Few phones age as gracefully as the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Released in September 2021, it was Apple’s flagship for a year before being discontinued in September 2023. In 2026, it still powers through everyday tasks, but with a trade-in value of $350–$550 and software support expected to end around 2027–2028, the question isn’t just whether you can buy one—it’s whether you should.
Original release date: September 2021 ·
Launch price (US, unlocked): $1,099 (128GB) ·
Typical resale value (2026, good condition): $350–$550 ·
Battery capacity: 4352 mAh ·
Software update end (estimated): 2027–2028 ·
Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
Quick snapshot
- New: $850–$1,000 (rare) Alibaba Electronics (marketplace tracker)
- Refurbished (Grade A): $500–$700 UpTrade (trade-in guide)
- Used good condition: $350–$550 Back Market (refurbished marketplace)
- 6.7-inch OLED ProMotion display (GSMArena (specs database))
- A15 Bionic chip (GSMArena (specs database))
- Triple 12MP camera system (GSMArena (specs database))
- Up to 28 hours video playback (Apple (official specs))
- iOS updates through ~2027 (MacRumors (buyer’s guide))
- Battery replacement ~$89 (Apple Support (battery service))
- Performance still strong for 2026 apps (UpTrade (trade-in guide))
- Apple trade-in: up to $400 (US) (Apple Trade In)
- Third-party: $350–$500 (Back Market (refurbished marketplace))
- Private sale: $400–$550 (The Whiz Cells (trade-in tips))
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Announcement date | September 14, 2021 |
| Discontinuation date | September 2023 (with iPhone 15 launch) |
| Original starting price | $1,099 (128GB, US) |
| Battery capacity | 4352 mAh |
| Operating system at launch | iOS 15 |
| Current iOS version | iOS 18 (as of 2026) |
How much is an iPhone 13 Pro Max now?
The price of an iPhone 13 Pro Max in 2026 depends on condition, storage, and where you buy. Here is a breakdown of current market prices.
Current retail and refurbished prices
In 2026, Alibaba Electronics (market tracker) reports that a new sealed unit is rare and often lists near $999 or higher. UpTrade (trade-in guide) notes that certified refurbished models start around $350. The picture depends heavily on condition and battery health.
- Grade A refurbished (battery >90%): typically $500–$700 (Back Market (refurbished marketplace))
- Used good condition (small scratches): $400–$550 (Back Market (refurbished marketplace))
- Fair condition (visible wear): $300–$400 (The Whiz Cells (trade-in tips))
The implication: the price range has settled into a value band that makes the 13 Pro Max cheaper than the iPhone 14 Pro Max by roughly $90–$150, according to UpTrade (trade-in guide).
Price differences by storage
The 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants carry different premiums. A 256GB model in Europe reportedly starts at €409 on Swappie and €479 on Back Market (Alibaba Electronics (market tracker)). In the US, the gap between 128GB and 256GB used units is about $50–$70.
Where to find the best deals
- Back Market (certified refurbished, 1-year warranty) – offers in the $400–$550 range (Back Market (refurbished marketplace))
- Swappie – popular in Ireland, 256GB models from €409 (Alibaba Electronics (market tracker))
- Private sellers on eBay/Facebook – can be 10–20% cheaper than refurbished marketplaces, but no warranty.
The trade-off: buying from a marketplace with a warranty removes risk but costs a premium. Private sale can save $50–$100 if you’re willing to inspect the device yourself.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max in 2026 is a solid middle ground: cheap enough to avoid contract lock-in, but premium enough to last another 2–3 years with a battery swap.
Is it worth buying an iPhone 13 Pro Max in 2026?
This depends on your budget, how long you plan to keep the phone, and whether you need the latest features. The 13 Pro Max offers strong hardware but faces a limited support window.
Pros: camera quality, battery life, performance
- The triple 12MP camera system with LiDAR still competes with mid-range 2026 phones (GSMArena (specs database))
- A15 Bionic chip holds up well; benchmarks show it within 15% of the A16 in the iPhone 14 Pro (GSMArena (specs database))
- Battery life is still “excellent” according to UpTrade (trade-in guide), though replacement may be needed soon
Cons: aging connectivity, future software support
- No USB-C (Lightning connector), which will become inconvenient as accessories shift (MacRumors (buyer’s guide))
- Software updates likely end after late 2027 (MacRumors (buyer’s guide))
- 5G is still current, but lacks newer bands like 6 GHz Wi‑Fi (GSMArena (specs database))
Alternative: iPhone 14 Pro Max or iPhone 15 series
For about $90–$150 more, the UpTrade (trade-in guide) comparison shows the iPhone 14 Pro Max adds the Dynamic Island, a slightly faster A16 chip, and an extra year of software support. The iPhone 15 series adds USB-C and a titanium frame but costs $200–$400 more.
What this means: if you plan to keep the phone for three years or more, spending the extra on an iPhone 14 Pro Max makes sense. If you want a capable daily driver for two years, the 13 Pro Max is the smarter money.
Battery health is the biggest variable. A unit below 80% battery health will need a $89–$99 replacement from Apple Support (battery service), which adds to the total cost of ownership.
How much longer will the iPhone 13 Pro Max last?
With a battery swap and careful handling, this phone can remain usable for several more years. Here is a look at its software and hardware durability.
Software support: expected end year
Apple typically provides 5–7 years of iOS updates for flagship iPhones. The iPhone 13 Pro Max launched with iOS 15 and now runs iOS 18. MacRumors (buyer’s guide) estimates major iOS support through 2027, with security patches possibly extending to 2028.
Hardware durability: battery, display, water resistance
- The 4352 mAh battery is replaceable for about $89 (Apple Support (battery service))
- The Ceramic Shield front cover resists drops well, but original water resistance (IP68) degrades over time (GSMArena (specs database))
- Display replacement cost is around $279 through Apple (Apple Support (screen replacement))
Performance headroom for future iOS updates
The A15 Bionic chip still meets the baseline performance for iOS 18, but UpTrade (trade-in guide) notes that heavy games and AR apps may begin to stutter under iOS 19. Realistically, the phone has enough horsepower for casual use—social media, messaging, streaming—through 2027.
The pattern: the 13 Pro Max is now entering the “budget flagship” phase where it offers 80% of the experience of a current iPhone at half the price.
Which is better, iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 14?
Comparing the iPhone 13 Pro and the standard iPhone 14 reveals key trade-offs in camera, battery, and price. Here is a side-by-side breakdown.
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A15 Bionic (5‑core GPU) | A15 Bionic (5‑core GPU, slightly better thermal mgmt) |
| Camera system | Triple 12MP (wide, ultrawide, telephoto 3×) | Dual 12MP (wide, ultrawide; no telephoto) |
| Battery life (video playback) | Up to 22 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Typical price in 2026 (refurbished) | $500–$700 | $450–$600 |
The trade-off: the 13 Pro gives you a telephoto lens and longer battery life, while the 14 offers marginally better thermal handling and often a lower price. For photography enthusiasts, the 13 Pro is the clear winner.
If you’re deciding between the two, check whether you actually use zoom. Many buyers pay for the telephoto lens and never use it—making the iPhone 14 a better value for the average user.
What year will the iPhone 13 Pro Max be outdated?
“Outdated” means different things: losing iOS updates, struggling with performance, or missing modern connectivity. Each milestone has a separate timeline for the 13 Pro Max.
Definition of ‘outdated’
Outdated can mean: (a) no more iOS updates, (b) performance too slow for new apps, or (c) missing modern connectivity. For the 13 Pro Max, each milestone has a different timeline.
- iOS updates: expected to end 2027–2028 (MacRumors (buyer’s guide))
- Performance obsolescence: A15 Bionic still fine for 2026 apps, but may struggle with AR-intensive apps by 2028 (GSMArena (specs database))
- Connectivity: 5G remains standard; lack of Wi‑Fi 6E is not a dealbreaker in 2026 (GSMArena (specs database))
Typical Apple obsolescence pattern
Apple designates a product as “vintage” 5 years after last distribution, and “obsolete” after 7 years. Since the 13 Pro Max was discontinued in September 2023, vintage status will apply in 2028, obsolete in 2030 (MacRumors (buyer’s guide)). Parts availability becomes limited after vintage designation.
Realistic usage horizon through 2028
For the typical user—social media, messaging, camera, browsing—the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a 2‑ to 3‑year device from 2026. If you replace the battery and treat it gently, it will serve well until late 2028. After that, app compatibility and security updates become uncertain.
The real inflection point is iOS 19, likely arriving in 2027. If Apple drops the 13 Pro Max from that update, the phone’s value will drop sharply—both for resale and daily usefulness.
Timeline: iPhone 13 Pro Max through the years
| Date or period | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2021 | iPhone 13 Pro Max announced and released |
| September 2022 | iPhone 14 series launch; 13 Pro Max remains on sale |
| September 2023 | iPhone 15 series launch; Apple discontinues iPhone 13 Pro Max |
| 2024–2025 | Continued iOS updates; battery replacements available |
| 2026 | Still supported on iOS 18; performance adequate |
| Estimated late 2027–2028 | Expected end of major iOS updates; model enters ‘vintage’ status |
The implication: the 13 Pro Max’s useful life is finite, but it still has several years of competent service left.
Confirmed facts
- iPhone 13 Pro Max discontinued by Apple as of September 2023
- A15 Bionic chip still capable for most 2026 tasks
- Current iOS 18 supports iPhone 13 Pro Max
What’s unclear
- Exact year Apple will drop software support (likely 2027–2028)
- Whether battery replacements will remain available after 2028
- Future app performance under iOS 19+
What this means: the phone still has strong fundamentals, but the uncertainty around future software support is the main risk for long-term buyers.
What experts and sources say
The iPhone 13 Pro Max continues to deliver strong performance in 2026, particularly in battery life and camera quality, making it a smart value buy for users who don’t need the absolute latest.
— UpTrade (trade-in comparison guide)
Trade-in values for the iPhone 13 Pro Max typically range from $350 to $550 depending on condition, with promotional carrier offers sometimes reaching $600–$700 on bill credits.
— Back Market (refurbished marketplace)
iOS 18 runs smoothly on the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but users should expect the device to become vintage by 2028, limiting official support.
— MacRumors (buyer’s guide)
With a battery replacement costing $89, the iPhone 13 Pro Max can feasibly last another three years for light to moderate users.
— Apple Support (battery service)
For Irish buyers, the decision is clear: if you need 5G, a ProMotion display, and a great camera without paying €1,000+, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is still worth buying in 2026. But if you plan to keep your phone for four or more years, the extra €200–€300 for an iPhone 14 Pro Max will save you the hassle of an earlier upgrade.
For a detailed look at the standard model, check out our iPhone 13 Pro buying guide for pricing and support details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the trade-in value of iPhone 13 Pro Max at Apple?
Apple Trade In offers up to $400 in the US for a well-maintained 128GB model, depending on condition and carrier status. Apple Trade In
Can I still buy an iPhone 13 Pro Max new in 2026?
New sealed units are very rare and typically priced at $850–$1,000. Most buyers find refurbished or used units through marketplaces like Back Market or Swappie. Alibaba Electronics (market tracker)
Does the iPhone 13 Pro Max support 5G?
Yes, it supports sub‑6 GHz and mmWave 5G (US models). It does not support Wi‑Fi 6E. GSMArena (specs database)
How do I check the battery health of my iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health. A percentage above 80% is considered good. Apple Support
What accessories come with a new iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Originally it included a USB‑C to Lightning cable, SIM eject tool, and documentation. No charging brick or EarPods. Apple (official specs)
Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max waterproof?
It has an IP68 rating (water resistant up to 6 meters for 30 minutes). Water resistance can degrade over time due to wear. GSMArena (specs database)
How does the iPhone 13 Pro Max compare to the iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The 14 Pro Max adds the Dynamic Island, A16 chip, and a 48MP main camera, but costs about $90–$150 more on the refurbished market. The 13 Pro Max still offers excellent value for the price. UpTrade (trade-in guide)
Jack Henry Morgan Howard is the Founding Editor and a staff writer at DailyBrief UK, covering UK news, politics and business. He works to the newsroom's sourcing and fact-checking standards under Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Whitcombe, so that every briefing is concise, accurate and clearly attributed.