Foldable iphone gamble: $2,400 ultra could lose 80% of value in a year
The tech world is bracing for the arrival of Apple’s first foldableiPhone – dubbed the Ultra – rumored to carry a staggering price tag of $2,000 to $2,799. But before you pre-order, a sobering assessment from SellCell reveals a potentially disastrous investment: these devices are poised to depreciate dramatically, faster than any traditional smartphone.
A premium price, a premium loss
SellCell’s exhaustive study, analyzing sales data from 2024, paints a stark picture. Foldable phones suffer a catastrophic 65% value loss within just 12 months, compared to the 55.3% average decline experienced by conventional ‘candy bar’ phones. We're talking about a potential $997.69 wiped off the value of a Z Fold 6, versus a comparatively modest $605.32 for a standard iPhone.
The Ultra, if priced at the rumored $2,400, could be left with a paltry valuation of just $849.60 after a year – a significant chunk of change vanished into the abyss of resale value. This isn't conjecture; it's based on concrete data from the market’s largest trade-in comparison site.
Iphone 16 reigns supreme – for now
While the Ultra faces a steep depreciation curve, some iPhone models retain a noticeably stronger grip on their value. SellCell’s data reveals that the iPhone 16 series, particularly the flagship models, held an impressive 51.5% of their launch price after a year – significantly outperforming the competition. The iPhone 16 is clearly the gold standard when it comes to long-term resale value.
The foldable dilemma: desire vs. dollars
Let’s be blunt: buying a foldable phone, even one as theoretically impressive as the Ultra, is a gamble. It’s not a sound investment strategy. If you’re drawn to the novelty and a flexible display, that's perfectly valid. But don’t expect to flip it quickly for a substantial profit. The figures simply don’t support that expectation.
Consider the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which, with its hefty $2,259.99 price tag, dropped nearly 65% in value over a year. And the Moto Razr+, boasting 256GB of storage, experienced an even more dramatic 28.5% depreciation. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re a consistent trend across the foldable market.
Final verdict: hold tight, or don't
Ultimately, the iPhone Ultra’s fate hinges on its depreciation rate. If it mirrors the performance of other foldables, the $2,400 price point could translate to a mere $850 resale value after a year. However, if Apple manages to maintain a higher degree of value retention, drawing on the established brand loyalty and desirability of the iPhone, the Ultra could retain a considerably larger portion of its initial investment – potentially reaching $1,236. But let’s be clear: in the current market, treating a foldable phone as a quick resale asset is a recipe for disappointment.