Will Apple iPhone 17 pre-orders trigger a used phone price storm in Hong Kong?

The Apple iPhone 17 has broken pre-order records globally, creating excitement but also unease in the secondary mobile market. While retailers and carriers celebrate booming sales, Hong Kong traders are bracing for potential turbulence in Q4 2025. The main question remains whether used phone prices will rise or fall over the next three months. Industry watchers. like Orient Telecoms’ sales director David He, agree that large trade-in waves usually disrupt the delicate balance of global supply and demand. This year, China’s market could play an even bigger role in shaping worldwide pricing trends.

China’s trade-ins double expectations

David He estimate that trade-in volumes in China could rise two to three times compared to last year’s Apple iPhone 16 launch. From roughly 800,000 devices entering the secondary channel in Q4 2024, forecasts now exceed 2 million units for Q4 2025. Last year’s global price drop was largely driven by the influx of Chinese-spec devices. With even higher volumes expected this time, experts warn that prices might come under heavier pressure, especially for mid-grade Apple iPhone models.

Hong Kong secondary market traders stay cautious

In Hong Kong, a different challenge is emerging. With two-week lead times and rising uncertainty, few traders are willing to bid aggressively on US carrier stocks. This hesitation is slowing the flow of US-spec handsets into the region and building temporary inventory backlogs. For now, local Apple iPhone prices remain relatively strong, partly due to limited supply in September. Fewer end users traded in their devices ahead of the iPhone 17 launch, providing short-term support. However, most Hong Kong buyers expect prices to decline in the coming weeks as historical patterns resurface.

US market adds more pressure

The United States is another key factor. Hong Kong companies are receiving more offers of A/B-grade tested stocks, devices that usually find homes in Europe or Latin America. The strong domestic sales of Apple iPhone 17 models in the US are expected to unleash massive trade-in volumes, which could ripple through to Asia by November.

Global supply meets holiday demand

Orient Telecom has always been a more then reliable source of market insights for the global secondary market and SecondaryMarket.news. Japan and Europe are also seeing high demand for Apple iPhone 17 models, meaning more used devices will enter the market globally. As Black Friday and Christmas approach, demand for refurbished and used phones will increase sharply, temporarily offsetting the supply surge.

Q4 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest quarter yet for both supply and demand. But as one Hong Kong trader put it, “In this stock game, nobody wins 100% of the time.” The secondary market thrives on volatility, and that unpredictability keeps players alert and adaptive.