Apple devices are popular for maintaining a high resale value. These devices cost more, but they also sell for more later. This matters more in Pakistan, especially in the case of iPhones, because new phones are heavily taxed, demand stays high, older models remain usable for years, and the brand still carries value.
- What Exactly Does “Resale Value” Mean?
- Why Apple Resells Better in Pakistan
- Comparison With Other Brands
- Tips for Sellers
- Tips for Buyers
In this blog, we’ll go through the questions one by one, do a little comparison with other brands, and give tips for both buyers and sellers, so stay until the very last.
What Exactly Does “Resale Value” Mean?
In simple words, resale value is the money you can get back when you go out in the market to sell the used device. A high resale value means that you can easily upgrade by selling your old smartphone, laptop, or tablet and add some money to buy a new one. In other words, a higher resale value reduces the real long-term cost of ownership.
Why Apple Resells Better in Pakistan
We all know that Apple products are good, in terms of looks, performance, everything. But other than that, there are several factors that contribute to a strong market value.
1. PTA Tax Pressure
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed high taxes on imported goods, specifically mobile phones. In Pakistan, PTA-related import costs are added, making new iPhones more expensive than in the US. This, in turn, keeps the demand for pre-owned mobile phones high. Just to give you an idea, a PTA-approved new iPhone 16 Pro Max will cost you somewhere between PKR 422,000 and 650,000.
For MacBooks, they are exempt from import taxes, but other costs are involved.
2. Status Symbol
Apple devices are often seen as a luxury lifestyle symbol. A vast majority of people in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad buy them to stay cool and relevant in their friend circle. These gadgets stay desirable because people who cannot afford new ones still want the Apple name, design, and experience.
3. Longest Software Support
Apple products have a high demand in the local market. Everyone knows that the brand facilitates its consumers with regular iOS updates and fixes. This is a huge plus for most of us who don’t plan on upgrading our phones and laptops every year. iPhone 11 (launched in 2019) can run iOS 26 (launched in 2026), which clearly beats Android’s 3-5 years of OS support.
For Macs, the users get 5 to 7 years of updates, plus 1 to 2 years of security, giving you a total of 9 years of longevity. M1 MacBook (launched in 2020), for instance, is still relevant in 2026.
4. Durability and Built
When you go to resell your device in the market, the build quality and physical condition matter a lot. A well-kept iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch, and TV usually still look and feel premium after years. The company uses high-quality materials and designs them to be durable. They can endure regular wear and tear while remaining classy. If you compare a 3-year-old Mac with a 3-year-old cheaper alternative, you’ll know why people go for the first option.
Comparison With Other Brands
If we compare the products of Apple with those of other brands, the price and market value depreciate more slowly because the buyers trust the hardware and software support more. iPhones, for example, retain 80% of their original value after two to three years. Compared to its Android competitors, Samsung manages to keep 40 to 50%, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Infinix manage to keep 30 to 50%.
For MacBooks and iPads, they also retain 70% to 80% of their original cost. MacBooks with Apple Silicon (M-series chips) do particularly well in the market. Even after 3 to 5 years, they do well in the performance benchmark tests, battery tests, and of course, the macOS support for 7+ years makes them invincible.
Tips for Sellers
These are some factors that affect the resale value of a used device in Pakistan. Consider this to be a practical checklist and tips for users who wish to sell their Apple device later.
1. Battery Health
Battery health tends to deteriorate over time. Try to maintain your battery’s health. Now you’d ask how to do that? Well, for starters, never leave your gadget plugged in for too long. If the battery is full, unplug it. Second, don’t keep the gadget switched off with a full battery for too long. Extreme temperature drops and rises are also harmful to the battery.
2. Memory and Storage Size
The higher the memory and storage, the higher the market price of the device, as simple as that. A used 128GB iPhone 15 costs PKR 100K to 165K, whereas the 256GB variant costs PKR 150K to 180K. These prices are just to give you an idea of the importance of storage.
3. Condition of the Device
Regardless of whether it is used or not, a device that looks good sells well. There is no hard and fast science to it. If it is a limited edition or in a unique colour that is hard to find in the market, be ready to earn a few extra bucks. Also, always unlink it from iCloud before putting it for sale.
4. Original Box and Charger
Whatever item it is that you wish to resell later, keep the box and charger safe and tidy. It adds to the overall value of the product. In case you lose it, prepare yourself mentally to sell it at a lower price (say 10K less or so).
5. Warranty or AppleCare (if available)
Warranty is another important factor that determines the price of a used product. If you sell it while the warranty is still applicable, it will sell off at a better price.
Tips for Buyers
Consider this section to be a checklist and tips for those who plan on buying a used Apple product. We suggest you pay special attention to these tips because you don’t want your device to have a poor battery health, missing accessories, or limited software support. Check these things before paying your hard-earned money in the used market.
1. Check PTA Status for Phones
The first thing a Pakistani buyer should confirm before buying a used iPhone is whether it is PTA-approved or not. A non-PTA phone may seem cheaper initially, but it can become complicated and pricey when you put a local SIM in it. You might find a non-PTA factory unlocked phone for a lesser price, but it may come with surprise costs later.
2. Check Battery Health and Condition
Battery health tells you how well the gadget was treated by the previous user. A phone, notebook, or tablet with a weaker battery may still work, but it won’t perform very well with heavy usage. That said, you should also check the screen, camera, speakers, charging port, and the keys of the keyboard.
3. Ask for Original Accessories
Ask for original accessories like the charger, cable, receipt (if possible), and original box. While they may sound like small details, they tell you how well it was handled by the previous user. Plus, it makes resale easier later because buyers trust the complete package more. Do not ignore it!
4. Compare Market Prices
Never buy from the first seller you find. Compare the prices and features from several sellers and market listings. This will help you know the current market rate, which depends on several factors (PTA status, storage, memory, battery health, and availability of accessories). If a listing looks far cheaper than the others, you might want to dig into the other features, because that means something is either missing or wrong.
5. Opt for Devices With Long Software Updates
While this is a given for most Apple products, we advise you to still check so you don’t regret it later. A device that continues to receive iOS/macOS updates will stay compatible and useful in the long run. Also, one that still receives official software support will hold value better.
Conclusion
iPhones have the highest retention rate due to PTA approval and high import taxes. MacBooks with M1, M2, and M3 fall second, retaining 60-80% of their original cost. iPads fall third and all the other gadgets follow. Before buying or selling, double-check all the tips mentioned above.
