iPhone 16 Resale Frenzy Fizzles: Markups Shrink as Market Cools

On September 21, Apple's much-anticipated iPhone 16/Pro was officially released. Despite the initial fervor during the pre-sale, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max series selling out almost instantly, the atmosphere in the reselling market was unexpectedly calm on the launch day.

According to reports, the lucrative reselling opportunities for Apple's new models seem to be shrinking. Resellers on the streets shared that the price markup for the iPhone 16 Pro Max is now between a modest 700 to 800 yuan, a stark contrast to previous years' exuberant premiums. Notably, there is hesitation among resellers to even accept the Pro models, with some noting that only the new gold color shows any significant demand, albeit with just a 400 yuan markup.

The preferred model among resellers appears to be the 256GB version, while the 1TB version struggles to attract interest. During negotiations, a reseller agreed to part with a 256GB Pro Max in gold or silver at a price increase reduced to 600 yuan after bargaining.

This trend reflects a broader market sentiment, where even high-demand gadgets aren't commanding the premiums they once did. The consensus among resellers is that the potential for resale margins has narrowed significantly, leaving them with fewer incentives to buy and sell the latest models at marked-up prices.

The shrinking window for reselling profitability highlights a potential shift in consumer behavior and market dynamics, as the initial exuberance that typically follows an iPhone release seems to have subsided this year. Whether this trend continues could signify a new phase in the lifecycle and resale strategy of Apple's flagship products.