WWDC25: what iOS 26 means for iPhone trade-in and refurbished markets

Apple’s WWDC25 unveiled iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence, introducing major shifts that will reshape the iPhone trade-in and refurbished device markets.

From unified OS versioning to exclusive AI features and design upgrades like Liquid Glass, these innovations redefine the value benchmarks for professional resale strategies and fleet lifecycle management.

In this article, you will find what matters most for circular tech stakeholders.

iOS 26 streamlines IT management with unified OS versioning

At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled a significant shift in its operating system versioning strategy. Moving away from sequential numbering, Apple now aligns all its OS versions for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS with the calendar year, introducing iOS 26 as the successor to iOS 18.

For businesses managing large fleets of Apple devices, this change enhances clarity in deployment strategies, support planning, and resale timelines, ensuring a more cohesive approach to device lifecycle management.

💡 To sum up, this harmonization simplifies version tracking across devices, facilitating more straightforward IT management and lifecycle tracking for enterprises.

Liquid Glass: Apple introduces its broadest design update at WWDC25

Apple's introduction of the "Liquid Glass" design marks its most extensive UI overhaul in a decade. This new aesthetic brings a dynamic, glass-like interface with transparency, depth, and real-time rendering effects, creating a more immersive user experience.

While the design has garnered mixed reviews, some praising its modern look, others expressing concerns over readability, the overall impact is a heightened desire among users to experience the new interface firsthand.

💡 This anticipation of higher demand for Liquid Glass is expected to drive increased trade-ins of previous models, thereby invigorating the refurbished device market.

Apple Intelligence brings new capabilities through iOS 26

Apple's suite of on-device AI capabilities is not new to Apple's ecosystem, presented last year for the launch of iPhone 16. The shift with iOS 26 is exclusive to devices powered by the A17 Pro and M-series chips, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. These features aim to enhance both user productivity and privacy. Highlights include:

• Live translation across more than 9 languages.
• Visual intelligence for screen-aware actions (search across the most used apps, add an event to your calendar, ask questions, etc.).
• Summarize text, create images, or tap directly into Apple Intelligence models to provide responses that feed into your shortcut.
• Reminders can suggest tasks, grocery items, and follow-ups based on emails or other text on the device. It can also automatically categorize related reminders into sections within a list.
• Look for more information about places and objects around you through the camera's search feature.
• And more...

This exclusivity establishes a new premium tier in the iPhone lineup, making AI-enabled devices more desirable.

💡 Consequently, trade-in programs can leverage this by offering incentives for users to upgrade to AI-capable models, thereby increasing the influx of older devices into the refurbished market.

Two-tier iPhone market reshapes trade-in value strategies

The introduction of iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence delineates the iPhone market into two distinct tiers:

• Devices compatible with iOS 26 (iPhone 11 and up),
• Those supporting Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro and up).

This segmentation necessitates a reevaluation of trade-in value strategies.

• While iPhone 11 to 14 models remain valuable due to iOS 26 compatibility, they lack AI features, positioning them as mid-tier options.
• In contrast, older models like the iPhone XS and XR, which are not compatible with iOS 26, see diminished appeal.

💡 Trade-in programs should adjust their pricing and promotional strategies accordingly, emphasizing the benefits of upgrading to AI-ready devices to tech-savvy users.

Resale market must adjust to new value benchmarks set by iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence

The resale landscape is evolving in response to the advancements introduced with iOS26 and Apple Intelligence.

• Devices like the iPhone 11 through 15 Pro will maintain strong resale value:

Since they are compatible with the latest OS and, in some cases, AI features, their attractiveness to consumers will stay high. Resellers should thus highlight attributes such as "AI & Liquid Glass ready" in product listings to attract users looking for these premium upgrades.

• Models like the iPhone XR, XS and SE (2nd gen) are expected to experience gradual markdowns:

Lacking compatibility with iOS 26 will decrease their appeal to users. Strategic positioning and clear communication of device capabilities will be crucial in maximizing resale opportunities in this shifting market.

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The platform connects the electronics industry to secondary markets; simply and securely. Trade-in and return management, refurbishment, omni-channel purchasing and distribution: Dipli covers and simplifies all stages of the circular economy.