Used iPods Likely Not Worth Keeping as Collectors' Items Despite Uptick in Value After Discontinuation, Data Shows

After the last iPod touch was officially discontinued earlier this month, the entire range of iPod models have seen a slight uptick in value, but devices in used condition continue to experience heavy depreciation.

iPod Touch Background Feature
According to trade-in pricing data from over 40 U.S. independent tech resale companies gathered by SellCell, iPods have depreciated by 89 percent on average since their launch, ranging from 98 percent depreciation for some models from 2003, to 71 percent for seventh-generation iPod touch models.

As is to be expected for the last two iPods to be released, the sixth- and seventh-generation iPod touch models are still worth the most, especially in higher storage configurations. The 256GB seventh-generation iPod touch has the best resale value, with owners able to get around $100 for the device providing it is in good condition, while slightly older models with smaller storage configurations sell for just upwards of $60. Older iPod models from 2012 or earlier are worth just $28 on average, with the most valuable model being the 160GB seventh-generation iPod Classic at $61. These iPods have depreciated by around 90 percent owing to their age.

While the average resale value of iPods has remained fairly static over the past six months, there has been a marginal recovery in value of 2.9 percent since Apple's announcement that the final iPod was to be discontinued. Tracked iPod prices show an average depreciation rate of 86.3 percent on May 1, dropping to 83.4 percent on May 16. Most noticeably, the 16GB seventh-generation iPod Nano has seen value recovery of 13.4 since Apple's announcement earlier this month. There may be further improvement for some models over time.

Overall, the data suggests that despite their cult status, most used iPods will continue to depreciate over time. This means that now is likely a good time to sell a used iPod, especially amid heightened interest in the device that has led to some value recovery, and potential further gains in the coming weeks. iPods in new condition, and especially ones that are still sealed, are much more likely to appreciate as collectors' items in the future. The exact impact of Apple's decision to discontinue the iPod on used device resale value will become clearer in the coming months.

Related Forum: iPod touch and iPod

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Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
39 months ago
I guess I’m keeping my iPod Touch sealed inside the box for the next 10-15 years.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
el-John-o Avatar
39 months ago
This is the classic issue with "collecting". There's not usually a way to predict when something will be valuable or collectible. Because what makes them valuable is scarcity. You need something that either everyone threw away; or there weren't many of, that THEN became ridiculously popular. The Apple I is worth significantly more than the Apple II, but without the Apple II, the Apple I would have never been collectible. That is to say; Apple's LATER success is what made the Apple I valuable; but the Apple I's scarcity is why it's the most valuable product Apple has ever produced to collectors.

They made a gajillion of these. They probably never will have any significant value, because there are so stinking many of them. Which, IMHO, is a good thing! Because these are actually still really fun to play with and they're fun to collect!
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
39 months ago

I guess I’m keeping my iPod Touch sealed inside the box for the next 10-15 years.
While the iPod Touch is safe from harm inside the box, what about the box and plastic wrapper? Are they being protected? If not, I suggest wrapping it with a Polishing Cloth so the plastic wrapper doesn't get any scratches. ?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
39 months ago
My parents attic is still full of my beanie babies collection too ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sheepish-Lord Avatar
39 months ago
Technically you can buy this, it's called the iPhone SE...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BootsWalking Avatar
39 months ago
I swapped out the crop report Beeks delivered to the Dukes brothers today and tomorrow I'm going to crush them by waiting until they've bought all the iPods they can and then I'll start selling them short when the real crop report comes out.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)