iPhone 18 Pro Launches While Refurbished Prices Stay High
Apple's newest Pro iPhones are out, but the cost of last year's models has not dropped as expected. Meanwhile, Samsung's foldables offer better value for money.
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max have officially gone on sale in the United States and 64 other countries. These new devices carry a price tag that is $100 higher than their predecessors from last year. For buyers looking at the iPhone Duo, the wait continues as that specific model is not available until late October.
Traditionally, the launch of a new Pro model would lead to price cuts for the previous generation. However, this year Apple discontinued the older Pro units immediately upon the new release. Consequently, the only way to buy an iPhone 17 Pro now is through third-party retailers, often as refurbished stock. This shift has left consumers with a confusing pricing landscape where older hardware does not necessarily become cheaper.
Refurbished iPhone Prices Defy Expectations
GSMArena notes that finding a deal on the iPhone 17 Pro is difficult because refurbished units are priced nearly the same as new ones were at launch. A 256GB unit that cost $1,100 last year now sells for just under $1,000 as a refurbished item. The situation is even more striking for the Pro Max, where a year-old device still costs $1,200, matching its original launch price. This lack of depreciation is unusual for consumer electronics.
The new iPhone 18 Pro models do offer tangible upgrades, including Apple's first 2nm chipset, a smaller camera punch hole, and faster charging speeds. The Pro Max can now reach 50% charge in 15 minutes, a significant improvement over the 20 minutes required by the previous model. However, for those strictly focused on cost, the limited price drop on last year's models makes the value proposition less clear.
Samsung Foldables Offer Better Value
In contrast to the stagnant pricing of Apple's foldable rival, Samsung is discounting its 2026 foldables despite their recent August launch. The Galaxy Z Fold8 is positioned as a direct competitor to the upcoming iPhone Duo. It is thinner at 9.7mm and lighter at 201 grams, compared to the Duo's 11.3mm thickness and 254 grams. This makes the Samsung device more portable while offering a similar internal screen size.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 features a 5.5-inch cover display and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. It includes a 50MP main camera and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. Unlike the Apple Duo, which supports stylus input, the Samsung device does not have this feature. Buyers must decide whether the lighter weight and lower price of the Samsung phone outweigh the convenience of stylus support on the Apple device.
Other New Arrivals Hit Shelves
Beyond the iPhones, Apple also released the AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, and Apple Watch Ultra 4 this week. These accessories are available immediately, unlike the iPhone Duo which is delayed. The standard iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17e are still sold by Apple, though their prices have increased by $100. Refurbished versions of these non-Pro models are currently cheaper than buying new units, offering a more traditional discount structure.
