Following the official discontinuation of the last-generation Apple iPod touch earlier this month, the entire line of iPods came to an end, and while the rush to collect the remaining units boosted its value slightly, the devices in second-hand continued to experience severe depreciation. According to trade-in price data collected by SellCell from more than 40 independent U.S. resale companies of used digital products, iPods have lost an average of 89 percent in value since their launch, ranging from 98 percent for some models in 2003 to 71 percent for seventh-generation iPod touch models.
Of the last two Apple iPods released, the sixth- and seventh-generation iPod touch models remain the most valuable, especially in higher storage configurations. The 256GB seventh-generation iPod touch has the best resale value; with owners getting about $100 if the unit is in good condition; and slightly older models with smaller storage configurations for about $60. Apple iPod models from 2012 or earlier cost an average of just $28; with the best value model being the 160GB seventh-generation iPod Classic for $61.1.
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Used Apple iPods may not be worth keeping despite rising value after discontinuation
Apple iPods on average have depreciated by 89% since launch. This is, however, incredibly slow depreciation considering some of the iPods are 20 years old. Depreciation ranges from 98% (2003 range) to 71% for newer 2019 iPods. Newer iPods still retain a fairly good resale value; with the iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB still worth $70 (good condition); iPod Touch 7th Gen 256GB still worth $100 (good condition); and the iPod Touch 6th Gen 128GB worth $60 (good condition)
While the average resale value of iPods has remained fairly stable over the past six months, there has been a slight recovery in value of 2.9% since Apple announced the end of production of the last iPod. Data from used iPod price tracking showed that the average depreciation rate on May 1 was 86.3%; falling to 83.4% on May 16. Most notably, the 16GB seventh-generation iPod nano has recovered 13.4% in value since Apple announced the end of the line earlier this month. Some models may see further improvements over time.
Overall, the data suggests that most used iPods will continue to depreciate over time. That means now might be a good time to sell a used iPod; especially as interest in the device increases; there will be some rebound in value and possibly further increases in the coming weeks. The exact impact of Apple’s decision to discontinue the iPod on the resale value of used devices will become clearer in the coming months.
