI-driven algorithms to optimize resale prices for used and refurbished devices. Their tools enable businesses to track over one million competitor prices in real time, apply dynamic pricing strategies and increase margins. The software is widely used in trade-in programs and by resellers of refurbished electronics.

Outlook for the secondary market

The Apple iPhone 17 launch illustrates how quickly new product introductions can influence secondary device values. By compressing a full month of expected depreciation into just a few days, Apple’s latest release highlights the volatility of the secondary market landscape. For companies operating in this field, pricing intelligence solutions such as RecommerceIQ remain essential to maintain profitability and adapt to sudden market shifts.